By Sondra Calhoun
My husband and I celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary recently. He bought me 2 dozen red roses that were absolutely gorgeous with their deep red color, intricate layers of pedals, and fragrance of freshness. You could tell they were grown with such care and intentionality which allowed them to reach their ultimate beauty. I was curious about what it takes to achieve such grandiosity and looked up on the internet, “how to grow healthy roses." It took me by surprise when I found that growing healthy roses is very similar to how leaders can grow healthy employees.
Steps for growing healthy roses, and healthy employees:
1. "Choose wisely – Do your research. Different roses flourish in different climates and soils."
Not all potential employees will align with your culture, the industry, or the expectations you will have of them. Take the time you need to get to know them and their goals. Is what is important to your organization or the role in line with what is important to them? Do they demonstrate the competencies and values that will support their success with you?
2. "Give them what they need – Adequate water and sunlight are critical for flowers to fight off disease and insects."
Employees are more likely to thrive if they are given clear expectations, frequent observations, and the opportunity to give account for the work they are doing, is foundational for success.
3. "Prune them for structure - Allowing more light and air into the center of the plant will create an environment that is strong and resilient."
Employees must have the opportunity to breathe and shine. Give them the freedom to learn, experiment, make mistakes, take on new assignments, and stretch themselves.
4. "Keep a tidy garden - Eliminating dead, dying and diseased plants and plant parts from your garden will help keep it healthy."
Employees who are not growing, adding value, or learning will frustrate those who desire to excel and are performing. If the poor performers are not dealt with, your strong employees will eventually decide to go somewhere where they can be supported and challenged by those they work with.
These lessons for a healthy garden will help you have a healthy culture with high performing employees.
“Tips for Growing Healthy Roses,” by Shelley Gaskins, Horticulturist, https://gardens.si.edu/learn/blog/tips-for-growing-healthy-roses/