Gardening is a great metaphor for business; the garden as the business and the gardener as the leader of that business. Gardeners face challenges daily within their garden as does the leader of a business. My hypothesis is that gardeners make the best leaders because the act of gardening develops the skills necessary to become a great leader. Let’s take a closer look at gardening and leadership.
I once heard an experienced gardener comment that “gardening is harder than rocket science”. How can this be I wondered? The more I pondered that thought and experienced the joy and sorrow of gardening, it began to make sense. First, gardeners need a wide range of skills including botany, pathology, entomology, design, planning, patience and finance to name a few. Second, gardeners are also completely at the mercy of mother nature (the ultimate boss) and need to be extremely creative to solve all the challenges that arise. Third, gardeners are also selfless in their willingness to help and teach other gardeners.
Leaders acting like gardeners
Imagine if our leaders acted like gardeners, here is what we would see.
1. Failure would be accepted
Let’s face it, failure is not rewarded, and teams are generally afraid to fail. Even though we all know, that the best lessons are learned from failure. If failure was more accepted, I believe that creativity could be unleashed. Gardener’s understand that failure is inevitable even with intense focus and intervention on a plant. In addition, gardeners learn from their failure and adjust. We need leaders who understand that failure is necessary to grow. Leaders need to let their teams know that they will take the ‘heat’ for failure. Gardeners understand this.
2. Experimentation would be encouraged
Part of the joy in gardening is experimenting. There are endless varieties of flowers and vegetables to plant and grow. While gardeners may have their favorites, experimenting is simply part of a gardener’s nature. There are also endless ways to accomplish the same task in a garden. We need leaders who understand how to experiment and encourage experimentation. Gardeners know how to experiment.
3. Teams would be nurtured
Growing plants doesn’t just happen. Gardeners need to understand a plants requirement for sunlight, soil, watering and how to manage pests and disease. In other words, gardeners need to really understand what their plants need to grow and thrive. We need leaders who understand what their teams need to grow and thrive. Leaders who listen, observe and nurture their teams. Gardeners know how to nurture.
4. Leaders would be 'servants'
Some believe that the best leaders are “servant” leaders. Leaders who make sure that other people’s high priority needs are being served. Gardeners know their plants and the environment have the ultimate control. The role of the gardener is to pay attention and do what is necessary for their plants to thrive. Gardeners are rewarded by a beautiful flower and/or a bountiful harvest. We need leaders who remove barriers and create a sense of community. Gardeners know what it means to serve.
In summary
If leaders acted more like gardeners, organizations would thrive because leaders would cultivate the right motivation and conditions for everyone’s success. What do you think?
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Love this !!! Can I share somehow in LinkIn?
Link to share is available.