Stay in the Saddle: How Metaphors Sharpen Your Message and Strengthen Your Leadership
- Liza Engel
- May 12
- 3 min read
Saddles, Bulls, and a Life Lesson in Leadership
I was about twelve, proudly sitting in the saddle and thrilled to miss a mid-May school week. My dad and I were riding through the Alberta countryside west of Canmore, helping to move a herd of 500 cattle. The air was thick with anticipation—every person and animal was rearing to go.
That morning, he said: “Liza, stay in the saddle when the bulls are out.”
He meant it literally—when bulls are out, it can be dangerous. But that phrase stuck. And over time, I’ve come to realize just how powerful it is as a metaphor for everyday life.
Recently, I shared it with a group, and the response was overwhelming. People reached out to tell me how much it resonated with them, how it helped them reframe tough situations and stay grounded in moments of chaos.
My dad was teaching me, in his way, how to lead when things get unpredictable. And how often those lessons apply far beyond the cattle trails never ceases to amaze me.
When I feared failing, he’d add: “Get back in the saddle. Keep trying until it works.”
These weren’t just throwaway lines. They’ve become cornerstones for how I face challenges, take creative risks, and guide others through uncertainty.
And here’s the thing: metaphors like these? They stick. They connect. They move people. And they’re one of the most potent tools in meaningful communication.
Why Metaphors Matter in Leadership
Metaphors aren’t just poetic devices—they’re trust-building, perspective-shifting tools grounded in how the human brain works.
They light up the brain. Neuroscience shows that metaphors activate not just language centres, but also sensory and emotional regions. People don’t just hear you—they feel your message.
They simplify complexity. A strong metaphor can collapse an entire concept into something instantly graspable. Think: “burning the candle at both ends” or “glass ceiling.” These make the abstract accessible.
They build bridges. Metaphors cut through jargon and hierarchy. They speak to our shared human experience.
The right metaphor sparks clarity and connection in presentations, team briefings, or feedback conversations.
How Metaphors Fuel Creativity
Using metaphors is a creative act. It takes curiosity, observation, and a willingness to play with ideas. It’s not about sounding clever—it’s about making your message stick.
So often, we default to data, titles, or goals. These are all important, but not always memorable.
Metaphors lodge your message in someone’s mind—long after the meeting ends.
Try This: Use Metaphors Like a Leader
1. Mine Your Personal Stories. Ask yourself:
What life experience shaped you?
What moment taught you something enduring?
When did someone say something that changed how you saw the world?
You’re likely sitting on a metaphor that can also change how others see things.
2. Use Metaphors in Tense Situations
Metaphors can soften resistance and reframe challenging moments. Instead of saying “we’re falling behind,” try: “We’re in choppy waters, but the wind is shifting.”
3. Build a Metaphor Library
Start a running list in your notes app or journal. Think of metaphors for growth, leadership, team dynamics, and creativity. Over time, you’ll create your toolkit for high-impact communication.
Final Thought: The Saddle as a Leadership Symbol
I still hear my dad’s voice. Whether I’m on stage, in a client session, or writing a strategy document, his words echo: “Stay in the saddle.”
The bulls might be fear, doubt, pressure, or conflict—but the saddle? That’s presence. Clarity. Courage.
This metaphor—grounded in my roots—reminds me that leadership isn’t about being fearless. It’s about staying on, even when it’s a wild ride. It reminds me of who I am, how far I’ve come, and what really matters.
Key Takeaways:
Metaphors activate the brain and deepen emotional connection.
They simplify complexity and create space for empathy.
Your most powerful metaphors come from your own lived experience.
Use them strategically in leadership, communication, and storytelling.
Above all, stay in the saddle when it gets tough.
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