Great Leaders Plant Seeds
Great Leaders Plant Seeds
Plant the seeds of ideas in the minds of future leaders. Not all seeds germinate, but some will. As with the farmer, have patience and be persistent in your efforts.
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” — Harvey S. Firestone
Great leadership is like farming.
Soil is cultivated. Seeds are planted and tended. Crops are harvested. Each season presents its own difficulties. A rich harvest is never guaranteed.
Cultivate the soil.
Soil must be cultivated before planting to provide a rich source of nutrients. Without good soil, the object of your care will not gain the strength it needs to endure harsh summer days.
Plant seeds in even measure.
Seeds must be planted regularly. And each seed must be given wide berth to grow. The farmer knows some growing seasons are better than others. But every bountiful harvest requires planting.
Tend to the fields.
Planting seeds in rich soil is only the beginning. Each seed must be tended regularly. Nature can be unkind, particularly when the seed sprouts. It is vulnerable... subject to weeds, pests and predators alike.
Harvest the crop.
Timing is key when harvesting. What is grown must be allowed to ripen. But an early frost can destroy the entire crop. The wise farmer pays careful attention and knows the signs.
The field is a person.
The soil is potential.
The seeds are ideas.
To tend is to cultivate growth from potential.
To harvest is to reap the bounty.
Great leaders plant seeds knowing they require time to take root and grow. Not every season yields a rich harvest. Not every field produces a healthy crop. And yet leaders persist. For no harvest worth reaping is achieved in a day.
If you want to be a great leader, tend your fields as every great farmer does.
🤔 Food for Thought:
Are you cultivating the soil?
Are you planting seeds with equal measure?
Are you tending your fields?
What harvest have you reaped?
⚙️ One Small Step:
Being a great leader requires patience, persistence and a love for others. Your well-being depends on their growth. Since you never know what seeds will germinate, spread them freely in soil you regularly cultivate and tend. Some will provide a rich harvest.