Effective Leaders need to establish their Roots

One of my hobbies is gardening. I dabble with a few vegetables and also spend more and more time cultivating and planting differing types of flowering plants and shrubs. I got my start working with plants over 35 years ago when I worked one summer for the Grounds Crew at Murray State University and I have been hooked ever since.

Cultivating plants requires a few things in order to make sure the plant flourishes. Here is a short list of things I always consider when working with my plants:

1. What environment is best for the plant I have in mind? Do they require sun, shade or other types of attributes?
2. How hardy are the plants? Do they need considerable amounts of water and how prone are they to reappear as a perennial in the climate where we live?
3. How do they appear when they flourish? What types of plants do they work well with?

I see many of the same attributes when I discuss leader development with individuals and firms. Many of the same attributes come into play. Let me share more about how the two area correlate:

1. Leaders need to be in the right environment. Some leaders are better at pioneering opportunities while others are better for "steady state" or settler environments. Putting the right leader in the right environment makes all of the difference.
2. Some leaders are very self sufficient while others need a stronger team to help them flourish. Understanding your strengths as a leader is always a best first step so that you know how to surround yourself with complimentary players to make the team successful.
3. Understanding your strengths and developmental challenges as a leader is also a key attribute to know. As mentioned in point 2, knowing what environment and skills are the best for your success are important. In addition, understanding how the environment will change as your term progresses is important. Some plants fare better with adverse conditions and so too with leaders.

Cultivating and placing leaders in the right situation is important for success. A key part of any leader development process is knowing what environment the leader will flourish in, what support they will need, and what other key support staff are necessary makes all of the difference between success and failure.

Know what your leadership garden will look like before you start sowing the seeds for the coming term. Without this type of strategic thinking, your crop will be less than optimal, and may even fail.

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