Horses! What amazing workers. The amount of work a machine can perform is called horsepower after all. What about the work people do?
My son and I recently went on a guided horseback trail ride. Nothing fancy, not even a trot. But the way we guided our horses through their work got me thinking about #leadership principles.
Leading concepts via horseback rules:
1) Give your horse (team) enough rein to do what they already know to do when the path is known
2) Show your horse (team) where to go next by gently extending your arm as though opening a door. If they won't turn or go, start with an audible signal before you gently nudge with your feet
3) When things get tough, and you are heading uphill, lean forward, making it easier for your horse (team) to do the work and showing them you know what they are dealing with
4) When things get easier, and you are heading downhill, lean back, allowing your horse (team) to relax and find balance.
5) Sometimes you have to stop riding your horse (team), get off their back, and slowly guide them into new territory.
6) Your horse (team) will let you know when they need a break. Let them! They know themselves better than you do.
7) Pulling back on the reins means to stop. But if you keep pulling, it means go backward! Don't hold on too tightly or your horse (team) will regress.
Don't be stingy with the apples and carrots after a good ride. Everybody appreciates recognition and reward. Happy Trails!
Motorsports Program Manager at FOX Factory Inc.
3moBR is a living legend 🙌🏻