Last year I invested in my horse riding. Not just riding for enjoyment, but consciously building my capability and my partnership with Bart – my trusty Clydesdale cross.

My riding instructor, Grace, gave me some feedback that stopped me in my tracks, quite literally.

She pointed out that my seat** was subtly but consistently unbalanced. I was leaning more to one side than I realised. From my perspective, everything felt fine. From Bart’s perspective, it was confusing. My weight, my physical cues and my intent weren’t as clear as I thought they were.

** For the non-horse riders, ‘seat’ is physically how a rider sits on the horse. Well trained horses can be ridden by seat alone.

That moment landed uncomfortably. Not because the feedback was harsh, but because I hadn’t known. And once I did know, things got even trickier.

Armed with new awareness, I tried to correct it. I concentrated hard. Too hard. I overthought every movement, overcorrected my posture, and in doing so lost even the ease and effectiveness I’d had before. Bart, ever patient, did his best – but the partnership was challenging… Again…

I kept at it, and a few sessions later, Grace observed ‘Your balance is much better today.’

What had changed?

I wasn’t trying so hard.

The awareness had integrated. My body had adjusted without constant conscious effort. Bart moved freely, responded willingly, and everything felt smoother. Balanced.

Leadership works much the same way.

Most leaders are not intentionally ‘off balance’. They are doing either what has always worked or what has always felt comfortable for them, often unaware of how their behaviours land for others. Then comes feedback – about style, tone, impact. The initial reaction can be discomfort or defensiveness. And the next phase? Overcorrection. Leaders suddenly try to be someone they’re not, second-guess every interaction, and lose their natural personality or connection.

But growth doesn’t live at either extreme.

Sustainable leadership change comes from small, conscious adjustments practiced over time. From awareness that settles into habit. From learning to trust yourself again with greater balance.

Bart doesn’t need me to be perfect – luckily! He needs me to be clear, consistent, and centred.

Our teams are no different.

Sometimes leadership isn’t about learning something new. It’s about noticing where you’re slightly off balance – and making the smallest shift that changes everything.

Where might you be off balance?

And who is your Grace, ready with feedback when you are willing to seek it?

Go Fearlessly
Corrinne