A Model oF Shared Leadership

The Diamond Model of Shared Leadership™ was developed by June Gunter, EdD, TeachingHorse™, because of her observation of herds at Return To Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary.

What we learn from horse herds is that making bold moves is expected of leadership. Because horse herds come together in times of uncertainty to assess and decide what to do, bold moves made together can quickly bring the herd energy, focus, and stabilization.

Each of the learning experiences with horses is designed to develop individual and team capability to share leadership using enhanced skill in paying attention, setting direction, focusing energy, and being congruent.

Each of the learning experiences with horses is designed to develop individual and team capability to share leadership using enhanced skill in paying attention, setting direction, focusing energy, and being congruent.

The Capabilities

The Diamond Model of Shared Leadership is a simple framework to guide decision-making through uncertainty. The 1-on-1 and 1/2-day experiences help leaders develop the capability to shape their organizations and themselves even in complexity. The four capabilities include: attention, direction, energy, and congruence.

Attention

What needs your attention as a leader? When you notice what is happening with yourself, others, and the environment, you’ll gain clarity about what is needed from you as a leader.

Direction

What decision needs to be made? Setting clear direction as a leader by choosing a point of focus, a vision, and guidance on critical next steps is what the team needs to be successful.

What direction is needed? Setting clear direction as a leader by choosing a point of focus, a vision, and guidance on critical next steps is key to confident leadership.

Energy

What is the energy needed? Setting a pace that matches reality is vital, without over or under-reacting to changes in the environment.

Congruence

What is needed to give confidence in your leadership? It is important to align your inner and outer expression with the best interests of your team in mind.

HORSE HERD Roles

The main goal of herd leadership is health, harmony, and unity.

In a horse herd, leadership is shared. The direction and pace are set by the lead mare. The lead stallion provides energy and protection. The sentinels keep the herd moving together in the direction set by the lead mare.

Every horse in the herd has a role in protecting the health of the herd. All of the horses in the herd contribute to the socialization of new or young members. Young horses are taught the behaviors that are acceptable, and those who behave in ways that could hurt the health of the herd are corrected. 

Lead Mare

The lead mare sets the direction and pace of the herd. The lead mare leads from the front, but relies on the lead stallion and the sentinels to support her leadership and provide information about the direction and pace she has set.

Lead Stallion

The lead stallion leads from the rear by supporting the pace and direction set by the lead mare. The lead stallion protects the lead mare and the herd from predators by moving to the front when his influence and reinforcement is needed.

The Sentinels

The sentinels are positioned in the middle and are charged with aligning the herd in the direction that has been set. The sentinels provide information about what is going on outside the herd in the environment. When sentinels see things, they inform the lead mare so course correction can occur. The sentinels are often the ambassadors of the herd; they are often the first to welcome new members. The sentinels lead from the middle.