[September 28, 2018] Karl von Clausewitz, a military theorist, once wrote that “courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.” When I was a young teenager, I had no concept of the idea of courage but one thing I did know was that I liked racing my Yamaha 250cc dirt bike. I also liked my neighbor’s daughter who came to see me racing motorcycles.
My grandmother (who we affectionately called bigmama) was against my racing motorcycles because she saw it as unnecessarily dangerous and she was quick to let me know her thinking.1 My motivation might have been the girl next door, so I avoided the subject, but racing gave me a thrill that I liked. Fortunately, I had the help of “King” Joey Donaldson; the motorcycle king in West Texas, Taylor County.
King Joey was made in the mold of Sam Arena Sr., one of America’s most famous motorcycle racers and recently inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. I was mentored into the ways of racing, which meant taking care of my Yamaha bike, the other boys who helped me when I couldn’t fix something, the fans (very important), my family (who “mostly” supported me), and taking care of bumps and bruises that inevitably come from crashes.
Unknowingly, King Joey was teaching me to be a leader. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t leading men into battle or running a corporation. What was most important was that I could get people to do things for motorcycle racing that they would not ordinarily do. And that I could follow the rules. I was also happy that my neighbor daughter was finding my racing to her liking.
“You do not need a therapist if you own a motorcycle, any kind of motorcycle!” – Dan Aykroyd, Canadian-American actor and comedian
There’s something inextricably linked between racing motorcycles and leadership. I don’t know all the connections but I do know that it feels good to ride the road and feel the air rushing by. A cute girl on the back with you makes a difference too.
—————–
- Bigmama was a practical lady of the upmost integrity and highly experienced in doing the right thing. Her main focus on teaching us many grandkids was to never underestimate other people. I tried to follow this because in motorcycle racing, you could get killed underestimating other racers or the racing course. The motorcycle racing was the only issue that she and I disagreed. Later when I married, I discovered my wife didn’t want me even owning a motorcycle. Alas, I never did own one again.
Anyone watch the hearings last night on confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh? I thought many of our Senators embarrassed themselves. They were disgraceful and the opposite of anything I’ve ever learned about leadership.
Yes, I watched it. Sad how embarrassing and unprofessional so many were. As my cousin always says, they “were retarded.”
My cousin was killed on a motorcycle in heavy traffic one day. He was a bit careless but it was a driver who never saw him and changed lanes directly into his path. My family had a hard time dealing with it and so I never had the chance to ride. I still like watching Motorcross on those bumpy dirt tracks. Thanks for a great story today.
A really good article that is both entertaining (good storytelling) and informative (linkages of racing and leadership). Thanks.
Spot on comment Jonathan!
Sitting here at my computer, drinking my morning cup of joe with my dog sitting next to me. What a life. Oh well, time to get to work so did a quick look at Gen. Satterfield’s website. I always enjoy the stories of when he was a young man because it reminds me of my youth.
I think the idea of competition is what really is driving the issue of leadership. We learn through competition those skills necessary for effective leadership. We learn it young. If we don’t learn it young, we will live a disappointing life. If you are a man, this is even more pronounced. Men must learn leadership or they will be living in the basement of their parents home for life.
My wife today will not let me buy a motorcycle for the same reason your “bigmama” gave to you. I like the freedom but like others have pointed out, owning and riding motorcycles (especially racing them) means you must be responsible and take care of those who help you out. I too road bikes as a young man and still have it on my state driver’s license. Freedom feels good but freedom always comes with effort.
Your situation is identical to mine. That, I think, is the condition of middle-aged man. Don’t take risks that can be avoided. So, yes, responsibility is key to knowing leadership and practicing it daily. Don’t practice it and you will lose it.
Continuous self-improvement is the way for leaders to ensure future successes in all they do. Oh, it also applies to everyone.
So true!
Loving this leadership blog. TGIF for all the readers here today. Enjoy your weekend and get ready for a trip down memory lane with Gen. Satterfield’s post today.
Good article today that made me think about what it takes to be a successful leader and where our leadership lessons began.
Courage = Leadership
Any leader worth his salt knows this. I appreciate you reminding us of the connections we had to our mentors while young men and how their efforts paid off in us.
That is why I’m a bit surprised about how Millennials are rejecting mentorship. They will be losers.
Well said, Max. I too believe that courage (read this as moral courage) is such a crucial characteristic of leaders that they are inseparable.
Spot on comment. Thanks.
Ha Ha. What memories too that this article brings back for me. But I too never thought that I was learning about intrinsic leadership.
Good article that brings back memories of my teenage years. Thanks.
🙂
Love my motorcycle. You are absolutely right about this. Riding is freedom but also responsibility. Leaders first learn to be responsible. It’s one of the first characteristics of good leadership.
Yes, I think many of us think the same way.
Loving those motorcycles. Little did I know that I was learning something important for leadership development.