Bending the rules:
The World's Fastest Indian

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Thank you to everyone who responded to last week's issue. As a quick reminder, you can read previous issues by clicking on the "Archives" link above. Also, I had a reader ask if he could forward the newsletter to co-workers. Absolutely! The more we spread the word, the more we'll build companies who are heroically minded. And please let us know if they'd like to subscribe directly to the email - we'd be happy to add them.

This week's story is about a movie called The World's Fastest Indian (see www.worldsfastestindian.com). The movie tells the true story of Burt Munroe, a motorcycle enthusiast who travels from New Zealand with his classic 1920s Indian Motorcycle to clock the bike's speed at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Burt himself is a heroic figure in the story. He's become a legend in his own country, spending a lifetime dedicated to perfecting his motorcycle and pursuing his dream of testing the bike despite the barriers of budget, age and health issues.

But what struck me as being even more heroic were the associations running the time trials, the Southern California Timing Association and Bonneville Nationals, Inc. Burt's motorcycle is at least 42 years old, and fails to meet ANY of the safety regulations required at the time trials...in fact his "racing" tires are regular motorcycle tires with most of the tread cut off, so they wouldn't rub against the frame when they expand at speed. Burt himself has no safety gear, and didn't even know he was required to pre-register for the event. From a regulation standpoint, Burt is an accident waiting to happen!

The organization's reluctance to allow Burt to participate is understandable. But as Burt's story begins to unfold at the trials, his passion ignites a spark in other participants to take up his cause. Soon, even the Bonneville Nationals staff is coming up with ways to bend the rules while still making sure Burt doesn't get hurt. The result is that Burt is allowed to fulfill his lifelong dream, achieving a record and becoming a legend in the motorcycle community. None of which would have happened if the organizations running the event had "stuck to the rules."

All companies have rules. However, there are times when being heroic means having the courage to bend - or even break - the rules. Under what circumstances would your company be willing to go out of its way to be a hero to your customer or member? If so, what was the result? And on the flip side, what happens if you don't?

We'd love to hear your story! Just click here to speed it on its way.

Lisa and the Creative Abandon team

OCT 20, 2006 | ISSUE NO. 004

Bending the rules: The World's Fastest Indian

Bending the rules:
The World's Fastest Indian