Spring always feels like a time of new beginnings, with leaves popping out on the trees and flowers starting to bloom. It’s refreshing to see life after a long period of snow, brown grass, and gloomy skies. There’s excitement as we enter a new period of growth.
In nature, this new period of growth happens on its own, and we can watch the calendar to determine when it might begin. It actually takes little effort from us, other than preparing our homes and yards for the growth ahead.
In leadership, there are lessons we can learn from nature about new growth and new beginnings. For example, we can recognize that there are regular periods of growth—times each year when we should focus on what’s next for our team. Also, when things aren’t going well, it’s a time to clear the way for new growth, just like cleaning out your gardens and flower beds. We may need to consider what actions to continue, stop or start doing. Making wise decisions about each is important if we are to enter a season of growth.
Another lesson from nature is that good, productive growth requires planning and strategy. For instance, sometimes plants grow too close together, weakening both plants and depleting the soil of nutrients. Instead, infusing the soil with fertilizer provides much-needed strength for the plants to grow well and be sustained.
As leaders, we need to infuse our culture and team members with nutrients to stay healthy and vibrant. These nutrients include clear feedback, new challenges to grow, good communication, and a positive attitude towards events outside our control. Not everything we experience is what we would choose, but our response can have a profound impact on the results.
Looking for growth opportunities is as vital as a gardener or farmer searching for growth from the seeds they planted. Over the weekend, I found a hyacinth that had come up from bulbs I planted some time ago. I was amazed that it bloomed, but if I hadn’t been out looking at my flower beds, I would have missed it altogether. Leaders need to consistently look for opportunities for new growth and beginnings!
