Leadership Lessons from Mountain Biking
Simon Vetter
The "Vision Guy" | Expert on Leading with Vision and Building a High-Performing Culture | Globally Recognized Executive Coach | Author & Professional Speaker
His name is Julio Olazas. He is a mountain bike guide native from Huaraz, Peru. For the past 2 decades, he has offered mountain bike rides in his hometown in the highlands of the Andes Mountains. I found Julio on the Internet and booked 4 days with him. I don’t regret it.
I just got back from the 4th day biking with Julio. We got a shuttle ride up to 3900 meters above sea level, where we started our incredible ride before an amazing panorama of over 10 glacier covered peaks, more than 6000 meters high.
We ride our Specialized full suspension bikes on single trails through meadows of corn and wheat, along eucalyptus trees, through small villages, uphill and downhill, crossing sheep, pigs and cows. It’s an amazing mountain biking experience. The adrenaline kicks in. I am thrilled.
What makes the ride enjoyable is the fact that Julio knows the trails. There are hundreds of small trails and crossings. It’s easy to get lost. But Julio is a true local guide and knows exactly where to go, leading the way, showing the direction. I have complete trust and follow him with confidence.
Contrary, it wouldn’t be fun if I had to search for the trails on my own, being afraid to get lost, walking back up the hill because I took the wrong turn.
After 3 hours of riding and sweating, we arrive back at the hotel, exhausted, covered with dirt, our legs scratched from the bushes and falls, but happy. It was fun.
Reviewing the mountain bike ride and thinking about my own business, I learned two lessons about leading and leadership:
- Leaders are guides, such as Julio, who know the direction, where they are going, and what path to take.
- Leaders have the confidence and trust of their followers.
Furthermore, two questions popped up for me:
- Do I know where I am going with my business? Do I have a clear picture and path?
- Do the clients and partners who are working with me trust me enough to follow my lead?
Well, mountain biking hasn’t only been a fantastic adventure; it’s also challenged me to be clearer about a vision and path for my business.