As a plant gardener, an important component to creating a spectacular thriving garden is to tend it.  You don’t just plant and forget about it as it will shrivel and die.  A garden needs your effort, thought, love and presence.

So, let’s talk about tending your People Garden!

EFFORT
(conscious exertion, the total work done to achieve a particular end)

It doesn’t matter whether you are working from a blank slate or tackling something wild and overgrown, you must put forth the effort to create an appealing and edifying garden.  There will be days that you feel like you are working with a ball and chain attached to you and then other days when everything is easy and flowing well. You MUST show up, every day and give your energy to your People Garden. That means doing the hard stuff when you don’t feel like it. Focus your energy on fulfilling the vision you have created and don’t forget patience as People Gardens take years to mature.

THOUGHT
(an individual product of thinking, a developed intention or plan)

Your People Garden will not create itself.  It won’t water, fertilize, prune or transplant itself.  Take time to think so that you generate thoughts that can be turned into actions. Think about your People and what they may need to become vibrant and happy. Consider how you can grow and develop to become a more knowledgeable effective gardener.

LOVE
(warm attachment, unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of others)

For years this beautiful warm emotion as been maligned in the workplace as something weak and out of place.  I contend that we need more love and connection in the workplace to create an environment where People Gardens flourish and produce spectacularly. Open your heart and share it with each person and watch them transform before your eyes.

PRESENCE
(the condition of being present, a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness)

Tend your People Garden by walking around, chatting at the cooler, solving problems, inviting questions, these all contribute to earning their trust. They need to SEE you, so be visible.  They need to FEEL you, so develop your presence. They need to HEAR you, so have public dialogue.  They need to BELIEVE IN you, so serve them.

Learn to love tending your People Garden…it WILL make a difference!