[DFT] Fw: [ChivalryToday] Chivalry on the Wing

[Seanan]

Chivalry on the Wing
©2005 Scott Farrell
www.ChivalryToday.com

Most people envision knights as armored warriors on horseback riding
into battle or tournament with their swords and lances. Yet medieval
chronicles remind us that martial activities like tournaments and
sword-fighting were only a small part of a knight's lifestyle. While
jousting was referred to as "the sport of princes," it was falconry
that was considered "the sport of kings."
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I was recently invited to attend a hands-on falconry seminar at the
Dean Falconry Center in Gloucestershire, England. This session, led by
center directors Graham Howley and Andrew Nedoma, provided a
fascinating look into hawking in the knightly tradition, but it also
highlighted some insightful parallels between the practice of medieval
falconry and the leadership principles of the Code of Chivalry in the
21st century.

In today's world, when we think of human-animal interactions, we
imagine a situation of "ownership," as is common with dogs, cats and
other pets. But to a knight or a medieval falconer, a bird was not a
pet - it was a free-flying wild animal quite capable of providing for
itself. This is reflected in the terminology used to describe the
process of working with a hawk: A bird that is ready to hunt is
described as "manned," not "tamed."

This is an important distinction, because in the field a knight had to
understand that his hawk did not work _for_ him, but rather it worked
_with_ him. To hunt with a hawk is to establish a bond of mutual trust
with a strong and aggressive comrade. The falconer who tries to
establish dominance over a bird by force or intimidation is likely to
see his bird flying for the horizon at the first opportunity.

In fact, working with a hawk is an exercise in humility - when
recalling a hawk in the field, the falconer raises his hand high,
allowing the bird to attain a position of superiority, to literally
"look down" on its handler, as it flies to the falconer's gauntlet.
Only when a bird feels it has achieved such a position of supremacy
will it return to the falconer in order to continue pursuing its
quarry.

Most interesting of all, perhaps, is the fact that the relationship
between a knight and his falcon was a fleeting one - in the Middle Ages
a young bird was taken from the nest in the spring, trained and
"manned" in the summer, hunted in the autumn and then, in the lean days
of winter, released back into the wild. The process was repeated each
year with a newly caught hawk or falcon.

There are some valuable lessons to be found in this "falconry metaphor"
for the chivalrous leader:

- Whatever the situation or goal, each member of the team must be
respected for the tools and contributions they bring to the hunt.

- A leader must be willing to make periodic gestures of obeisance to
his or her team members; to allow them to see that they are worthy to
stand in a position of authority.

- Trying to establish dominance over your team members by force or
intimidation is likely to backfire; showing respect and admiration is a
much better way to keep your hunting partners from soaring for the
horizon.

- And finally, begin each day with the recognition that your team
members always have the option of spreading their wings and flying off
to more productive hunting grounds. This will keep you focused on the
value of working with a team of strong, aggressive hunters and prevent
you from treating them like docile, domesticated pets.

Hawks and falcons are as much a part of the tradition of chivalry as
swords and armor. These magnificent birds represented the knight's
responsibilities, not as a warrior, but as an honorable manager
surrounded by strong, capable individuals who would not tolerate
disrespect or mistrust. Leaders in the modern world can glean some
important lessons by considering the principles of medieval falconry as
a part of the leadership secrets of the Code of Chivalry.

***My thanks to the staff at the Dean Falconry Center, especially my
hunting partner, Dodger the Harris hawk (pictured above), for providing
the details used in this article. For more information on the services
provided by the Dean Falconry Center, including adult flying lessons
and corporate retreats, visit their website at www.forestfalconry.co.uk
. ***

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A Knight in the Library - Scott Farrell will be sharing stories of
knightly adventure and gallantry as part of the San Diego City/County
Library's summer reading program of "Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds."
Kids and adults alike are welcome to come and listen to Scott read
stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table - some
familiar, some new and unique. Scott will be reading at the following
branches; contact the individual branches for times and details:

June 23: Potrero County Library
June 29: Crest County Library
July 1: Vista County Library
July 12: Linda Vista City Library
July 14: Paradise Hills County Library
July 27: Lakeside County Library
July 28: Rancho San Diego County Library

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Looking for an interesting topic for your next business meeting,
conference or keynote address? Share your interest in chivalry with
your colleagues and associates by scheduling Scott Farrell's seminar,
"Leadership Secrets of the Code of Chivalry" at your next professional
function. Bookings are still available for late summer and fall - find
out more by writing to info at chivalrytoday.com or visiting the Chivalry
Today website - www.ChivalryToday.com .

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Readers are permitted and encouraged to share this article with others
as a way of furthering the understanding of the Code of Chivalry in the
modern world. Scott Farrell's seminars on chivalry and the knightly
virtues are available to businesses, schools and civic organizations
throughout the Southern California area; more information can be found
on our website. Please include all copyright statements and
attributions when forwarding Chivalry Today articles. Copyright 2005
Scott Farrell and Shining Armor Enterprises. Visit our website at
www.ChivalryToday.com .