Loosening the Grip: Lessons in Control from the stable

The Reins of Leadership

Have you ever felt that intense pressure to oversee every single detail on a project? Do you find yourself micromanaging your team, driven by a fear that things won't get done right unless you do them or dictate every step? Perhaps you know you should trust your team more, but letting go feels risky, even overwhelming... and it's leaving you feeling exhausted and your team feeling stifled.

Does that resonate with you? Have you ever been there?

We get it. That drive to ensure success can easily morph into trying to control everything. Many leaders grapple with this, especially when the stakes feel high. You're certainly not alone in feeling this pull.

On this week’s episode of The Reins of Leadership, your host, Business Leadership Strategist Merinda Smith, unpacks the common and often draining leadership challenge of the 'control freak' tendency.

And it’s not just about standard management theory. Merinda reveals how surprisingly profound lessons learned from working closely with donkeys and ponies shed light on why we grip the reins too tightly and, more importantly, how we can learn to loosen that grip effectively. Her insights into the interplay of mindset, emotional intelligence (EQ), and personal energy might change how you view control forever. Plus – we’re unpacking the root cause behind the need to control.

If you’ve ever experienced the exhaustion of micromanagement or felt your team wasn't stepping up as much as you'd like, then this episode is for you. If you’ve been looking for practical ways to build genuine trust and empower your team members, this is exactly what you need to hear. If you’re trying to lead with more presence, reduce your own stress, and foster a more collaborative environment, this episode will give you actionable strategies inspired by the stable yard.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• 🌸 How Merinda went from a micromanaging early-career leader to embracing trust-based leadership.
• The surprising secret your own energy reveals about your leadership style (and how horses instantly pick up on it).
• What fear of failure and a donkey refusing to cross a puddle have in common for leaders.
• What it’s really like to shift your mindset from scarcity ("I must control") to possibility ("How can I empower?").
• Merinda’s unexpected perspective on why 'letting go' isn't about weakness, but strategic strength.
• The real, behind-the-scenes connection between emotional intelligence and your ability to trust your team.
• What you can do right now to shift your energetic signature from anxious oversight to calm confidence.
• Actionable tips for clearer communication inspired by giving cues to a pony.

Mentioned Resources:
Learn more about the 'Beyond' Programme: https://merindasmith.podia.com/beyond
Connect with Merinda:
Instagram: @IamMerindaSmith
Website: www.merindasmith.com.au

Connect with Merinda:
Instagram: @IamMerindaSmith
Website: www.merindasmith.com.au