Equine Helped Leadership Development

Horses can teach us a lot deal about leadership.

Too often, we believe that leadership is the domain of those with recognised authority, and the title to go with it: Boss men, Presidents, Conductors, Mayors.

From the barn to the boardroom, flamboyant alpha-style leaders are promoted as a force of nature. But imagining an alternative could be easier than you think. Just put yourself in a horse’s place. Which herd buddy would you choose to follow: the one that chases you away from the hay pile, or the person who leads you to water and lets you drink?

Two-legged and four-legged creatures alike can learn how to temper a sense of control and entitlement with personal restraint, thoughtfulness, heat, and concern. The evolution towards a more merciful kind of leadership begins at home, as it were, with respect for the wisdom of one’s body, feelings, instincts, and intuition. A mind that perpetually bullies its own heart and soul into submission can not be trusted to treat others differently.”*

We each have a need to step into leadership in a gigantic way—and that begins with our own Private Leadership.

When we dare to stand up for our convictions or to follow thru on our massive dreams and concepts, when we act as if what we say and do in the world matters—matters greatly—we are leading.

In other words, Private Leadership is a way of life, an expression of our fullest and best nature, our unique gifts. And it starts on the inside.

http://EquineAlchemy.comEquine Assisted coaching concentrates on helping you become a rather more dynamic and effective leader.

Qualities of Private Leadership

Because leadership is inextricably attached to who we are deep down, each leader has a different style. Some lead with their eccentric, charismatic selves on full, charming display. Other leaders bear no banners and sound no trumpets. But the inner qualities which make for effective leadership remain constant among all types of leaders:

Positive perspective . Leaders know they can change their lives by changing their minds. Self-discipline, a sense of security and confidence blossom in the company of a positive attitude.

A drive for learning “from others, from opportunities, from mistakes. People who stop learning, stop growing.

Invariable commitment . No great leader has ever lacked commitment. True commitment needs and inspires courage, keenness, focus, initiative and responsibility.

Communication . Sharing information is essential; even more crucial is listening. As President Woodrow Wilson announced, “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.”

Interest in others . The best leaders flourish on helping people achieve their private best; they are galvanized by a hunger for the highest good for all rather than personal glory.

Imagine a world full of everyday leaders. Who is in your herd?

Lisa Murrell is an Equine Helped Coach who works alongside middle management seeking to become better leaders. Discover more about how a pony can teach you about leadership by visiting EquineAlchemy.com . If you are a coach enthusiastic about become an equine facilitated expert, learn more on Lisa’s Equine Coaching Salon.