Garden Thieves and Corporate Larcenists!

In early 2008, Anu and I set out on a quest to find our dream home in Hyderabad. As young couple with a shared vision of creating a haven for us, pets, and a flourishing garden, we made a deliberate choice to forgo the convenience of a penthouse or an apartment and instead opted for the charm and freedom of an independent house.

As we moved in during the peak summer months, our attention quickly turned to developing a beautiful front garden. As avid plant enthusiasts, we understood the significance of thoughtful planning, extensive research, and careful consideration when selecting the perfect plants. With great enthusiasm, we handpicked a diverse array of exquisite flowering plants and shrubs from a nearby plant nursery.

While our work commitments kept us busy, we dedicated time to nurturing our newfound passion. Preparing the soil alone was a meticulous process that spanned a couple of weeks, ensuring it was primed and ready to provide a nourishing environment for our beloved plants. Over the next four months, we meticulously tended to every aspect of our garden, from watering and providing essential nutrients to meticulous weeding, mulching, and expert pruning, and trimming. Every single leaf, stem, and shoot was observed closely, and we reveled in the joy of witnessing their growth and progress.

As the calendar flipped to early November, our diligent efforts and tender care began to bear sweet fruit. The garden we had nurtured with unwavering dedication began to burst forth with the vibrant hues of hibiscus, marigolds, plumerias, and roses. Their budding presence filled the air with a symphony of colors and delicate fragrances. It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment, witnessing the tangible results of our hard work and love for gardening. Each bloom was a testament to our dedication, evoking profound sense of joy and satisfaction.

In our garden, we embraced a philosophy of coexistence with nature. We chose to let the flowers flourish, inviting butterflies and honeybees to dance amidst the petals. It was a delight to witness the harmonious interplay between the delicate pollinators and the blossoms, creating a miniature ecosystem of beauty and life.

However, our happiness was unexpectedly cut short when we noticed a puzzling occurrence in our garden. Every morning, to our dismay, we discovered that our beloved flowers were mysteriously vanishing. The once-vibrant blooms that brought us so much joy was now disappearing, leaving us feeling perplexed, disheartened, and even violated. The intrusion upon our small haven felt like a breach of the natural harmony we had worked so hard to cultivate. It cast a shadow over the tranquility we had once cherished, leaving us with a deep sense of disappointment and sadness.

To unravel this floral mystery, one early morning, as I returned from a walk, I stumbled upon a surprising revelation. It became clear that couple of our neighbors, who frequented the temple at the end of our lane, were the culprits behind the disappearing flowers. They would pluck our blooms violently, intending to offer them to the deities as part of their daily religious practices. I still don’t know if the God’s were blessing them for the stolen flowers.

Discovering the truth brought a mix of emotions. On one hand, we understood their devotion and the cultural significance attached to floral offerings. However, we couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment for the disturbance caused to our carefully nurtured garden. The question lingered in our minds: Why didn't they grow their own flowers for making offerings to their Gods? Why did they choose to take from our garden instead? Sadly, this cycle of flower theft continued for several months, despite our efforts to discourage it by putting up signs and requesting neighbors not to pluck the flowers. We were left feeling perplexed and disheartened.

Eventually, the constant frustration and disappointment took its toll on us. Unable to find a resolution, we made the difficult decision to dismantle the entire garden. It was a heart-wrenching choice, but we felt it was the only way to protect our space and regain a sense of peace.

During that time, we deeply missed the beauty and serenity that the garden had brought to our lives. The absence of flowers and greenery left a void that was difficult to fill. It was a stark reminder of the impact that the actions of others can have on our own cherished endeavors.

For nearly a year, our home stood without the vibrant presence of a garden in front of it. However, the never-give-up spirit within us reignited our passion to rebuild what we had lost. This time, we approached things with a different perspective. Instead of focusing on flowering plants, we decided to plant a variety of hedge Ficus in front of our home. This choice not only provided greenery but also served as a barrier, offering privacy and a sense of enclosure.

Over the next few years, our family expanded with the joyful addition of two Great Danes and the arrival of our son. With their presence, our home became filled with laughter, energy, and an even deeper appreciation for nature. We embarked on the journey of building a garden once again, but this time we made a conscious decision to create it within the confines of our compound walls and inside the house itself.

Almost over a decade later, our home is adorned with plants in every corner. The love for gardening has flourished within us to the extent that now we have lost count of the number of pots we own. As devoted pet parents, we ensured that our dogs learned to coexist harmoniously with the plants, teaching them to respect and appreciate the beauty that surrounded them.

The transformation from the loss of our original garden to the abundance of greenery that now envelops our lives is a testament to our resilience and determination.

Today, as we stroll through our lush indoor and outdoor spaces, we are filled with a profound sense of fulfillment. Our garden has become a reflection of our journey, reminding us of the power of perseverance.

Over the past fifteen years, we have encountered and overcome various attempts by garden thiefs to disrupt our journey of creating a thriving home garden. Interestingly, this experience has drawn parallels with the corporate world, where I have observed and heard stories of corporate larcenists who rob hardworking team members of the fruits of their labor.

In the corporate setting, we have often come across many individuals who are dedicated hustlers, believing in working hard and letting their success speak for itself. However, there are always those lurking in the shadows, seeking opportunities to take credit for the successful outcomes and results of others' hard work. Unfortunately, these corporate larcenists are sometimes celebrated as "smart and articulative" individuals who hog the limelight, while the true hardworking team members seldom get heard or see limelight.

The phrase "work smarter, not harder" has become a common mantra in the corporate world, with leaders often embracing it as the norm. However, they fail to realize that these so-called smart workers often achieve success at the expense of trampling on the efforts of hardworking, focused individuals. This toxic dynamic can lead to the disintegration of great teams, as those who are robbed of opportunities and recognition silently move on, leaving behind a fractured and demoralized environment. By the time someone notices the loss, it’s too late.

To foster a healthy and productive work environment, it is crucial for leaders to identify, recognize, and appreciate the hard work and contributions of individuals. They need to be vigilant and observant, ensuring that credit is given where it is due and providing the necessary support and encouragement for talented hardworking individuals to flourish. By valuing and celebrating the efforts of dedicated hustlers, organizations can retain their best talent and create a culture where everyone's contributions are genuinely valued and celebrated.

Regrettably, it is often the case that the best contributors and great performers choose to leave dream team not because they lack recognition, but because they witness corporate larcenists being recognized and rewarded instead. This loss of talent can have a profound impact on the overall success and effectiveness of an organization.

In conclusion, it is imperative to create an environment that acknowledges and appreciates the hard work and contributions of individuals. Leaders must actively combat the presence of corporate larcenists and ensure that credit is rightfully attributed to those who deserve it. By doing so, organizations can retain their dedicated hustlers, preserve the integrity of their teams, and foster a culture of respect, recognition, and celebration for everyone's achievements.