AWARENESS & COMMUNICATION…
Can a horse help us learn skills about leadership? Yes.
Can a horse teach us about how to be honest? Yes.
Can a horse show us how to communicate? Yes.
Can a horse explain the importance of emotional intelligence? Yes.
Some 10 to 20 years ago most people denied the idea that working with a horse would foster the development of leadership skills. Today, top business leaders understand that words and domination do not make the leader. Today, top leaders are more open to exploring other ways to build their leadership skills.
Horses teach how to project presence. Since horses live in a herd, each herd has a leader. Horses understand leadership. The lead horse guides and watches over the herd to keep them safe. That lead horse does assert authority through non-verbal and non-aggressive behavior.
As the leader of the pack, the lead horse is very aware of the surroundings. Working with horses, just by watching them and their every movement or flicker, helps us to become more aware.
Horses have spirit. Just watch them. They frolic, they roll, they run, they play, and they have fun. Sometimes we humans take ourselves too seriously, and we can learn from a horse that letting our spirit sore is vital.
Interacting with horses can help us learn simple, clear ways to communicate, build trust, and become authentic leaders. Horses are masters at teaching leadership to humans because they let us know, immediately, if we are serious about the role.
The horse looks to humans for leadership naturally, too, and asks:
- “Will you communicate so I know what you want me to do?”
- “Will you protect me from danger and guide me to safety?”
- “Will you listen to me, and acknowledge that I have something to contribute?”
We can learn so much from a horse. If you’re interested in taking your leadership skills to the next level, reach out to me so we can set up a time to meet.
I’ve now been in equine assisted learning myself for four months, and it has completely changed my life.