What Kind of Horse Should You Ride?

In government, people talk about two kinds of politicians: showhorses and workhorses. Showhorses can’t wait to get in front of a microphone and espouse their opinion. They’re more interested in making news than making progress. Workhorses, on the other hand, aren’t necessarily flashy. They don’t need to hog the spotlight. Joe Biden, in his presidential role, is a classic example. His focus is his work, not the spotlight – and regardless if you agree with his politics, there is no denying that work is getting done. 

In business, people often make the mistake of hiring and promoting showhorses. Showhorses usually speak well, are often charismatic, and can be the center of attention. But showhorses in the workplace often take credit for what others have done. They may denigrate others to build themselves up. They can be toxic to an effective work culture and drive animosity. Hiring managers and senior executives can often be fooled by the sizzle of showhorses — while paying too little attention to workhorses who are busy moving the ball forward without a whole lot of fanfare.

Over decades of work, supporting scores of organizations, I can tell you that the workhorses are often women, and the showhorses are often men. Workhorses are frequently underappreciated and underpaid. Sometimes, when workhorses leave an organization for another job, the workhorse’s former employer is shocked at how critical their contributions were and is left scrambling to fill the hole. 

As a marketer, it’s clear that showmanship has an important role to play — but horses have reins for a reason. Successful leaders understand how to corral their horses to successfully ride together. 

The business environment is a horserace – and in horse racing, when you come in second, you “show.” To “win” in business, seek out and promote more workhorses, not showhorses – and enjoy a better ride. 

 Lawrence M. Kimmel is CEO of Rung-UP, the only agency custom-built for C-Level executives at mid-sized organizations. He can be reached at Hi@Rung-UP.com.