Ford v Ferrari

The successful movie Ford v Ferrari is based on the true story of Ford working together with Carroll Shelby to build the Ford GT 40 race car. The objective was to beat Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

In those days, Ferrari dominated sports car racing. Ford wanted to topple Ferrari from that position. Ford tried to get there by buying Ferrari. They had a deal. But when it was time to sign the papers Enzo Ferrari changed his mind.

Carroll Shelby was a great sports car driver and was named Driver of the Year in 1956 and 1957. Unfortunately, a heart condition forced him into early retirement as a driver.

Shelby had the idea of stuffing an American V-8 engine in a European sports car. His critics said he was crazy to jam a large engine into a light car.

Shelby’s team was relentless in testing race cars to create the most efficient machine to win. He created a culture based on one simple question, “How can we get better today?”

Shelby’s organization had a goal. They asked that question and ultimately beat Ferrari.

That simple question, “How can we get better today?”, integrated into all levels of an organization creates powerful results.

What difference can that question make for you and your organization?