The Secret to Great Leadership? Be a Gardener, Not a Builder
I used to think being a great leader meant having all the answers. Boy, was I wrong.
For years, I tried to micromanage my team, planning every detail and directing their every move. I was the builder, and they were my tools. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out so well.
It wasn’t until I nearly burned out (and drove my team to the brink of mutiny) that I stumbled upon a game-changing realization: the best leaders aren’t builders at all. They’re gardeners.
Let me explain why ditching the hard hat for a watering can might just be the best career move you’ll ever make.
Plant the Seeds, Watch Them Grow
Here’s the thing about gardens: you can’t force a flower to bloom. You plant the seed, provide the right conditions, and then… you wait. And watch. And nurture.
The same goes for great ideas and great teams.
Instead of dictating every move, I started planting seeds of inspiration. A thought-provoking question here, a challenging problem there. And you know what? Magic started happening.
People came up with solutions I never would have dreamed of. Projects took on lives of their own. And suddenly, my job got a whole lot more interesting (and a lot less stressful).
Embrace the Acorn Effect
Remember that mighty oak tree in your neighborhood park? It started as a tiny acorn. That’s the power of the Acorn Effect, and it’s your secret weapon as a leader.
Small ideas, given the right nurturing, can grow into something incredible. But here’s the kicker: you don’t need to know exactly what that end result will look like.
Your job? Be curious. Ask questions. Create an environment where those acorns can take root and flourish. Trust me, the results will blow your mind.
The 70/30 Rule: Core Work vs. Seed Planting
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “That sounds great, but I’ve got deadlines to meet and targets to hit!” I hear you. That’s where the 70/30 rule comes in.
Spend 70% of your time focused on core work. Execute well, deliver results, keep the lights on. But that other 30%? That’s your gardening time.
Use it to plant seeds, explore new ideas, and let your team’s creativity run wild. It’s in that 30% where the real magic happens.
Provide Cover Fire, Then Build the Bomb
Here’s a military metaphor for you (because why not mix our gardening analogy with some explosives?). Your core work is your cover fire. It keeps things moving, protects your position, and buys you time.
But while that’s happening, you’re secretly building the bomb – that game-changing innovation that’ll blow the competition out of the water.
Let your team focus on their strengths, their “superpowers” if you will. Create an environment where they feel safe to experiment and take risks. That’s how you go from good to great.
The Power of Emergence
Here’s the tricky part: emergent leadership isn’t always visible. Unlike traditional top-down management, you can’t always see the work until it pays off.
People might think it’s luck when your team suddenly produces something amazing. But you’ll know the truth – it’s the result of patient nurturing and creating the right conditions for success.
Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to see results. Remember, even the mightiest redwood starts as a tiny seed.
Unleash the Superpower Within
Want to know the real secret to being a great leader? It’s believing in your team more than they believe in themselves.
Tell people directly when you see their potential. Help them lean into their strengths. Assume everyone you talk to has something fascinating to offer – because they do.
When you approach leadership this way, you’re not just managing a team. You’re cultivating a forest of potential, where each individual has the chance to grow into something truly spectacular.
The Final Word
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating an environment where the best answers can emerge.
So put down the blueprint and pick up that watering can. Your team – and your career – will thank you for it.