Consultants, Horse Trainers, and a TV Nanny – Why they succeed where you fail.

The reason why an outside expert is usually more effective in creating change in an organization than an employee, why a horse trainer can get your horse to do something you can’t, and why a television nanny can quickly re-balance out of control children is the same. No baggage.

The Consultant

Saturday I conducted a round pen program for a small audience.** They brought two problem horses and were surprised to see that I did not have the same issues with the horses they did. One reason for this result – No baggage.

When the hired gun shares a “bold new” concept to company management, he or she is looked at with great respect and the invoice for ‘services rendered’ gladly paid.

Many times there is an employee sitting at the table, quietly seething, who was quickly dismissed when he or she offered the very same observation or concept weeks or months earlier.

A consultant is one who tells you the time using your watch.  – unknown

The simple reason an outsider is usually more effective is because he or she comes in with a clean slate. There is no relationship and performance history, whether good or bad, to muddy the water. The proof of their expertise is in the result. In the case of my horse clinic, each one watching could testify to the positive results.

No History and No Baggage

An important message to the owners of the problem horses is not to expect the results I achieved in such a short time. If an owner did everything exactly the way I did the result would not be the same. Why? No baggage.

Let me make the point this way; think of  someone who’s spouse was unfaithful. Now assume that the offending person has truly repented, asked for forgiveness, and will never, ever consider such a betrayal again.  No matter how startling the transformation the injured spouse may forgive, but will not immediately forget the past . Too much baggage to empty.

Round Pen Program

What’s Past Isn’t Always Past

Every suggestion made, every snit, every difference of opinion creates relationship baggage whether at home, at work, or in the barn. Even beautiful designer bags weigh you down dragging along after you.

Any consultant needs to be qualified and successful. Sometimes their real value is seeing a problem with a fresh perspective.

“The Titanic was built by experts, the Ark by an amateur.”  ~ John Hagee

The Titanic was designed and built by experienced folks who spent years planning, arguing, and then believing their story that she was unsinkable.  In the language of political junkies this is one example of Group Think.

You’re Never a Prophet in Your Own Land

Continuing education sometimes introduces new information. Many times the exercise simply reminds us that we already know what is being presented, we just forgot that we knew it.

An expert is frequently described as someone who travels more than 20 or 50 miles to consult. Have you considered sharing your great ideas and concepts with other groups or organizations? Maybe your company doesn’t quite see you as a guru, but if you develop a list of successes at least 20 miles from home that perception is likely to change.

**  Round Pen Clinic – One way I share messages and concepts is to demonstrate them in a small round corral with a troubled horse I have not seen before. This program is a unique method for teaching leadership, relationship, and faith skills. If you would like to know more use the CONTACT tab at the top.

Full disclosure:

I’ve made a living as a consultant and a horse trainer… I was never a TV nanny.

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