Why Giving Your Horse (and Your Team) Space Leads to Success

The Reins of Leadership

Ever find yourself over-correcting others work, or do you feel the urge to constantly check in on your team, dictate how tasks are done, or even redo their projects? You've been setting up for success, but your instinct to control the minutiae might actually be hindering the outcome.

Does that anxious feeling of needing to make sure everything is perfect, resonate with you? Have you ever been there?

We get it… it often comes from a place of good intentions and a desire for the best results. Many of us have fallen into the micromanagement trap, thinking we’re ensuring success when we might be unintentionally creating new problems.

On this week’s episode, your host, Merinda, unpacks the surprising and powerful parallels between micromanaging your horse over jumps or poles and micromanaging your staff in the workplace.

And it’s not just about "bad riding" or "bad management." Merinda shares a personal insight from a recent jumping lesson, that beautifully illustrates the core issue. The reasons behind micromanaging – often rooted in fear and a lack of trust – are strikingly similar in both arenas, and the solutions might be simpler than you think. Plus, we’re unpacking how this impacts everything from a horse's confidence to your team's morale and creativity.

If you’ve ever experienced frustration despite your best efforts, or a disengaged team despite your constant input, then this episode is for you. If you’ve been looking for ways to build more trust with your employees, this is exactly what you need to hear. If you’re trying to achieve smoother-running projects, this episode will reveal how letting go can lead to better results.

Highlights include:

• What over-adjusting your reins before a jump and constantly overseeing your team’s tasks have in common (and why this instinct often backfires, leading to confusion and poorer performance).
• An enlightening jumping lesson , revealing how observing a rider over simple poles can expose tendencies towards micromanagement and the power of trusting your partner.
• Actionable strategies to "soften the reins" both literally and figuratively – practical steps you can take right now to build confidence, independence, and improve outcomes.

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