Horses are known for their strength and poise and have been a symbol of power for humans for centuries. The domestication of wild horses was essential in the migration of early man to spread across the globe as it allowed them to carry supplies and move across large distances.
Horses are very unique in the way they interact with each other and are finely tuned to their environment. Here are a few qualities that they possess that can help us in our own leadership and life walk.
They are very social
We were not made to live a life in isolation and neither are horses. They socialize with each other, express emotions, and mourn the loss of a horse that was close to them. Cigna health ran a study on loneliness in Americans and found that 47% reported being lonely either sometimes or all the time.
Multiple studies show that the “social” in social media is not enough to fill that need in a person’s life. In fact, if you spend more than two hours a day on social media sites you are twice as likely to experience social anxiety. If you find yourself running to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or ticktock all the time, get a game plan to moderate your habit. Begin to put activities in your life that don’t revolve around a phone. Go on a hike, take up a hobby, go to a party with friends, and see a movie. Start small and reconnect with others.
They have keen instincts and act instantly
Much like rabbits (Be the Rabbit, EP #155), horses have a keen sense of their surroundings. They can see over 300 degrees and can “look” in two different directions at the same time. If their ears are up and turned away from the direction of their eyes, they are looking in two places at once. If they sense danger, they immediately act. There is no thinking, they are just moving as quickly as possible to avoid conflict.
We sometimes get paralysis by indecision in our leadership and life walk. While it’s good to have as much information as possible, it can also be harmful to wait it out. Trust your instincts and make the move necessary to keep yourself ahead of danger. Move, evaluate and then go from there.
They have leadership laws and work together
Herds of horses usually have two leaders. The mare leads the herd, the stallion protects it. They generally don’t lay down at the same time when resting. One or more will keep watch as the others lay down first. Horses appreciate good structure in the group and each plays a part in contributing to the well-being of the herd.
The structure is a good thing for your team. As simple as it sounds, a good team structure still eludes many groups at schools, work, and volunteer organizations. Establish a clear leader and support system and spell out what each person’s role and responsibility are to the group. Help those around you that are falling short instead of talking bad about them and letting them continue to fail. Have that courage to have those tough conversations when needed.
Horses’ lives depend on the power of their teamwork and leadership. Lead your team in the same way.
Be strong like the horse. Stay connected to others, trust your instincts and build great team-building skills.
Make a better tomorrow.
-ZH
