I happened across an interesting leadership analogy yesterday from WalktheTalk.com. They are currently featuring a book written by Linda Galindo titled, “Way to Grow.” I have ordered the book because I believe it will provide some very useful information – I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, here is an excerpt from the introduction, and my take on this unique leadership perspective thus far.

“Think of your employees as orchids, daisies, and weeds.

Think of yourself as the gardener whose job it is to nurture them to full bloom.

If you could choose the employees you’d most like to work with every day, would you select:

Orchid employees, who need you to stick close enough to ensure they get just the right amount of – but not too much – sunlight, water, and humidity (read that: directions, feedback, and praise), or else they’ll wither and die?

Daisy employees, who can yield voluminous blooms (excellent work) in a wide range of temperatures (situations), but still need you to check in every now and then to make sure they are getting adequate water, sunlight, and circulation (coaching, feedback, and opportunity)?

Or weed employees, who can fend for themselves in almost any situation, leaving you plenty of time to tend to the needier plants in the garden?

When it’s put to them that way, most managers say they would welcome a garden full of weeds.”

Personally, I’ll take an office full of daisies. I know the author is going to try to convince me that I want weeds, but here’s how I feel about it. Weeds are invasive, unwanted annoyances that can be very difficult to get rid of, but it’s not just that.

I like daisies because even though they require a little maintenance every once in a while, they do offer a lot of beauty in the meantime. They perform well, require very little, and are dependable.

While weeds might be able to withstand anything, they also ignore your desires and have no problem over-stepping their bounds.

We’ve had a few weeds – I always pull them!

We’ve had a few orchids, too – they usually quit!

Right now we have an office full of daisies and are looking for a couple more. I have faith that we’ll find them. If only there was a place one could go to find employees as easily as one can find daisies . . .

Until next time,
Live Joyfully!

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