Image courtesy of MakersMischief 

Have you ever heard of Horse Whisperers?

Horse Whisperers are a respected lineage of horse trainers who, over the years, have promoted gentle and humane ways of working with young colts and troubled older ones to get them on the right track and develop cooperation with humans. Individuals like Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and the contemporary Buck Brannahan have promoted the notion that humans need to get to know the horse by establishing what they call “willing communication” with soft words, well-timed nudges, pats and encouragement. Their teachings are honed from countless trial and error interactions where they notice what works and what doesn’t. It is a patient and persistent approach in the face of resistance and fear on the part of reluctant horses. They know when to lean in or take a firm hand. They call it “feel”. Occasionally they will need to “wave some red flags” but only long enough to get the horse’s attention so they can get back to the work of collaboration.

Tom, Ray and Buck are big proponents of “making the right thing easy to do”. They way they do this is to set the horse up for success, start where the horse is, be on the side of the horse, communicating through sounds and gestures that humans are accepting and non threatening. Experience tells horse whisperers that when they can establish these conditions the horse will come through and learn to be a willing partner.

It is my opinion that these folks also understand and speak to the human condition. When we seek to guide others we are up to much the same thing with our young people. If start from where we want them to be, we miss the connection and learning becomes more of a struggle. They have no idea where we are going and it is easy for them to get lost or discouraged. When we start from where they are, namely, whole individuals with minds, feelings and preferences of their own, we build collaboration and the understanding that what they experience matters.Learning then proceeds more naturally and is enhanced within the context of a shared partnership.

When we invite students to sort their experiences onto the Matrix, we tap in to the learner’s willingness to engage with us. By asking respectful questions about who and what is important to them, what gets in the way, and what they can to to move forward, we can connect with what they value and they are more receptive to the lessons and experiences we offer . When the obstacles and frustrations show up we can notice together. The Matrix allows us to start on the common ground of what is being noticed in the moment and build a workable plan of action. We slow down, connect and discover.

Many of us have discovered that starting our daily classes with a brief Matrix “check in” sets the stage for engagement. When students know that they matter to us they become willing partners in the lessons we want to share. Try it out and see for yourself!