Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Five Lessons a Horse Can Teach About Client Relationships

04 Aug 2014 By: Diane Gottsman

Winston Churchill said, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” Horses tend to mirror our emotions, and require a calm, yet assertive demeanor. The same attributes that are used with horses can be applied to your professional relationships.

  1. Remain composed. Horses are prey animals and startle easily. When approaching a horse, it’s best to adopt a friendly and peaceful demeanor. The same is true of your client relationships. Give your client an opportunity to see you as genuine and proficient.
  2. Pay attention to details. Horses require regular grooming. Going over your horse from head to hooves allows you to notice when something needs extra attention, like a stone in the hoof or a scratch on the neck. Paying close attention to your client’s needs reassures them that you are detail-oriented. Take strides to avoid problems before they happen. Your client will notice and appreciate your attentiveness.
  3. Assert leadership. Horses are herd animals. There is a pecking order to their groups, and the herd works in harmony when a leader dynamic is established. Clients expect you to guide them in a direction that will be most beneficial to their success. Conduct your interactions with their desired goal in mind, capitalizing on your professional skills and expertise.
  4. Stay alert. Though horses are gentle, they are large animals with the potential to harm if startled. In every interaction with a horse, you look for a way to avoid injury in the event something goes awry. When dealing with a client, pay attention to their comments, responses and reactions. Be prepared to adjust the plan if a problem or issue arises.
  5. Teamwork is essential. Through positive interactions, calm leadership, and open communication, you build trust and respect with your horse. Approaching your client with the aim of working together will generate stronger relationships and garner positive end results.
Signature

Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.