[May 30, 2020] The year before my good friends Bill, Greg, and I were headed to the same college for degrees in engineering, we each bought a car. In Texas, a car is a “must have” if you plan to get anywhere. We all envied Greg. He bought a 1968 red Chevrolet Camaro.
The car was in immaculate shape mechanically and looked absolutely beautiful. It was Greg’s most valued possession. And this is when we all learned several valuable leadership lessons. You see, the color red gets the attention of other boys (and girls, of course) but also the attention of the police and unsavory characters.
“To attract me, I wear a perfume called ‘New Car Interior.’” – Rita Rudner, American comedian
Men for some reason are attracted by red sports cars. It means freedom, rejuvenation, women, and good company. Not all is good, however. Here are some of those leadership lessons mixed in with some all-around good advice:
- Looking good doesn’t make you leader of the pack.
- Cool cars attract attention – girls look to you for a ride, guys look to you with envy, and the cops are looking too (with radar guns to track your speed).
- Sports cars require a lot of resources in time and money; the same thing that competes for your attention in college class and with your friends.
- A good-looking car might get you into a desirable group but it doesn’t keep you there.
- The color red makes you stand out, but sometimes you don’t want your boss or professor paying too close attention to what you are doing.
- State highway patrol officers like red cars too, so expect to be stopped and questioned.
- Be polite, be friendly, and be humble or someone might make you pay because of their envy.
- It’s no sin to own a nice car but beware to hangers-on, wannabe sports-car enthusiasts, and snake-oil salesmen wanting to introduce you to a new miracle engine oil or grease.
- If you feel good about owning a great sports car, remember that this is only temporary and life is not about possessions.
- Sports cars cannot make you stronger, smarter, more handsome, or likable … but it can make you faster on the highway (until the cops find you).
- You don’t need a sports car to be successful, but it helps.
- If you want to really live dangerously, buy a motorcycle.
- … and last, there is no illusion more disappointing than having a fantastic-looking sports car and it won’t start.
My first car was a 1969 baby blue, convertible Chevy Camaro. All my boyfriends loved it (perhaps not me so much, ha ha ). Enjoyed another great article here by Gen. Satterfield. Keep these types of articles coming out way. I don’t know how you keep me interested but keep up the good works.
Once again, I enjoyed today’s article in this blog. Thanks Gen. Satterfield.
Yes, and the fact that it includes a beautiful red sports car, the 1968 Chevy Camaro makes it even better.
I always like articles that take me back to memory lane to high school and all the friends I had. We all did everything together. Now, not so much that I’m grown.
I agree completely. With over 25 years experience with hiring and working in teams, I can say that many factors play a part but that conscientiousness and intelligence are the top two. Well done! I could write about many of the people I worked with that succeeded and support your answer here Gen. Satterfield but it would take too much space. They were all excellent workers AND good moral folks too.
Nothing wrong with being a hard worker, keeping your nose to the grindstone, and putting in long hours to accomplish something important. As long as you keep a balanced life, all will come to you.
An important point that I will emphasize — “excellent workers” (meaning trustworthy & reliable) AND “moral” folks (do the right thing). A combination that is truly necessary.
Excellent article General Satterfield. I always enjoy your articles every day. Thanks!
Great list of lessons learned. I too learned many of them while in school but didn’t have a car. I did, however, observed what car-owners went thru. ? Takes me back in time.
Loved the article. Reminded me of my Ford Mustang I bought as a Freshman in college and my friends who also had worked in various jobs to buy something to get around while going to school. We hung out together and talked cars (whenever we weren’t studying). Great times then, glad I’m an adult now.
Hi Linux Man, haven’t heard from you in a while. I hope you are well. Hey, I too had a Mustang … 1975 convertible. Best car I ever had because it allowed me to drive with the wind in my face. Great for feeling free.
Me too, Ford Mustang owner and lover of that whole line of cars!!!!!
Makes you feel free to own any of the old sports car models.
I started learning some of those same lessons when I got my new car in High School. I’d worked hard during the summers and saved as much money as I could (after helping out my parents). Then I would proudly drive my car to school. One day, I came out and found my tires flattened. Someone who was envious had taken a knife to the tires to show their displeasure with my “privilege.” Shows how the marxist PC’ers have found a place in the world of “I have an excuse for my failure and it’s not me.”
Great story and thanks for sharing it with us. Yeah, I find those wannabe “rich” kids and immature adults all over the place. They accuse those of us who work hard as privileged when they themselves are the real enemy of society.
What’s up with all the crazies in High School? Easy answer. They are taught that their failures are the fault of someone else. Easy way out for teachers who don’t want any trouble and to collect a paycheck.
Sad but true Ken. I do think that some teachers, certainly not all or even a majority, think the way you note here. Those numbers might be growing. Like any profession, we attract those who are intellectually lazy and morally corrupt.
Yes, excellent article that awakens my old memories.