Suggested Reading

by Rich Teerlink and Lee Ozley

“More Than a Motorcycle” is the story behind the story of the transformation of an American icon, as told by the two individuals most deeply involved in that process. The book chronicles the triumphs and setbacks along Harley-Davidson’s difficult journey from a traditional ‘command-and-control’ culture to an open, participative learning environment. Teerlink and Ozley deliver three fundamental messages: people are a company’s only sustainable competitive advantage; there is no ‘quick fix’ to effect lasting, beneficial organizational change; and, leadership is not a person, but a process to which everyone must contribute. They provide practical, reality-tested prescriptions for critical tasks like developing employee alignment, building structures that support participation, and implementing effective reward programs. Finally, they draw lessons from the Harley experience—lessons about values, trust, and community—that apply to any business. This honest, detailed, and compelling description of the transformation at Harley-Davidson is a must-read for anyone attempting to lead organizational change.