Stephen H Baum Leadership

EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS: It’s Not About the Horse, Part Two

In the prior post, we described the challenge of working directly with the horse and the immediate feedback and learning we received. The learning was surprisingly relevant to work and family.

Examples included:

• Inadequate support kills rapport (the horse put his foot down when he sensed you were not holding his foot up sufficiently)
• Even horses detest your multitasking (if you look away at, say a camera, the horse will stop cooperating)

The conversation with the handler was equally useful with what we will call “nuggets” worth considering (ask which of these applies to people, which apply to the boss and which to subordinates; enjoy grazing):

• Horses will open themselves to risk with you only if you demonstrate safety and earn trust and respect
• Horses read how you show up (clarity of intent and underlying emotions communicated by your posture, movement, the smell of fear or confidence) and act accordingly; train or be trained
• If at first you do not succeed, try something else; it is good to admit a mistake, be vulnerable for a moment then move on. And don’t prove to yourself that you can repeat a success – celebrate and move on.
• Be open to examine yourself and how you show up; do you have triggers of fear or aversion that go way back? Do you know what they are and can manage? Were you sheltered or encouraged to fend for yourself? Peel the onion.
• Learn to ask for help. The way you frame your questions will be tip-offs to the handlers. A small aperture leads to a small life.
• Don’t try the same approach to a stubborn, confident horse that you would use with one that is shy and skittish
• Look at your desired destination before you move; only then will the horse follow
• There is no equality in the herd; there is always someone below you and someone above you

I asked the handler how they screen new handler candidates. “Easy, she said: we have them observe a session or two and ask them what they saw. And we then have them witness the group exchange afterward of what the guests learned. If they don’t get it, no way.”

I also asked their view of having both spirited horses who may fight with others and more easygoing animals. “We are ok with different temperaments as long as they do their job and don’t bite the guests.”

If you would like to read more, find Wyatt Webb’s books or better yet go to Miraval and have the equine experience.

That’s just my view. What’s yours?

Miraval