Cultivating Leadership - Getting to the Root of Growing

By Derrick Mueller3

In a time where the workplace has changed and become so fast-paced, it is now more than ever important to realize the resources and potential we have in those we work with. If you are among the expanding numbers of Canadians who have chosen self-employment, it is important to be aware of the small business rules that can help you safely negotiate a minefield of taxes and other penalties. This knowledge can lead you into the promised land of keeping the most of what you earn. Here are some important small business rules you need to know for a sole proprietorship.

If we truly want to be successful, productive and effective as a business or organization then we need to see our people more than a means to an end but as a resource. For I believe we are only as good as our people, and excellence is achieved through investment, and investment in this case is people. I know I am a leader today because of the many mentors and coaches who took time and believed in me. They influenced my life and gave input and guidance to my leadership journey.

Borrowing from various leadership theories, I have developed a philosophy and attitude of leadership, which is transferable to all aspects of our life called the Amaryllis Way. In my book The Amaryllis Way, I share a parable about a failing manager who learns the hard lessons of leadership from a mentor and coach through the practice of gardening and turns his philosophy of working with others around in the process. The book has been a tool to bring sparkle, hope, encouragement and new direction for those who want to revolutionize their workplace. Using horticultural metaphors, growing people the Amaryllis Way is compared to growing plants. Growing leaders does not begin by taking a course, or taking a bunch of principles and forcing them on people. I believe true leadership begins in serving and acknowledging the talents and gifts of others.

To truly appreciate the concept you must understand some of its rich embedded meanings. Originally from the Greek meaning to sparkle it has developed several nuances over 2,000 years and has been used by classical writers, poets and botanists alike. First, amaryllis has a caring and managing theme as part of its core. The Latin word is the name given to a female shepherdess. A shepherd guards, nurtures, manages and tends the sheep. Second, the amaryllis can be a flowering plant that comes from a bulb–not just a little bulb, but one the size of a baseball. A bulb is a complete plant just waiting to be nurtured; it represents potential to be nurtured. The flower is beautiful and captivating just like any one who reaches their potential in an organization. Finally, amaryllis has its root in the French word meaning love. It can be likened to the attitude we engage others. As a leader we want to approach all situations in an attitude of love and care. To add life or sparkle to our work context we must use the essence of all aspects and meanings of amaryllis and intentionally shepherd potential in love.

The Amaryllis model gives new direction to working with people. It is an attitude that seeks to bear fruit in our actions. Borrowing from the basics of gardening and traditional leadership theories we come to realize that leadership development is a process that can be summed up in eight key words- picture, plan, plow, plant, protect, prune, pollinate and propagate. The model gives a framework and even a practical leadership philosophy for parenting, community work, leading teams, working with customers, board relations and human resource management.

The first stage of growth involves envisioning change through picturing and planning. Growing personally, in our businesses and in our families begins with a picture of what can be. That is the dream, the big idea, the preferred reality or vision of what we would like to do. Planning precedes the picture stage, in that it maps out the steps necessary to achieving the big picture. Planning is your road map to success. It breaks down your mission into measurable steps. It involves people who are willing to be starters. Picture and planning help envision possible change.

The second stage of growth involves initiating change through plowing and planting. Plowing is all the preparation, training and coaching necessary to achieve the preferred picture. We plow with an expectation of growth. Plowing makes ready the ground. Farmers just don’t plow they also plant. Planting requires the presence of a seed. Those who sow generously reap generously. Whether at work or at home, we will reap what we sow. What we as leaders plant, we will harvest. Ask yourself what do you want to harvest in your work context. Plowing and planting help us initiate change.

The third stage of growth involves managing change through protecting and pruning. To protect is to insure an environment where people can grow. It supports, cares and advocates for those you lead. As leaders we provide an atmosphere and culture where people feel safe. Pruning goes the next step and gives direct hands-on input and evaluation into the other’s life and performance. Pruning encourages and reshapes growth. Protecting and pruning helps manage and sustain change in our professional or personal lives.

The final stage of growth involves actualizing change through pollinating and propagating. Pollinating is a collaborative approach to accomplishing tasks and developing personnel. It is about otherness and the power of working together through teams. It involves networking, interacting and focusing on people rather than task. Propagating is all about the outcome; it is about multiplication and reproduction. It is about bearing good fruit and achieving results. Great leaders produce fruit! Pollinating and propagating help actualize and multiply change.

The Amaryllis Way is a more than a philosophy of leadership – it is an attitude and philosophy that promises to add sparkle to your organization. It has the potential to transform your workplace and revitalize your marriage, your relationships and your community. It is the legacy of developing others who develop others. The Amaryllis leader sees each person like a bulb, full of potential, and seeks to guide him or her like a shepherd in an attitude of love. It is an outgrowth of envisioning, initiating, managing, and actualizing change in others. Great leaders purposely and strategically engage in leadership development, because they believe they’re only as effective as their people. Go in a new direction and revolutionize your workplace and give true life to your people by believing in them.

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