Catching an Emotion

Horses elicit strong emotions in us and they are prettyhorse reads the handler, people are very good at
good at detecting them. A horse will feel comfortablereading others emotions, actions and reactions.
near us when we are calm and confident and reflectWhen our leader is impatient, frustrated or fearful of
a nervous energy when we are anxious or fearful. It isfailure, we begin to feel the same way, our actions in
this keen awareness of their surroundings and thoseturn become self-defensive. When we become "I"
around them that make the horse a perfect metaphorcentred versus other focused, relationships suffer and
to learn how our emotions impact others. A horsecommunication breaks down. On the other hand when
literally shows us how contagious emotions can be.we sense a steady calm, enthusiasm and hope we in
Horse whispering or natural horsemanship, is based onturn feel optimistic and motivated.
the premise that a horse instinctively seeks a confidentWhile we can't control everything around us, we can
leader. It is not so much about whispering, but listening.control how we respond and react. Slowing down,
The horseman's calm demeanor is what develops thestopping to take stock of the situation or simply taking
confidence of the horse and allows the horse to learn.a deep breath can go a long way to relaxing
It is this concept that ties horses to workplace issuesoverworked emotions. If you can stop a horse with a
so well - being sensitive to how others learn, setssigh, surely a deep breath can go a long way to turning
leadership up to be an opportunity rather than aimpatience into a steadfast calm.
challenge.Leaders of successful companies understand their
Scientific studies have suggested symptoms ofbiggest challenge is not in leading others, but in knowing
leadership are "chronic stress with periodic occasionsthemselves. They understand their emotions set the
of acute stress", if that is the case, it should then cometone of the organization and like a cold, negative
as no surprise that we are not always conscious ofemotions can spread like a virus.
messages we are sending. Nonetheless, just as the