For most of my life, I got mired in my mistakes and judged myself on the accumulation of errors. After a short discussion over lunch at a horse show, my world was changed. My world became a friendlier place. The way I show up as a leader changed completely, and I think it can change your outlook also.

Key Takeaways:

Horses are masters of reading energy, herd dynamics and living in the present.

They don’t care about your résumé, your title or how many people rely on you. They respond to the truth of your presence, not the polished version you’ve learned to present. They reflect back the tension you’re holding (and denying), the boundaries you avoid and the strength you underestimate. In the pasture, you can’t people-please your way into respect.

Horses walk all over doormats and avoid bullies. They invite you to lead with clarity, calm authority and congruence… the very qualities you’ve had inside you all along but were taught to mute.

Once you experience leading something undeniably more powerful than you — without bullying or bribery — you unlock the compassionate leader within.

Clarify your core values and use them as a compass for decision-making

For seven years, I showed horses and choked when the pressure was on. As soon as I failed in my quest for perfection, I'd get mired in my mistakes, make more mistakes, then judge myself on the accumulation of errors.

Then at an important show where I made a predictable error, a judge gave me some guidance that changed not only the way I show up in competitions, but my approach to life. For the next two years, my horse and I were undefeated.

Explore what it means to lead from the inside out