When Leadership Looks Like a Gentle Nudge

Some experiences are hard to fully capture because they are not just about what happened. They are about what was learned, what was felt, and what quietly shifted inside the learners who were there.  Earlier today, Mateo and I volunteered at Braveheart Farm where we hosted some participants in the First Tee ACE program. I had connected the two organizations because I knew the heart behind Braveheart Farm and the purpose of First Tee’s ACE program could make for a meaningful fit.  I was right on!!

Mateo has been involved with First Tee for many years and will be joining the ACE program himself in the fall, so serving in this capacity felt especially meaningful. He already knew some of the participants from previous First Tee events. They were surprised to see him helping at the farm, but they definitely welcomed the friendly face.  First Tee’s ACE program is designed to help teens take an active role in building their future. Through hands-on projects, participants explore who they are, think about possible future paths, create goals, invest in their community, and build confidence for whatever comes next. 

​Six participants and two chaperones joined this special hands-on equine experience. Throughout their time at the farm, the participants groomed horses, learned how to lead a horse, and even had the opportunity to ride. For some, this brought back memories of previous horse experiences. For others, it was their very first time being that close to such a large animal.  But this experience was about much more than riding a horse.  One of the most meaningful lessons of the day was that leadership does not mean being mean, forceful, loud, or overly assertive. In fact, the horses often responded best to calm confidence, clear posture, and gentle direction. The participants learned that they could move a horse with something as simple as a gentle nudge.

So often, young people are given the impression that leadership means taking charge in a way that overpowers others. But at Braveheart Farm, they were able to see that good leadership is rooted in trust, partnership, awareness, and confidence. A horse does not need someone who is harsh. A horse needs someone who is present, steady, and clear. The teens also learned how much their posture communicates. Before they even spoke or moved, their bodies were already telling the horse something. Were they confident? Were they nervous? Were they paying attention? Were they ready to lead?

As for me, my favorite part was watching teenagers have permission to simply learn, explore, laugh, and try something new. Teens carry so much these days — expectations, pressure, schedules, decisions about the future, and the feeling that they always have to be becoming something. For a couple hours, they were able to just be learners again. They asked questions. They laughed with each other. They tried. They hesitated. They overcame fears. They encouraged one another.  Some walked in unsure of horses and walked away realizing that just because something is big does not mean it has to be scary. Others reconnected with past horse experiences but were able to understand those experiences in a deeper way. They were not simply riding or grooming. They were learning about relationship, trust, and how to lead with calm confidence.

And isn’t that what we hope for our teenagers? Not just that they become accomplished. Not just that they build resumes. Not just that they prepare for college, careers, or the next step.  But that they become thoughtful, grounded, compassionate people who understand that strength and gentleness can exist together.

I am grateful that Mateo and I were able to volunteer for this experience. I am grateful for First Tee’s commitment to helping young people grow beyond the game of golf. I am grateful for the ACE participants who showed up with open minds and willing hearts. And I am grateful for places like Braveheart Farm, where learners can discover important life lessons in ways they will likely remember long after the day is over.

Sometimes leadership looks like a confident voice.
Sometimes leadership looks like taking the first step.
And sometimes, leadership looks like a gentle nudge.
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This experience was such a beautiful reminder of what can happen when the right organizations are connected with the right opportunity. I would love to help schedule a similar experience for other teen groups looking for something meaningful, memorable, and different. Whether the goal is leadership, confidence-building, teamwork, service, or simply giving teens a chance to step outside their normal routine, Braveheart Farm offers the kind of hands-on experience that can stay with them long after the day is over.  Contact me to schedule.

Community Greening
Standard Bearer
​Tree of Life Resource Center