RAGBRAI is just a few weeks away in Iowa. Cyclists are riding their long trips in preparation for this week-long bike ride across the state. It is a great time to see and experience the wonders of the Midwest and meet a few (thousand) new people along the way. This year is the 50th and the organizers hope to break a record with over 50,000 cyclists when they cross into the state capital of Des Moines. RAGBRAI is a completely immersive experience that requires more than just physical training and a good bike. It demands mental fortitude, strategic planning, and an unwavering determination to conquer the unknown.
Transformational leadership is very much the same. Leaders embark on a profound journey, tirelessly preparing teams to navigate uncharted territories, embrace innovation, and overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. Cyclists at RAGBRAI never know what might happen or what is just over the next hill or around the turn—a sudden summer thunderstorm, a blown tire, a farm with a pond and an excavator holding a rope swing.
Endurance is the cornerstone of RAGBRAI and leadership. Leaders must exhibit unwavering stamina to confront the complexities of leadership, to inspire others to persevere, adapt, and grow. They know transformative change takes time and steadfast commitment. Iowa isn’t all flat. Cyclists this year will face elevation climbs of 3500+ feet. It takes determination to make it up the hills. Some move to the right and take it one determined pedal stroke at a time while others keep a faster pace but all the while encouraging those slower comrades.
RAGBRAI is often described as a rolling party of unified cyclists. Transformational leadership requires the same through shared vision, a spirit of camaraderie, and an unwavering belief that together, remarkable achievements are possible. During the ride, cyclists encourage each other to keep going and in the overnight towns they celebrate the achievements of that day, share their adventures, and help each other with their struggles.
There are no winners in RAGBRAI. It is the collective accomplishment of the group to pedal their way from the Missouri River to the Mighty Mississippi. The diverse collection of cyclists cheers on each other. They know they have navigated the winding paths and persevered through the 500+ miles together. It is an individual achievement and a collaborative effort and celebration.
Shouldn’t transformational leadership be the same? As they say for RAGBRAI, it’s a ride; not a race.
RAGBRAI: Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa
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