Soul/spirit can only be visible in context. Like natural gas which cannot be seen until it is lit, soul burns bright when it’s flush with enthusiasm and excitement, when it is being listened to deeply by people who matter most. Soul blossoms when given opportunity for meaningful contribution, innovation, and learning. It retreats in environments where trust is absent, where politics take precedence over performance, where positional privilege takes most of gain and little of pain connected with restructuring.

Uncovering soul, therefore, means examining both behaviors and systems within an organization. Is there congruency between what is said and what is practiced? Are people invited to participate and then ignored when they do? Does organization preach empowerment but then require multiple sign-offs before action takes place? Do managers claim to have an open-door policy but then respond in anger when they hear something they don’t like? These are just some of questions which, when honestly answered, can indicate if there’s breathing space for soul.

Engaging human spirit is softer side of business. But without “software” of soul/spirit, you’ll never truly engage mindware. And that’s what ultimately creates competitive edge for future.

© 2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.

4.Plant seeds and give space to sowers. A green thumb leader knows that it is only through dialogue that ideas can sprout and take root. Instead of jealously guarding “my ideas, my client, my territory”, a leader with an eye toward growing a garden takes no ownership but rather seeks to find which seeds have merit. Like biblical passage, some seeds will whither on rocks or find little moisture in shallow soil. But others will be carried to places where they flourish. As for giving space to sewer, consider my vagabond tomato plant. In like fashion, where are unexpected opportunities that can spring up if allowed to flourish? When newcomers bring ideas from other industries and businesses, are they welcomed or are they rooted out because “that’s not how we do things here”.

5.Feed different plants differently. Not every plant is fed same thing, yet all plants must eat. My roses need a systemic for rust and mildew, along with a topical spray. My oranges just need some citrus fertilizer every now and then. A green thumb leader understands truism that “nothing is so unequal as equal treatment of unequals”. Just as each voice has its own unique sonogram, each employee, associate, stakeholder needs a unique blend of “food”. For some, it’s “numbers”. “Give me numbers and I thrive.” For many, it’s opportunity to learn and advance in knowledge. For others, it’s engaging nature of work itself that offers fulfillment. One size does not fit all.

6.Weeding is backbreaking work. A hula hoe alone will not suffice. It was not enough to turn over soil and think that I had emptied my garden of weeds. In fact, because I didn’t bend over and get close enough to ground, I picked up only surface “weeds”. What I really had managed to do was to churn stronger ones into a hiding place where they surfaced stronger and more invasive then ever. A green thumb leader hates this part of task. It means fact-finding. Accountability. And time. Not everything that is “green” belongs in my garden. Not every associate belongs with you. In fact, firing customers at times can also be healthiest long-term fertilizer for a vibrant business.

7.Take time to stop and smell roses. I can get so overwhelmed with “work” of my garden that I forget why I planted it. Just sitting by side of garden, watching my neighbors’ delight when I deliver bouquets to their doors, or smelling fragrance in evening are all reminders I need. Why have you planted your “garden”? Are there people who delight in work of your hands? What is aroma that lingers after you have turned off lights for night?

Here’s wishing green thumbs for all of us.

© 2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.