For many years, negotiations between Ford and the UAW, both locally and nationally, began with a handshake. Historic photos show leaders at the main table during National Negotiations. This gesture demonstrated mutual respect and marked both the start and conclusion of each negotiation cycle. The handshake symbolized a fresh start and goodwill, making each negotiation more meaningful.
The company and union advocate for their interests but rely on mutual respect. The handshake, whether with or without formal terms, underscored that your word is your bond—a ritual valuable in any setting.
I value this custom because it highlights respect and shows how trust develops through consistent in-person habits, even if not practiced daily. As face-to-face meetings decline, building trust virtually is harder. Prioritize real connections to support problem-solving. Start meetings with introductions, especially with new people. Effective leaders know that strong relationships and team customs drive success.
Let us actively establish virtual rituals: make eye contact, introduce yourself, and warmly greet each participant, whether in person or online. Take the initiative to create new customs that reflect your culture and values. Seize every meeting as a new opportunity to build meaningful relationships and collaboratively solve problems. I urge you to model these behaviors and encourage your teams to do the same.
By continuing to honor respectful rituals in both in-person and virtual meetings, we reinforce our foundations of trust, well-being, and business success. Let’s commit to making each interaction count—actively building stronger relationships and achieving better outcomes together.
