Can working with horses teach humans lessons in understanding, communication and empathy? "Horse whisperer" Grant Golliher certainly thinks so. In Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy, Golliher generously shares with readers the valuable work he does with both horses and people at his Diamond Cross Ranch in Wyoming. His job there as a horse trainer translates into leadership lessons for people, from corporate executives to veterans once again trying to find their place in society. As he tells stories about his own life, as well as the people and horses he has known, Golliher demonstrates how "horses have an extraordinary ability to reveal people to themselves" and thus "become a powerful catalyst for personal growth and leadership development."
At the heart of Golliher's methods is encouraging people to learn to think like a horse and, using that understanding, to "cultivate a willing partnership based on mutual trust and respect, fairness, and clear boundaries." Respect, boundaries and trust are themes prevalent in the anecdotes shared, all underscored by good listening, understanding and forgiveness. Golliher (Chasing a Dream) emphasizes that this is not a proscriptive method or system; instead, it's a philosophy based in empathy for interacting with others in leadership roles and other relationships that can "guide you to the right solutions for whatever situation you happen to be in." By thinking like a horse, people can bring more trust, respect and empathy into their relationships. --Michelle Anya Anjirbag, freelance reviewer