As leaders, we all sometimes struggle to get our point across to our team or to get everyone on the same page when it comes to solving a problem or working on a project.
The 2-minute video above shows how one participant in our equine-assisted leadership workshop was able to integrate better assertiveness into her behavior as a leader. Enjoy!
Learning assertiveness from a horse
Ralf (CEO of IPN Brainpower Consulting in Germany at that time) bought his first HORSE Maks, a Polish gelding in 2008. Soon he started working with him on the ground and instantly noticed the problem of not being forceful enough with the horse, which made it hard, if not impossible, to get the horse to do what he wanted him to do.
It was difficult for Ralf to admit this, but secretly it reminded him of the struggles that he was facing in the workplace at that time.
The horse wasn’t willing to accept his instructions at all. Instead, it acted aggressively. Was it because Ralf wasn’t exhibiting a confident and forceful personality? Or did the horse reflect Ralf’s momentary behavior?
Ralf took a step back and evaluated the situation. He then noticed that he actually felt outraged and even had gotten a little aggressive towards the horse. The horse had picked up his emotions and reflected these to him. Busted!
Assertiveness versus aggressiveness
Assertiveness is an essential quality when it comes to success in leadership. But assertiveness is very different from aggressiveness. That’s what many of our workshop participants notice when they practice their leadership skills with a horse.
How easy is it though, to become angry when that which we ask of our team won’t find acceptance?
Fortunately, the right kind of assertiveness can quickly be developed. Frequently it only takes a small hint from the horse paired with some self-reflection to change things around.
The 2-minute video above shows how one participant in our equine-assisted leadership workshop was able to integrate better assertiveness into her behavior as a leader. Enjoy!
Corina is a change agent, equine-assisted master coach, mindfulness practitioner and culture strategist. She is the co-owner of Brainpower360, an all-encompassing leadership and team development, and recruiting company. For over 30 years, they have provided their clients with workforce solutions and executive leadership training, ranging in such industries as manufacturing, IT, engineering, automotive, and more. Brainpower360 not only provides services to connect the right staff with the right organization, but also works to develop corporate cultures, inspire teams, and help people maintain and reclaim good health through resilience training and mindfulness interventions.
