The Gardener & The Greenhouse

Sometimes leadership lessons show up where you least expect them, like standing in the middle of a greenhouse full of hanging flower baskets.

This family farm is run by three generations, with two large greenhouses full of rows and rows of gorgeous hanging flower baskets. One of the women was walking the rows, carefully choosing specific baskets to move to the other greenhouse.

She stopped to chat with me and explained that they rotate the plants between the “cooler” and “hotter” greenhouses so they can keep blooming the longest. Some of the more mature plants had been moved outside altogether, lined up and waiting to be picked by buyers.

The whole process reminded me of how leadership, parenting, and caregiving are all versions of being gardeners. The greenhouse is where roots begin. It’s where plants get the light, care, and protection they need before they are strong enough to face the elements outside.

Leaders, parents, and caregivers have this unique responsibility in common. In these roles, we are responsible for making sure those we lead, love, and care for have the time and environment to learn how to survive (and hopefully thrive) on their own.

Once they have what they need; training, resources, encouragement, support, and light, it becomes time for them to be planted where they can reach their full potential.

But there is also a time to realize when you need tending to as well.

Just as this family farm rotates their plants, they also rotate responsibilities so no one gets burned out. In talking with them, I learned the grandmother is stepping back from being the main caregiver inside the greenhouse. It had become clear that it was time for her to receive some nourishment, too.

So here are the real questions:

• Are you helping people grow roots, or are you keeping them in the greenhouse too long?

• And just as important; when was the last time you let yourself step back inside the greenhouse for care of your own?

Sometimes we are the gardener. Sometimes we are the one needing care.

Wisdom is knowing which season you’re in.

And if you’re not

sure, sometimes all it takes is one honest conversation to help you see what needs tending next.