When I interviewed Sam Horn, I knew it would be a dialogue filled with quick and clever verbiage. You see Sam has written some fun and fascinating books about communication skills that take leaders through the roof; able to get their points across.
How about this title “Tongue Fu”? It gives great guidance for diffusing verbal conflict. And her book “Pop” helps you find the best tagline or pitch for your next project.
Sam loves to wear hats, a trademark for her speaking engagements. Often the only person in the room with a hat on, she seems not to notice; what she does is natural and comfortable. She has a strong determination to play life full out, to choose to live “her way”.
Where did her GUTSY persona begin? Growing up on a farm in northern California she was given lots of room to explore. By the age of six she and her older sister would saddle up in the morning, say to each other “where should we go today” and off the horses would trot not to return till dinner time.
Sam’s definition of GUTSY is being resourceful. As that young girl she learned she had to figure “it” out in the moment. If the horse’s bridle broke, or if it decided to run away, well, there she was figuring it out; there were no other options.
STOP: Think about how you learned to be resourceful. Remember a time when you had to figure “it” out alone. Use this as a “memory anchor” next time you are in a tight spot. Or take a page from Sam’s lesson book; think about that young kid pulling on the reins to get her horse to pay attention. She won’t mind if you borrow a GUTSY moment from her.
Another vital area Sam and I talked about is a modern day dilemma. It is the duality of when to give and when to ask for help. For eons women have been the caretakers, the givers. We have become leaders who instinctively know when and how to give a helping hand.
It is the other side of that coin, the ability to ask for help without feeling weak that proves our gutsiness. So, here is a mantra card to pull out when you feel torn as a strong leader: “Be GUTSY; Receive Help”.
I asked Sam what trends she can track for women in today’s changing world. She sees more female risk takers with the clarity and courage to follow their dreams. Women are not abdicating to authority as in the past. Her best advice; when you have done everything possible to make a situation work and it is still in the negative, get on a horse and get out of town!
Sylvia Lafair
Sylvia Lafair, PhD, is President of CEO – Creative Energy Options, Inc., a global consulting company focused on optimizing workplace relationships through her exclusive PatternAware™ Leadership Model. Dr. Lafair is the author of Don’t Bring It to Work: Breaking the Family Patterns That Limit Success published by Jossey-Bass. As an executive coach and leadership educator, she has more than 30 years of experience with all levels of management from leading corporate officers of global companies to executives of non-profits and owners of leading family-owned businesses. She is now offering GUTSY Women Weekends, giving women the opportunity to dialogue and clarify next steps.
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What a lovely surprise to see Sam’s pretty face! I know Sam, though it’s been many years since I’ve seen her. We attended several of the same Maui Writer’s Conferences – she’s an inspiration and a wonderful speaker. Lucky you to have some time with her – and lucky us that you shared. Mahalo!