Last weekend was Alyssa Aubrey and my first “Redefining Our Limiting Beliefs—Women, Horses & Leadership” course and I have to say that we amazed even ourselves. The combination of the leadership intelligence instruction and working with the horses to experience the critical connection between the mind and the body had so much impact that every student had a transformative adventure. They were good enough to share it, and I’d like to let their words speak for themselves:
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This class far exceeded my expectations in so many ways- the setting was outstanding, the collaboration was perfect, the exercises (written) were right on and working with the horses was icing on the cake.
Cynthia and Alyssa took me on an adventure that provided a major personal and professional breakthrough. I am forever grateful to you both.
KJ
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I was able to realize something about myself that I have kept buried for 25 + years. Not only did it come to the surface but also I am willing to deal with working through the issues.
DA
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What a unique experience! Cynthia and Alyssa provide a great opportunity for opening up to new thinking and intense understanding.
Both women are very powerful leaders and are excellent at holding space for each individual as well as being quite insightful.
BC
I have had my eyes opened. I’m at Sonoma State, pursuing my MBA, and I have already learned a thing or two.
Such as: There is no single perfect or right leadership style. Being able to flex between many leadership techniques—picking the ones most appropriate for each situation—makes the best leader.
The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®
- Model the Way
- Inspire a Shared Vision
- Challenge the Process
- Enable Others to Act
- Encourage the Heart
Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner
To learn more about the Five Practices, visit the Leadership Challenge website http://www.leadershipchallenge.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-131055.html
The leadership styles I’m most comfortable with are: challenging the process, modeling the way, enabling others to act, and inspiring a shared vision. Turns out I’m weakest in “encouraging the heart.” That was a wakeup call.
Why? Because I am most motivated and most confident when a leader or collaborator “encourages my heart”; tells me I’m doing a good job, supports my process, really sees me. As much as I respond positively to that, and as much as that’s what really moves me, I’m slow to give that to others.
I thought that was just how I was. I didn’t realize that I could access a gentler, more coaching style of leading. But then I took this sailing course with my program cohort. It was a great opportunity to practice new techniques in a contained environment, and get feedback from other leaders. It was exhilarating.
And I learned I could access that encouraging, gentler way of leading. I looked more at the individual than at the situation. Rather than focusing on results, goals, and outcomes, I instead supported my team members to be the best they could be, regardless of the outcome. We were all in it together and my role, as the leader, was to reduce anxiety, support the process, and keep us connected while we learned to sail.
I learned that a leader isn’t born; we can train ourselves to lead using different styles and techniques that are appropriate for different situations. Knowing your team and knowing the desired outcome will help determine your approach. In addition to strength, modeling, challenging and conviction, I’ve added compassion, encouragement, and coaching to my tool kit.
So tell us about your leadership style. Does it work? Would you like to learn more about being a leader? We’d love to hear from you!
