Comments on: Leadership Straight from the Horse’s Mouth

By: The Best of L2L Blogazine 2009-2010 (Top #3 and 4) « Linked 2 Leadership

The Best of L2L Blogazine 2009-2010 (Top #3 and 4) « Linked 2 Leadership — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:04:17 +0000

[...] Previously, I’ve posted about two leaders who’ve improved their leadership skills–and their results–by pursuing their passions, one through ballroom dancing and the other through “showing” horses. [...]

By: Matt McInnes

Matt McInnes — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:24:48 +0000

Sport in general (whether an individual or team activity) is a great way for leaders to learn lessons about themselves and the dynamic of teams, which in turn they can then apply to the work environment.

The challenge is that it takes time for a career to develop and become a leader during which time athletic frames and flexible limbs start to decline. As a result many leaders across organisations move away from such opportunities and become more comfortable with the sport of selecting the latest ‘pinot noir’ from their favourite restaurant or ‘securing a corporate box’ to the latest game/show in town.

So, Carol’s story is a timely reminder for all of us to stay as fit and healthy as possible….

By: Andy Detterline

Andy Detterline — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:12:27 +0000

You have selected an interesting example in competitive riding. As a former rider, I agree it is a great training ground for focus and patience. It also trains you in the power of persuasion and discipline when you are physically controlling something that is 10 times bigger and stronger than you are. But, I beg to differ with Carol that the sport teaches teamwork. Her vet, her blacksmith and her trainer are her support staff, not her team. Unlike soccer, hockey or softball which require interchange among players to get to the goal, riding is a very singular pursuit. Those of us who were submersed in it in our formative years may have missed some of the great lessons of how to work with a team. There are lots of things to be gained investing yourself in something other than work. But let’s not try to say we are going to learn every aspect of leadership from a hobby.

By: Gina Kazimir

Gina Kazimir — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:06:13 +0000

I could not agree more! I, too, show Hunters AND have recently taken up competitive International Latin ballroom dancing. There is no question that the balance, finesse, showmanship and centering that both of those activities require makes me a better leader – and a better partner for my strategic communication clients.

Having something external to refuel your mind and spirit is essential to remaining creative. I’ve come up with some of my best ideas for clients on horseback, and once even clinched an article in The Washington Post while riding!

My passions not only give me an outlet, the teach me valuable lessons that I use both in running my company and in developing campaigns for clients. If you don’t have something in your life that you love to do, I strongly urge you to find it…your soul and success will benefit!

By: Ken Jacobs

Ken Jacobs — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:59:18 +0000

Andrew,

Thanks for taking the time to add to this discussion, which you definitely did with your insights.

I’m afraid that changing the name of the post implies something about Carol that’s most definitely not true. However, if your point is that I’m sometimes that part of the horse’s anatomy….guilty as charged!

By: Andrew Webster

Andrew Webster — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:55:34 +0000

Interesting concept! Most people view the activities that are adjacent to their careers to be an escape. Their value to leaders is perceived as providing “balance”.

There are universal attributes – things that will help us be better at fishing/golfing/horseback riding/whatever – that can be practiced and applied across disciplines, such as patience. What is key in taking the lessons we learn from our passions and applying them to our work is our passion for our work. Learning leadership in all we do is not innate. If you’re not also passionate about leading, then you won’t seek leadership value in other experiences.

Ken – I move to change the title of this post to “Leadership from the Horse’s Back”