I need to read a "leadership book" for work, and I would like to find one related to the auto industry just to keep things interesting.
Initially my mind goes to something related to Toyota and their lean manufacturing processes, but I'm certainly open to considering anything that folks here have found useful.
Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I've been wanting to read "The Last American CEO" for a while but I haven't bothered to get a copy. Sounded interesting.
For Toyota and lean manufacturing, the definitive story is probably "The Machine That Changed The World". Only thing is, it's almost 30 years old, if that makes a difference.
For something more recent, and more closely related to the topic of leadership, I'd suggest "American Icon", it's about Alan Mulally and Ford.
All the books I read are dated. Delorean, Iacocca, Ford, Mr. Z, Nissan guy Mr. Bean.
Not directly automotive related, but if you are considering a leadership in any manufacturting company, this is a fun read. It's written as a novel. When you're finished, tell us about Herbie!
Total Competition, by Ross Brawn.
Or Failure Is Not An Option, by Gene Krantz.
HopmanJones said:I need to read a "leadership book" for work, and I would like to find one related to the auto industry just to keep things interesting.
Initially my mind goes to something related to Toyota and their lean manufacturing processes, but I'm certainly open to considering anything that folks here have found useful.
Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Does "Go Like Hell" count as a leadership book?
Your mileage may vary about whether Henry II's idea to beat Ferarri at LeMons as revenge for Enzo's fake offer to sell his company was actually good leadership or good business strategy, but it's quite a story.
Thanks to all for the suggestions! I will look into all these titles, I'm sure there's many great choices here.
FYI I'm actually in the Agriculture field, but cars are my passion so I thought I'd try something a little different compared to my peers.
Here's another vote for "American Icon." I thought it was excellent.
If you want to go a bit further back with Ford, maybe look at "The Arsenal of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an epic quest to arm an America at war," by A. J. Baime (the same guy who wrote "Go Like Hell.") Also a surprise page-turner, and the breadth of the topic allows you to watch several different kinds of leaders and leadership styles interacting.
Wheels for the world is a pretty good "warts and all" history of Ford but there's a lot to be learned about how the industry is run in there too.
I read this a few years ago:
It was interesting to see the auto manufacturing world from the eyes of Bob Lutz. I enjoyed it.
Stealthtercel said:Here's another vote for "American Icon." I thought it was excellent.
If you want to go a bit further back with Ford, maybe look at "The Arsenal of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an epic quest to arm an America at war," by A. J. Baime (the same guy who wrote "Go Like Hell.") Also a surprise page-turner, and the breadth of the topic allows you to watch several different kinds of leaders and leadership styles interacting.
I thought Arsenal of Democracy was a better book than Go Like Hell. The latter was a bit lightweight, a bit too script-ready for my taste. Arsenal was good.
Not auto industry, but trillion dollar coach is better than any auto industry book I’ve read.
Keith Tanner said:I thought Arsenal of Democracy was a better book than Go Like Hell. The latter was a bit lightweight, a bit too script-ready for my taste. Arsenal was good.
Agreed 100%. I almost didn't read Arsenal of Democracy because I wasn't that impressed with Go Like Hell, but I'm glad I did.
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