Leadership and Communication Skills for Effective Equine Business Operations

Information Literacy

The ability to find, filter, and use information effectively for decision-making.

Relevant Information

Information that directly helps answer a specific question or issue.

Valid Information

Information that is accurate, current, and based on credible sources.

Primary Sources

Original evidence or firsthand accounts, such as feed labels or veterinarian treatment plans.

Secondary Sources

Interpretations or summaries of primary sources, like textbooks and extension articles.

Tertiary Sources

Quick overviews or general information, such as web articles or social media posts.

Triangulation

Collecting information from at least two independent sources to ensure credibility.

Active Listening

Listening to understand rather than just to reply, involving reflecting and clarifying.

Closed-loop Communication

Asking the recipient to repeat directions to confirm understanding.

Verbal Communication

The spoken word choice, tone, and organization used in communication.

Nonverbal Communication

Body language, facial expressions, and gestures that accompany verbal messages.

Professional Tone

A tone that is respectful and matches the level of formality of the situation.

Plain Language

Writing that is clear and understandable on the first reading, avoiding jargon.

Technical Writing

Communication focused on accuracy, clarity, consistency, and objectivity.

Incident Report

A narrative that explains observable details of an event and actions taken.

Objective Writing

Describing observable facts without including personal opinions or assumptions.

Formal Presentation

A structured, planned presentation often documented for meetings or trainings.

Informal Presentation

Everyday communication that adapts quickly to the context without formal structure.

Audience Awareness

Understanding the specific needs and context of the audience when communicating.

Evidence

Data or references that support claims in communication.

Authority

The credentials or qualifications of the author of the information.

Bias/Intent

The underlying purpose of the information, whether to inform or to sell.

Documentation

The practice of keeping written records for verification and accountability.

Citing Sources

Clearly stating where information came from to avoid plagiarism and ensure reliability.

Quality Standard

Criteria that define how the task should be performed correctly.

Expectation Setting

Communicating standards and accountability in the workplace.