Philosophy, Identity, Commitment & Flex

“During the glory days of big pickups and sport utility vehicles, one automaker steadfastly refused to join the party.

“Despite the huge profits that its competitors were minting by making larger vehicles, Honda Motor never veered from its mission of building fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars like its Accord sedan…

“In today's fuel-conscious automotive market, Honda is reaping the rewards for its commitment. No major automaker in America is doing better than Honda...

“While competitors are scrambling to shift their product lineups to build more small vehicles and slash their bloated inventories of trucks, Honda can barely keep up with demand, particularly in the subcompact category…

“Honda's larger Japanese rival, Toyota, is hustling to adjust to the rapidly changing United States market. Toyota dedicated its latest American assembly plant in Texas to building full-size pickups. Honda's newest factory, in southern Indiana, is set to begin production of Civic compact cars this fall.

“Honda's focus on fuel efficiency and the environmental impact of its vehicles dates back to the Clean Air legislation of the 1960s and 1970s. [Ben] Knight, the head of Honda engineering in North America, recalled how Honda adopted an internal motto – ‘Blue skies for our children’ -- as a guideline for future vehicle development. ‘The discussions inside the company have always been consistent,’ said Mr. Knight, who joined the company in 1976...

“‘Honda is a philosophy-driven company,’ said Tetsuo Iwamura, president of Honda North America. ‘Even when the large S.U.V.'s and trucks were big sellers, they did not fit with our philosophy.’ …

“Unlike many other automakers, Honda has been able to capitalize on the switch in demand to cars because of the flexibility of its assembly plants. At Honda's plant in East Liberty, Ohio, for example, the assembly line can switch almost seamlessly from Civics to CR-Vs.”

(“Honda Stays True to Efficient Driving.” Bill Vlasic. The New York Times: August 26, 2008. pg. 1)

START WITH THE BIG QUESTIONS -- Who are we? Why do we exist? Discover foundational truths. Establish good, clear values. Act with integrity, true to these core principles.

Thus centered and grounded, we are able to move forward through chaos, change and complexity all around us. We will pass by those who are unbalanced without center or ground.

Paradoxically empowered, we can be appropriately strong, straight and flexible.