Unconventional Leadership: What Henry Ford and Detroit Taught Me About Reinvention and Diversity

Let’s start with full disclosure, I read the book because I have the privilege of knowing Nancy and seeing her leadership in a variety of situations. Frankly, I was curious to understand more about her experiences in Detroit and what happened with the aborted Beaumont merger.Over the years, I have found that reading the stories of renowned leaders can be instructive—sometimes providing good examples to follow and sometimes providing example never to be followed. I suspected that Nancy would provide the former and I was not disappointed. I have now referred the book to others not because I know Nancy but because of the great lessons the book holds for aspiring and veteran leaders alike.Her story is personal, authentic and inspiring. I particularly like the chapter around finding the disruptors and the building of West Bloomfield. Too often the search for experience results in more of the same in business. Her story and use of the Ford quote ‘It is not easy to get away from tradition. That is why all our new operations are always directed by men who have had no previous experience of the subject and therefore have not had a chance to get on really familiar terms with the impossible’ is timely as we look to add more diversity to leadership the world over (though a modern interpretation of the quote would jettison the gender bias).Thank you, Nancy, for taking the time and being brave enough to share your true story.

I had heard good things, and read the reviews, but was sorely disappointed when I got the book and started to read. It's all "I", "me", "myself", and every other conceivable word that can give praise to one's self. Also inserted was her view on being treated differently because she was a lesbian, and how she overcame, and how others who are gay and lesbian can too. This is good, and I don't mind it, but that isn't overtly advertised as being a major part of the book. In the end, nothing new here, just how wonderful Ms. Schlichting is, and how fortunate all the companies are to have her in charge.

Unconventional Leadership: What Henry Ford

Amazing explanation of their inside issues, and how appropriate leadership helped HFHS to survive such a hard time . Thanks Nancy

A thoughtful, insightful view of this CEO's stuggles and accomplishments in today's world. She is, indeed, unconventional. Well written and interesting read.

This is a fantastic author!

Love this story.

I am always interested in new voices on issues of leadership. As a long time student of leadership herself, Schlichting intertwines her life experiences as a female chief executive (currently as CEO of Henry Ford Health System) with lessons from inventor and innovator Ford himself. Given the years she has spent working in Detroit during turbulent times, the juxtaposition is an intriguing one. Under Schlichting, HFHS won the coveted Baldridge Quality Award for performance excellence, with its national recognition for innovation, improvement, and visionary leadership. The seven-year journey her team undertook, from top executives to janitorial staff, is a model of patience, perseverance, and the use of continuous feedback that led HFHS to growth in efficiency, workforce satisfaction, and customer service.