Neurosurgeon, professor and horseman Allan J. Hamilton elaborates in his new book, Lead With Your Heart: Lessons From a Life with Horses, on the leadership lessons he’s learned through his work with horses. Hamilton makes five important points:
- Agendas hurt relationships: you can’t force something (like productivity) according to a timeline. Remember to consider the welfare and well-being of your employees first and you’ll create a loyal workforce.
- Find the curve of compromise: If, as a leader, you find yourself creating a line of resistance, switch gears and think of alternatives that will allow the other party to be willing to flow in the direction you would like things to go. Avoid opposition and seek cooperation.
- Make the right thing to do easy: the job of a leader should always be looking forward for obstacles and figuring a way a to make it easier for the employee to learn, do and assimilate.
- A better trainer means less training: a trainer or leader who makes learning an interesting adventure or mutual undertaking is more likely to inspire the learner because they are motivated and not forced.
- Leadership is determined by the 4 C’s:
- Command: If it is called for, make sure to give unmistakable instructions.
- Control: The leader needs to be able to control the “herd” or team and keep it from panicking and scattering. Even if you are zigzagging, make sure you are doing it as a team.
- Communication: Be sure you are communicating what needs to be transmitted, while leaving out anything that dilutes the message or confuses the company.
- Compassion: Understand how the members of the team might feel, as well as any concerns or fears that need to be dealt with.
For more of the excerpt from Hamilton’s book, please read the full article here: http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201707?pg=30#pg30