Yes: I did get caught up in the Western craze. I may have bought some boots, a hat. I did, in fact, just go to a rodeo. It was so much fun.
I don’t know about you, but the older I get the more I enjoy new experiences that don’t involve “fancy” and “luxury.” I love simple human experiences that create community – experiences where I get to sit in the stands with people just like me who want to high-five random strangers and celebrate human accomplishment.
I thought I’d jot down this experience while it’s fresh in my mind. Business isn’t a rodeo, per se. But sometimes, doesn’t it feel like it?
Leadership Is a Rodeo: Lessons from the Arena
Leadership isn’t a boardroom buzzword or a tidy title on a business card. It’s grit, agility, courage, and the willingness to get thrown off, dust yourself off, and climb back on. If you’ve ever been to a rodeo—or even watched one—you’ve seen raw determination, real-time decision-making, and unshakable resilience on display. Sounds a lot like leadership, doesn’t it?
Here’s how the rodeo reflects the reality of leading in today’s world:
1. You Don’t Control the Bull (But You Still Ride It)
In the rodeo, the bull is unpredictable. So is leading a team, running a business, or managing change. Markets shift. People surprise you. Plans fall apart. A leader, like a rider, doesn’t tame the chaos—they ride it with confidence, presence, and adaptability.
💡 Leadership tip: Don’t try to control every variable. Learn to ride momentum, respond quickly, and stay centered even when everything bucks against you.
2. Eight Seconds Can Change Everything
Rodeo riders aim to stay on the bull for just eight seconds—but those eight seconds are intense, high-stakes, and require total focus. Likewise, leadership moments—whether it’s a tough conversation, a big pitch, or a high-pressure decision—are often short, but make a huge impact.
💡 Leadership tip: Be present. The smallest windows often lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
3. The Crowd’s Cheering… and Watching You Fall
In rodeo and in leadership, people are watching. They’ll celebrate your wins, but they’ll also see your failures. True leaders don’t perform for applause—they lead with integrity, knowing the spotlight comes with scrutiny.
💡 Leadership tip: Lead for impact, not approval. Fall with grace. Rise with courage.
4. You Need Your Rodeo Crew
No rider enters the arena alone. There are gatekeepers, clowns (yes, the kind who distract the bull to protect you), coaches, and handlers. Leaders also need support systems—mentors, collaborators, team members—people who keep them grounded, safe, and strategic.
💡 Leadership tip: Surround yourself with people who challenge you, protect your blind spots, and help you ride longer and stronger.
5. You’ll Get Bucked Off—That’s Part of the Ride
No one stays on the bull forever. In fact, getting thrown is part of the rodeo rhythm. Leaders, too, experience failure, setbacks, and unexpected jolts. What matters most isn’t staying on the bull—it’s how fast you get back up, adjust your grip, and ride again.
💡 Leadership tip: Resilience isn’t optional. Build it like a muscle.
6. Rodeo Takes Guts, But Also Grace
Leadership and rodeo both demand bravery. But strength without grace leads to recklessness. The best riders are not just tough—they’re also composed, precise, and respectful of the animal they ride. Leaders must also combine boldness with emotional intelligence.
💡 Leadership tip: Balance toughness with empathy. Courage with compassion. That’s real strength.
Final Thoughts: Saddle Up
Leadership isn’t about staying clean and polished. It’s about entering the arena, knowing you might fall, and choosing to show up anyway. It’s being fully alive to the challenge, the thrill, and the responsibility of leading others—especially when the ride gets wild.
So saddle up. Tighten your grip. And remember: even in the dust and noise of the arena, you’re doing something bold. And bold is where change begins.
