Nature and Leadership - The Clivia

While on a road trip to the Eastern Cape in the early 1990’s I discovered a perennial plant which has fascinated me ever since. As we walked through the Tsitsikamma National Park en route to view the “Big Tree” I was surprised by a splash of colour amidst a sea of green. It was late Winter and there was no other colour in the dark forest. Trees towered over 30 meters above us, the equivalent of a 12 storey building.

As I approached the mass of luminous orange bouquets, the detail of each flower amazed me. In the forest were the most beautiful flowers growing in the shade of the tall trees. The flowers were supported by a long flat stem which extended from the plant base. Dark emerald green strap-like leaves layered on each other. The plants were growing in the shade with only glimmers of light which managed to filter though the canopy of trees. What I had discovered was the infamous “Bush or Natal Lily”, also known as the Clivia Miniata and the colour was intoxicating. Samples of these Clivias are visible in the images shown above.

The Clivia Genus was apparently discovered by William Burchel, around 1813. Clivias are indigenous to South Africa and at that stage were not found anywhere else in the world. William was an English naturalist, traveler, artist and author.

Why the long introduction? As a leadership coach I learn so much from nature. I am of the opinion that when I share these metaphors we learn valuable lessons and produce better leaders. Here are a few lessons that Clivias have taught me:

1. Understand their requirements.

I soon learnt that when I plant a Clivia in direct sunlight the leaves burn and growth is slow. They need dark or shaded areas. We need to understand everyone in our team and ensure we “plant “ them in an environment where they can thrive. How well do you know your team members?

2. Working together

The best displays of Clivias I have seen is where at least five if not more plants are grouped together. The display is even better when the group consists of a mix of young and mature plants. When you separate the plants you can see how integrated they are. They support each other although at some stage it can become over crowded! Does your team work together or are they battling on their own?

3. Treat them well

Clivias, which are cared for and pollinated, will produce a berry which can be used to propagate new plants for many generations. Healthy plants produce offsets. These shoots grow like children from the base of the plant. When separated they can be potted and passed on. If you look after your Clivias they will continue to produce other plants for many years. How well are you treating your team members? Can you confidently pass them on to other teams?

4. Return on Investment (ROI)

ROI is a well-known financial term which helps us evaluate the efficiency and profitability of an investment. It is important that we understand how well what we put in performs, is there a good return? Clivias can generate a lucrative income. Did you know that there are Clivia shows, auctions and facebook groups? A three year-old Clivia plant can be sold for R 100! The most paid for a Clivia in South Africa was R 100 000 at the 2019 Newcastle Clivia Show. What return are your employees giving; are they giving of their best? If not, you need to re-evaluate your leadership skills.

Nature can and does look after itself as we see in the forests where Clivias grow wild. When we look after them in a garden and emulate the conditions found in the forest, the plants provide a very good Return on Investment. Our employees are the same. How are you looking after your employees?

Read past letters here. ?