Ford Models' John Caplan Blogs: Looking for the Perfect Fit

John Caplan spends a lot of his time with models, but that's not what makes him a Playa. What does is that since 2002 he has set about turning Ford Models from a great modeling agency into a diversified global outfit with a growing media business. Today, he blogs for Condé Nast Portfolio readers, giving his inside advice on building and nurturing a great company. One day. One place: Portfolio.com

To continue the theme from my earlier post, how a company builds a team and how it functions together is as important as its operating philosophy. Here are some ideas that Ford Models follows when it's looking for talent:

-We don't hire jerks. This may seem obvious that working in an organization with good people gets better results, but you'd be surprised by some of the people the modeling industry attracts (or maybe you wouldn't). We hire catalysts--people that like to make things happen--and promote those who do not need to get credit for them when they do. This is probably the single-biggest driver of the success of Ford Models.

-We come to work as if our pants are on fire. The bottom line is if you want to get real results, then a sense of urgency makes a huge difference. We do best with people who want results now.

-Teamwork is encouraged, but not mandated. There is nothing worse than false camaraderie. We don't do "trust" exercises or other nonsense.

-All staff, no matter how junior or senior, in each business unit perform multiple roles--find talent, develop talent, work with clients, support new media activity, and anything else. This way, we can create competence at every level of the company and no one gets burned out doing the same thing every.

-And finally, each Ford Models business unit is led by the person on the team that is respected and trusted by his or her peers as opposed to the person that "headquarters" anoints. People follow leaders that they choose, not that are chosen for them.

Got a question for John Caplan about specifics on Ford Models' media plans, his attitude about body image and the responsibility that we have towards positive images for young people, or his perception of Make Me A Supermodel? Post a comment and he'll respond.