“Give them space to walk if their stride is long”

I’ve been binning old notebooks today. I need to do this from time to time as my collection is huge. I do love stationery. In one notebook I found the above quote in relation to my time on an executive coaching programme with horses.

If you recall I spent a number of weeks considering my executive leadership with the assistance of a 600kg mare called Kalle

Kalle reminded me that when she was happy working with me leading her on a long lead, her stride was long and my job was not to get in her way. Let’s think about that in the context of our team.

• Do we sometimes get in their way?

• Are we sometimes the reason they get off their stride?

If you consider your practice for a moment? Are you responsible for times when the members of your team get stuck, do you sometimes rush in when actually they were fine and the signs they were fine were there but you didn’t see them as you were so close to act.

If I reflect on my own leadership practice I can guarantee I have sometimes been too quick to intervene, I haven’t the read the signs, and rather than enhance someone’s performance I have got in their way. I have offered my opinion as to how to solve an issue, I have wanted to take a decision away, I have expressed my point of view when it wasn’t sought.

So lesson from Kalle, if their stride is long give them space. If you would like to learn more about managing others you will love our GROW Programme. Doors open on 23rd January 2022.