I got outside today.
Yellow daffodils and purple hyacinths rocked in a gentle breeze. The evergreens’ sap is up and it’s a muddy mess on the north-facing slopes. Early-blooming fruit trees are covered in clouds of white petals.
In other words, it’s spring in my part of the world.
Power of Seasons
After a time of dormancy, life reawakens and it’s beautiful.
We don’t always like the dormant periods. They can be cold and lifeless. It can feel like things are dead and will never change.
But they do.
Without the dormant times of rest and renewal, the trees would not fruit, the flowers would not bloom.
Leadership Seasons
Are you paying attention to your seasons?
Is this a time of growth or productivity for you? A time of rest and renewal? A time to prune and clean? A time to learn?
How about your team?
Are they in a time of triumph, tribulation, renewal, re-formation, study and problem solving, taking stock, or taking aim?
Listen
Effective leaders are aware of their own seasons and the seasons of their teams. They work within these seasons; they don’t fight them.
You would not force an apple tree’s blossoms open – you would ensure it had adequate sun, water, and nutrients in the soil. Then it will bloom and fruit.
But sometimes we force ourselves and our teams out of season.
We can push when we should rest. Or rest when we should study. Or move when we should question. Or question when it’s time to act.
Learn the Seasons
Learning your own seasons and the seasons of your teams takes time, intentional observation, and reflection.
As you learn those seasons, pay attention to what is needed in each.
- If someone needs to learn, train them.
- If they need to rest, help them.
- If they need confidence, encourage them.
- If they need to act, give them an opportunity.
- If they need to reflect, ask good questions.
But more important than anything: be sure to do these things for yourself.
You cannot provide for others what you do not provide for yourself.
Happy Spring!
You May Like:
- How to Lead Teams Accustomed to Different Styles
- Can’t Keep Up? Simplify Your Leadership
- How to Lead When You Can’t
- Four Key Practices for Every Organizational Leader
- A $15 Mistake Worth a Fortune
Take care,
David M. Dye
(Photo by ashokboghani)
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I share twenty years experience teaching, coaching, leading, and managing in youth service, education advocacy, city governance, and faith-based nonprofits. I currently serve as Chief Operating Officer for Colorado UpLift and enjoy helping others discover and realize their own potential.
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Book David today for your event, workshop, or training: david@trailblazeinc.com or 1.800.972.582
