What Do Horses and People Have in Common?

There are many parallels between horses and people. Some are bolder than others, and will take on a challenge. Others shy from anything that looks intimidating – some can be coaxed through and as they gain confidence will surprise you. But the biggest way horses and employees are alike is interpreting your language. What you say means little – what you do carries weight.

If you move quickly, aggressively, towards a horse they will run. Even those who stand are uneasy. Like employees, those who HAVE to deal with you will. Otherwise they avoid you even if it means coming around the same path to the same starting point without going anywhere. Read that last sentence again and think about it – how is that helping your business?

If you soften your approach horses will turn their heads towards you, silently asking “friend or foe?” or “good day/bad day?” If you watch many employees will do the same thing. It doesn’t matter what you say if the actions don’t follow.

This boils down to communication – specifically non-verbal communication. Magazines and books have been written on the subject making it much more complicated than it is. Many will tell you how to read body language but fewer say what your body language says and how that affects what you get back. A good book on “horse whispering” might be an employee guide!

The truth is there is no whispering, it’s not magic. It’s knowing how to project yourself so that you get the desired result from the creature in front of you. It’s tuning in to that creature’s communication. Are they sore…tired…cranky. Often humans speak but don’t say what is really bothering them. Good observation can make a big difference.

So how do you apply this to your employees? Approach them in a good mood. Be non-confrontational. Invite contact and listen to them, reward them immediately for the response you want to see and don’t make as big of a thing about mistakes. Make it possible for them to do their job well…people, like horses, will take the easiest route in most cases.

Use powers of observation to see what is unsaid. For example – Mary is normally a hard worker, very attentive but for two days has been distracted. You ask if there’s a problem with the job, something she’s not happy with and hear she’s having a hard time meeting an upcoming bill. Can you discreetly give her an advance? Is there something you can do to remove that worry and allow her to again focus on her job? Threats will not make the worry go away and can mean more distraction, But helping a deserving employee through means chances are they will do the same for you when there’s a deadline to meet!

Watch your communication, the spoken and otherwise. Observe people and work towards a true give and take and you’ll seldom have to worry about employee turnover.