Spring is here and many of us are working in our gardens.
Just as we tend to the care and growth of our gardens, we are also responsible for nurturing and developing our people and organizations.
In the garden of leading, I have observed two types of leaders: Gardeners and landscapers.
Gardeners are in the weeds. They often feel overwhelmed because they are focusing on too many issues and taking on too many things. They like to be in control. Delegation, letting go and trusting team members are challenges. They are exhausted.
Landscapers, on the other hand, focus on the big picture. They are strategists and look at the whole environment. They choose the plants (team members) that will grow well together and generate the desired outcome. They create culture, set vision and provide appropriate nutrients for others to grow and develop.
To be an effective landscaper, a leader must do five things:
- Articulate a clear vision and expectations
- Assemble a strong team
- Extend trust and let go
- Communicate often
- Reassess
Becoming a landscape leader takes a shift in mindset. Teams grow to their potential when the environment supports them and they have room to grow.