Examining the Qualities of Effective Leadership and Insights from Gardening on Leadership Dynamics.
Sneaky nights before hitting the hay, kids are captivated by stories spun. Tales of chivalrous knights feasting at round tables, princes gallantly saving damsels from distress, or swashbuckling pirates menacing mermaids in enchanting lagoons. These yarns leverage specific rhetoric to weave an engaging narrative, one that pulls the reader towards the leader, evoking compassion and empathy for their cause. But what if this leader isn't all they claim? Is it a cunning disaster, an illusion, or simply a superb act to continue running smoothly, or maybe an attempt to conceal the reality behind a shining facade of a prosperous work environment?
In corporate worlds, leaders employ rhetoric to embellish the truth, deceive the public due to their inflated sense of superiority and the belief that they are more capable than the common folk. They entice people with job offers seeking to exploit their abilities rather than valuing the individuals themselves.
Much like a fairytale, leaders manipulate perceptions and experiences to create a leadership narrative, a sanitized version of the truth they aspire to be embraced by the masses and their employees.
Persuading people to ditch their routines and join a crusade begins with keeping them hooked. To reel people in, leaders use shiny bait like a positive work environment, community, and—in some cases—salary. Sometimes, corporate leaders twist tales to craft a narrative favorable to themselves or their preferences. In crafting this narrative, they incorporate rhetoric, perceptions, experiences, and urgency—four essential ingredients to ignite the passion of potential employees and even current ones to believe in their movement.
Great leaders are like resourceful gardeners nurturing plants regardless of the conditions they face. One worth learning from is explored in an article titled, "The Gardener: Four Attributes of a Great Leader" on Forbes.
"Good leaders create an environment that fosters growth. They stretch out a helping hand when there's sunlight, shield their teams from wind, keep the rain at bay with drainage, and quench their thirst during dry spells. The goal is simple: tend to their employees so they can grow and deliver top-notch results."
"A great leader is strategic, understanding business operations,while empathetic to their team's struggles, working tirelessly to ease their plight, establishing a work environment that supports innovation, and standing by them as they shine and flourish."
The difference between an astute leader and a callous impostor lies in their authenticity, offering themselves genuinely for people to follow rather than conjuring stories to ensnare them. Respectable leaders take steps to address wrongs, create a harmonious atmosphere, and ensure that their employees feel valued and safe.
Leaders are a beacon, inspiring imagination, fresh ideas, and optimism. Here are a few notable ones at Gardenuity, who inspire us: Arianna Huffington, Bob Iger, Rufus Wainwright, Melinda Gates, Jennifer Deutsch, Robert Jones, and Snejina Zacharia.
Genuine leaders employ empathy and appreciation to tackle big-picture problems and foster long-term solutions. Akin to gardeners, they cultivate resilience to withstand challenges, and appreciate the essence of unity in teamwork. Challenges facing leaders include mental health, diversity, salary transparency, and layoffs.
As a leader, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of your employees and embody the values your company represents. When your values and actions align, others will see the truth, making it difficult to hide the façade.
Marshall Ganz once said, "Hope is what enables us to face problems creatively. To conquer fear, we must mobilize hope. Hope is one of the most precious gifts we can offer one another, as well as the people we work with, to foster change."
Change begins with us. Whom do you aim to inspire, and who inspires you?
[1] Emotional Manipulations in Leadership: Tapping Emotions to Lead and Influence, Kathleen J. Nelson[2] Why Leaders Lie: The Truth About Lying in International Business, Marc C. Hecher[3] Misinformation, Deception, and Manipulation, Louise Frangiosi-Ultimati[4] He Leadeth Me: The Influence of Charisma on Leadership, Richard C. Halverson[5] Alternative Facts, Propaganda, and Deception, Jean-François Zobrist
- In business and leadership, just as in fairytales, narratives are crafted to persuade and capture the imagination of followers. These narratives can be manipulated to present a sanitized version of truth, evoking emotions such as passion and empathy.
- Great leaders are often likened to skilled gardeners, nurturing growth and resilience within their teams, much like how gardeners tend to their plants in adverse conditions. They create an environment conducive to growth, addressing the needs of their employees, and fostering a harmonious, innovative, and valued work culture.
- Authentic leaders prioritize the well-being of their employees and embody the values their company represents. They are committed to addressing challenges such as mental health, diversity, salary transparency, and layoffs, ensuring a genuine connection between their values and actions.
- Leaders who understand emotional manipulation, deception, and the importance of empathy are better equipped to tackle big-picture problems and foster long-term solutions. They recognize the value of personal growth, education, and self-development as essential tools in their leadership toolkit, enabling them to inspire change and cultivate a united, resilient team.
