Our greenhouse has gotten a little beat up this Winter. We are not used to below freezing temperatures for any sustained periods, and we have had multiple days in a row this month. We had a hard time getting out there, so I was worried that everything inside was too dry and cold. I went inside today and saw these buds on one of my favorite succulents. It reminded me that the hope of the next season springs eternal. Without having to do anything at all Spring will be here soon.
These buds reminded me that time marches forward, whether we are paying attention or not. Mother Nature has a plan and we do not have to participate in any way in order for it to be successful. In fact sometimes it all works better if we don’t get involved, or try to control things, or come up with a better way to do things. Simply by leaving nature to it’s own devices the world will get along fine. I do not need to do anything, simply let the cycle of life take care of itself and Spring will arrive in full bloom.
How does it make you feel when you realize someone or something does not need you in any way to be successful? It’s a powerful thing to not be needed. To have led the group or project or plan such that everyone knows what to do. It means expectations are understood, people are confident and comfortable in their roles, and it means you are truly leading. Leadership doesn’t mean you always have to be in charge; the best leaders know when they can step aside and let their people do it without them. Great leaders know when to let their people win or lose, learn or fail all on their own AND let them be accountable for whichever way it goes. My best life lessons are the times I failed miserably and had no one to blame but myself.
What if you leave people alone this week and let them do it by themselves? That means you have to find something else to do, and NOT be in control. It also means you will have time to do something else on your list while things get done without you. Just like Spring, things will get done and all will arrive without your involvement…and probably one better than you could have imagined.
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