Organisational Behaviour and gardening

So after having done the 100 days of happiness I was pondering on my next project. Suggestions included 100 days of creativity, 100 days of healthy living, 100 days of realism, the next 100 days of happiness... but it either lacked the excitement of something new or it wasn’t something that I would grow with. So after having tossed ideas around I decided to do 100 days of learning.

I keep trying to encourage students (of all ages) around me to become lifelong learners so walking the talk myself makes sense. I read every day, try and learn something new, but I don’t usually record it externally and probably don’t internalise it as much. This is an attempt to do so.

As with other things, tomorrow never comes and I was planning to do this ‘after’ my holidays, (sounded like a chore to myself!) But something happened and I realised today is as good as it can get.

As I was sipping my morning cuppa, I looked out at my balcony. The big Bougainvillea plant always flowers and delights me. However, the rest of the Balcony garden looked sad and worn out. An instant call to my helper rose in my vocal chords... I have told her a million times to dig up the soil, and replant some of the plants. I didn’t call her though; simply mentally harrumphed, and determinedly took my cup out to start the task, all the while mentally shaking my head condescendingly on my helper’s lack of motivation.

I looked at the flower bed properly for the first time. It was dry, uninviting and had old roots sticking out. The task of cleaning it looked daunting and the prospect of putting my feet up, sipping my chai and let status quo, seemed tempting. But I decided to take action and start. It did look big, so I called out to my helper, Develyn, who came out with a knife and a dilapidated old mini hoe to dig up the plant bed. Not the best tools but I was determined to start.

As Develyn and I started digging, we found strong, old roots of the fern plant that Develyn had uprooted and thrown six months ago. The thick roots were still strong and growing without the stems deep in the soil. As we dug deeper we realised that the entire soil was nothing but roots of ferns. No wonder the other plants weren’t growing!

Digging is a reflective process. It takes time, is repetitive, and gives the mind time to think. As I delved further, I realised how well this whole thing related to Organisational Behaviour and Change. I probably knew these before but the gardening showed this with such clarity. I revised some of my leadership lessons as I did the gardening today.

·         Look at the flower bed to understand the tired look of the garden. If the organisation looks tired, employees appear grumpy, tired and complaining, the ‘bed’ needs a change.

·         You need proper tools if change is to be a quick, efficient, process. If not, you need energetic people to continue digging! Proper tools would be my preference!

·         Old roots go very deep even if the apparent plant is gone. New practices may come in but old philosophies root in the organisational system and do not let change happen. Given a chance they will come up again. If change is to be brought, roots have to be dug out; obsolete, wooden or rotten ones discarded without sympathy.

·         Change cannot be delegated. Leaders have to have their hands dirty. I kept delegating the task to Develyn and she kept planting new plants on top of the old roots. She didn’t know better, or wasn’t seeing my vision. Either ways, it did not happen. This morning when she saw me digging the dirt, she joined in with enthusiasm, followed and then went a step further and taught me how to remove thicker roots.

·         Enthusiasm is a must. I kept talking and digging. With every big root we uprooted, my wow’s kept getting a pitch higher- kept Develyn amused and motivated to look for even bigger ones.

·         We collected the roots and finally saw how much space they occupied! Two pots full of soil need to be added to replace the roots. Data collection is important. Helps you see the junk you have occupied and the replacement you need.

·         Shared vision is vital. The digging gave me time to share my vision of the garden with Develyn. She gave her ideas and our vision kept growing and getting modified. We now have a plan... and an enthusiastic Develyn!

·         As I took a break, Micky walked in with his cup. He looked at me amused and said “How curious are you? Your face is full of curiosity at each new root!” Right. That is me. Ms Curiosity. What is this root, is it that of the old fern, or is it some other plant, or is it a gypsy root of the Bougainville plant? I was asking the questions to myself but didn’t realise that my face said it all. I believe curiosity is important. The more you learn about what you come across, the better it helps you in planning the change. There might after all be roots you want to transplant. (I did find a beautiful, green, fresh root of another plant!)

·         We have decided to go to the Nursery to pick up new plants and also ask their gardener for advice. Expert advice is important for any kind of organisational change. If experts are – in house, great! Else bring them in.

·         The soil has to be overhauled. Fresh soil, fresh environment is essential for new growth to take place.

I thought of myself in my organisation. I am an old root. So what would be a lesson for an old root like me?

·         Go deep for nutrition but keep sprouting new and fresh stems. Remain rooted and healthy. Remember - your role is not to twist yourself around old roots but to nurture the plant above. Your role will be visible to the gardener.

·         Do not fear transplant. If you have a choice, choose your gardener/mentor.

And that is my learning for the day. J

Let’s go forth and sprout!