I think the discussions we are having here so far are really insightful - not because of me, but more because of you guys.
So let's do something a bit new, and a bit fun (it is Friday, after all 
Here's perhaps the ultimate industrial era business: Detroit - who seems to be trapped in terminal strategy decay.
Let me cede the floor to you.
How would you rethink Detroit for the 21st century - not just in terms of technology, but, in terms of management, strategy, and advantage?
You can use the principles we've been discussing, bring something new to the table - or perhaps you think the chances of renewal are slim to none.
Either way, leave a comment, let's discuss, and I'll do a longer post summarizing the themes that emerge next week
Am I the only one who is tired of seeing "Detroit" used interchangeably with any word having to do with American car manufacturing?
There are 864 people on this board as of now. And while I am sure most of us have family that works or worked in or near Automotive, that is NOT the sum total of who we are or what Detroit IS.
Alright, back off my soap box before I turn this into a really long rant.
Great first MCC post, Shannon
Terry - unfortunately, Detroit = Autos to the world. Although cars will always be important, I think it's important we convey that the future of Detroit is not just cars, but all of the spinoff that can happen based off the technologies and things we've learned; embracing change is the key.
Of course Detroit is called Motown for a reason. However, it is time for a shift to the Creative Class. It may be more challanging for Detroit to make the shift due to it's heavy reliance on the almighty automobile, but not impossible. If we look at the region, rather than just Detroit or Pontiac, we have pockets of the Creative Class flourishing. Even within the municipal boundries of the two cities at either end of Woodward Avenue, there is evidence that the Creative Class is establishing a toehold. "Human creativity is the ultimate economic resource" says Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class. This region has so many idle industrial buildings and sites. What can the creativity and knowledge of the Creative Class do with these? Yes, Jeremiah, we must embrace the change.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world". -Gandhi
As Diogenes Laertius (and many others) have said, "Change is the only constant." And boy, is this area in the midst of a (way overdue?) change! But it happens first in the speaking, particularly from people like us. Small businesses are the engine that will drive this change. The conversation needs to change not just "out there", in other states and countries, but also right here at home. There are so many ways that we root ourselves in the Almighty Automotive Indutstry - many of which are unconscious, but really form our reality.
I invite us to bring the unconscious to consciousness, and then see how we can shift what we've been saying, thinking, etc. Make a game of it! But do it - as Gandhi (and Laurie!) said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Without that step, it's all just resisting what's so and making it wrong - which just reinforces it.
- Natalie