Leadership is…

Leadership is like gardening.

Leading a healthy life or leading others well is much like gardening. While visiting my parents in Arizona, I had the opportunity to plant three Red Tips (a bush-like plant). I’ve always enjoyed gardening and well-designed landscapes. It’s therapeutic while also useful for learning about life and leadership.

Below is an example of how gardening provides lessons on leadership:

Plant in the Right Place

Plant in the right place (sun and/or shade exposure and in the correct region of the country) = do everything you can to make sure the new team member is fit for the job (experience, temperament, skill sets, life situation, etc.). Therefore, just like in gardening, positioning matters in leadership. The environment must be right for growth.

Dig the Hole Big Enough

Dig the hole big enough so roots can easily establish themselves = Do everything you can to remove obstacles from new team members (familiarize them with everything and everyone, and be generous in every way possible). In other words, gives people the space they need to grow and adapt. It pays off in the long run.

Water Appropriately

Water appropriately. Too much or too little water can damage and even kill the plant = every leader must adapt their style to the individual to be most effective. Some team members thrive with detailed instructions and management oversight, while others enjoy a little more room to work independently. We usually call this micromanagement or hands-off management, and both extremes are usually counterproductive.

Fertilize Thoughtfully

Fertilizing appropriately. Most soils are unable to provide all the nutrients required by the plant, so occasional fertilization keeps them fresh and healthy = Time away for off-site learning experiences, bonuses, perks, vacations, etc., keeps team members learning, growing, and rested. As in gardening, regular boosts help sustain healthy development over time.

Weed Regularly

 Weeding keeps the garden beautiful and should never be a huge chore if it’s done daily or weekly = Keeping accountability on a daily or weekly basis (praise, coaching, and correction) goes a long way in preventing the huge “sit-down” summit from happening. Try to weed daily… It’s better for everyone. You’ll be surprised how little there is to do when you make it a habit!

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