Here in the northern hemisphere Spring seems to be finally starting. Things in front on the house are starting to grow. Trees show their tender buds and leaves. Tulips spread their color. I love this time of year.
The awakening of Spring brought to my mind a quote by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos:
"the job of the company leader now is changing fast: You have to think of yourself not as a designer but as a gardener — seeding, nurturing, inspiring, cultivating the ideas coming from below."
I could not agree more! Unfortunately, most structures in organizations are not designed to include people from all levels in conversations that lead to shaping the future.
Communication still tends to be top down, and shaped to tell and instruct rather than to listen and inspire participation. The heart of leadership is creating liberating conversations that effectively cultivate ideas.
As a leader, how can you seed, nurture, inspire, and cultivate ideas coming from below? How can you liberate, expand, and support the thinking, imagination, and talent that lives in your organization?
This Spring, think like a gardener, create liberating conversations, and you will see surprising results.
Remember. . .
The best results happen when the actual strategy, plan, and work starts at the bottom and moves up.
If you don’t have a clue on how to be a gardener, as Amazone’s CEO suggests, or you don’t have a green thumb, call me and I can help. To find out more about my highly personalize coaching program call 302-399-3915 or simply click here.
Photos by: Tony Fischer Photography and Logos Noesis