Welcome to the latest installment of the ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฑโ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฏ0 ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐๐!
Have you ever heard of ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ผ๐ ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ๐? In chapter 1 of the book, Sid paints a vivid picture of the 1960s when the very first Honda motorbikes appeared on the streets of Britain. The reception wasn’t exactly a red carpet! Up in Yorkshire, locals quickly dismissed the new rides as Fray Bentos motorbikes because they swore they were made out of “used corn beef tins”.
But itโs not all jokes and corned beef nostalgia. The first few chapters dive headfirst into some rather weighty corporate themes, specifically tackling the pitfalls of โmachoโ leadership and protectionism.
Speaking of corporate culture, there is a fascinating connection to the BBC’s Business Matters. Andrew Forrester, who co-authored the book and produced the TV series, also worked on the renowned business program. In 1992, three years before Sid’s Heroes, the BBC broadcast an interesting documentary about Professor W. Edwards Deming titled “A Prophet Unheard”.
If you have a moment, it’s highly recommended that you check it out on youtube.com. Here is a quick summary of why you should give it a watch:
Deming “A Prophet Unheard” BBC Business Matters 1992
๐บ Video Spotlight: Deming “A Prophet Unheard”
- This 1992 BBC Business Matters broadcast offers a deep dive into the insights of Professor W. Edwards Deming.
- It is a thoroughly informative and good watch. * The themes explored in the documentary highlight some incredibly interesting parallels with today.
Let’s Chat!
What are your thoughts on the evolution of leadership styles, or do you have your own funny “Fray Bentos” style story? I’d love to hear your take. Feel free to contact me directly or leave a comment below to keep the conversation going!