The Merger

We anticipated some challenges with the merger. There would be those willing to embrace change and we accepted the fact that there might be resistance. Preparations were complete, the day had come when we had to move past theory and execute the plan.

Everything was proceeding well, everyone seemed prepared to dance around the inevitable conversations – there were polite exchanges and the odd guarded reaction. Then theory collapsed and reaction escalated as territorial jurisdiction overlapped and the reaction of the moment was threat. Like many mergers even the best laid plans can go awry.

This merger wasn’t unique, it followed a relatively simple plan - the benefits resource conservation and efficiency. The difference, we were combining two herds of horses on a single winter pasture.

Mutual benefit isn't a horse’s first reaction, they respond based on instinct. They react in the purest form of communication - body language.

While the communication style may appear different. In many respects the merger of herds is not unlike what happens in the workplace – there are benefits: resources, costs, efficiencies, and ultimately shareholder return and there are the inevitable rough spots and transition issues.

What if you were present enough in your conversations or interactions with others that you began to recognize the symptoms of perceived threat through the subtleties of non-verbal communication? Would an improved awareness of self and others help your team through a transition?

Horses can be some of our best teachers in this respect. They can truly help us see it's not what we say but how we say it. If you’ve experience the impact of a merger – you might find a little horse sense is what your team needs.

They’ve worked it out.