Leadership Notes -- Thoughts on Leading People and Making a Difference in Organizations

Word count this issue: 263

Estimated reading time:  1.5 minutes

I was in a conversation with a friend and colleague, Olivia McIvor a couple of weeks ago. (www.oliviamcivor.com) We were talking about being entrepreneurs and I mentioned a phrase that another entrepreneur had shared with me: “eating what you kill.” The phrase refers to earning income from the work that you do, not someone else.

Olivia’s response was quick. She said, “I prefer ‘eating what I plant.’”

It struck me that her phrasing was far deeper and much closer to the work of leaders as well as entrepreneurs. Being a success at either leadership or owning your own business requires the patience of a farmer. While hunting also requires patience, the length of time between planting and harvest is much longer. Being a success as either leading or owning your own business requires the nurturing skills of a farmer, to know that what you plant requires care and protection if it is to grow in to its full potential. Being a success at either leadership or entrepreneurship requires the local knowledge of a farmer, caring for the environment in which you work; looking after the groundwork and the diversity of the area, including doing some weeding every now and then. You cannot expect to be successful by parachuting in, firing a couple of rounds, and heading back home! 

For this week, what seeds have you planted? Which require your attention, which can be left alone, and which are ready for harvest?