The Power of the Herd: A Nonpredatory Approach to Social Intelligence, Leadership, and Innovation Paperback – August 11, 2015

Linda Kohanov has written a book that will become a classic for anybody who wants to study, understand, learn and apply principals of leadership that will not only inspire horses, but also individuals, groups, organizations and cultures. In this brilliantly written book, Linda explores the concept of power and leadership from a "Cathedral Thinking" point of view - as transformational, as requiring time and as the process of paradigm shifting. That's just the beginning. Linda goes on to discuss leadership from the perspective of some of the greatest leaders through time and offers a compelling argument for non-predatory leadership as engaged in by revolutionaries such as George Washington, Ronald Reagan, Alexander the Great, and the Buddha, to mention a few. These men were all excellent horsemen in their own right. A signature of each of their experiences was dealing with an aggressive, challenging Stallions without resorting to violence or panicking The stories she share of these men, exemplifies the depth and breadth of Linda's research into the concepts she explores. There is no political or religious slant in this book. Linda gives equal time to all sides. Her discussion of Jesus and the nomadic, non-predatory lessons he offered goes hand in hand with her overall discussion of how both horses and humans can only express their true, authentic self when offered the opportunity to be lead with a unique combination of leadership, dominance, and nurturance and companionship. Linda's new book also offers a refreshing and important perspective on the concept of emotional intelligence. She expands emotional intelligence to encompass the important concepts of boundaries and assertiveness as well as an exploration of vulnerability, shame and guilt. She takes these ideas out of a psycho-therapeutic framework- especially the concept of shame in relation to power plays - and escorts them right into the executive suite. She has hit the mark in her understanding of the dysfunction of workplace culture and is offering a new roadmap for repair that is as simple as understanding how power in a herd of horses is used to create a climate of mutual aide versus survival of the fittest. Simple, yes, but easy, no and Linda doesn't pretend that the work required to shift patterns of thinking and behaving that are part of most organization's DNA will happen overnight. Where Linda sticks the landing on providing tools to leaders and corporation is her argument that it really is up to each of us individually to shift our response to how we choose to respond to the dysfunction around us. And in choosing responses that are emotionally and socially intelligent we set in motion an affect contagion that over time becomes the new norm. But leaders have to get really good at taking the blows that come their way, without flinching into reactive, shaming and predatory dominance behavior.Her description of the Fulani culture and the subsequent Sharo initiation becomes a powerful metaphor for leaders who need to learn to stand still in their vulnerability and take the often emotional and sometimes hurtful blows of others without retaliating or panicking, all the while addressing dominance power plays with crescendo-ing assertiveness and immediate positive feedback for desired behavior. That all sounds like an exhausting day at the office but Linda offers 12 Guiding Principles that can be used as a step-by-step roadmap for anyone who wants to begin exploring how to lead from a nonpredatory perspective. No executive coach should be without this work. No leader who is truly invested in taking themselves to the next level of leadership should miss reading this book. It has the capacity to transform the very foundation that leadership has been built upon in the last 200 years. If a Stallion rearing over you threatening your very survival feels like a some of the encounters you face every day at work, this book is a must read for you.

Through many years of study and diligent work with her co-teachers, the horses, Linda Kohanov offers to anyone interested in personal development and self-discovery many new insights and tools. In order to grow and succeed in your world, you will learn how important it is to improve your social and emotional intelligences.Linda offers much wisdom into learning how to be true to yourself, listening to your own inner wisdom and intuition, and discovering your true personal power. She offers a tool called the emotional message chart, along with 12 in depth Guiding Principles you can implement into your life to not just survive, but thrive.Linda talks about the Stone Age power tools which no longer work in our world. Much discussion is offered on the importance of consensual leadership, using non-predatory vs. predatory power, boundary setting and reinforcement, using ‘emotional heroism’ or the ‘sharo’ an ancient Fulani tradition, and how to have that difficult conversation. Many of these aspects have been learned through Linda’s years of study and working with the equine. These are all necessary and important tools to have in any business or community setting.I recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their personal and or professional relationships, expand their consciousness and potential, and be willing and open to exploring these aspects by working with the sentient, non-judgmental being, the horse.An excellent read which can completely change your life! Thank you Linda...

Ms. Kohanov's viewpoint on how the horse has shaped, influenced, and continues to give to the human species is remarkable. Most view the horse solely has a 'slave' to the bidding of the whim of the human. Kohanov see the horse as a partner and confidant-role model for the discerning person. She acknowledges their intelligence and powers of reasoning, emotions, and, indeed, social skills in teaching each other and humans how to co-exist in mutually beneficial ways.The prey-predator model for social behavior simply has not worked well for us for hundreds of years. It has been well tested and found to be a resounding failure. But there are societies that use - and exist quite well - using this non-predatory approach. It has benefited them for millenia - look at the Mayan civilization which lasted for centuries until overrun by the Inca. It produced much in the way of science and agriculture. The Hopi and the Zuni of our American Southwest did well until the Navaho overran them. The Tibetans lived for centuries in peace until the Chinese crossed their borders. It can work. We just need to keep the predators in check.

I enjoyed reading it and learned some things, however the lady has a different belief system than mine, so had to rethink some of her ideas. I tried out some of the concepts on the youth that came to the barn to ride and they better understood some things about horses and themselves, but again, I had to use my own world view instead of the authors.

Ein wunderbares Buch über unerschlossene Möglichkeiten von Führung als Entfaltung menschlichen Potenzials, voller Anekdoten, Geschichte und Beispiele, viel autobiografisches Material der Autorin, die uns hier an ihrem Weg zum Meisterführer teilhaben lässt. Zugleich bringt das Buch den neusten Stand der Forschung zum Thema Führung und emotionale/soziele Intelligenz, mit unzähligen Auszügen, Zitaten und Quellenangaben. Eine Fundgrube.

I have learned so much from this book. It's the second book of Linda Kohanov's that I've read and it's just wonderful. The author has helped me to deepen my understanding of not just horses but also of myself. Thank you.

This is an in-depth confrontation with all that is difficult about modern American (and world) politics. Because this writer is American, naturally she discusses examples from her country's history. But by beginning with the idea of the great European cathedral which could take centuries to complete, she introduces the idea of vision extending beyond the life of the original architect. This becomes the metaphor for talking about how a society can evolve over time.As she explains on her website, this is laid out in three main stages. First she writes about historical leaders whose expert horsemanship was instrumental in their rise to power, and focusses on the stories recorded about how this leader tamed a horse whom no one else could ride. Such a feat requires ability to be present emotionally with integrity, since (as explained in detail in her first book), horses are extremely aware of 'emotional incongruity' and will not trust someone who is hiding strong emotions behind a veneer of a different attitude. With those non-verbal capabilities, the horse-savvy person can then also convince and inspire human beings to follow and cooperate, even if they cannot see the final destination during their lives.

I think that this is a good point of view in order to expand your horizons!Observing other species... I have never thought about.

C'est dommage que ce livre ne sooit pas traduit en français biensûr...un voyage dans un nouveau paradigme où l'animal reprend la place qui lui a été enlevé depuis des millénaires déjà ! et cela pour le bien de l'humanité...