Think (LEAD) Like a Farmer

I ran across the idea of Leading Like a Farmer from a post on X (Twitter).

Why lead like a farmer? In the book, The Leader Who Had No Title, Robin Sharma writes:

"A leader should be like a farmer because he has patience and trusts the process. He just has the faith and deep understanding that through his daily efforts, the harvest will come. And then one day, almost out of nowhere, it does."

The post, titled Think Like A Farmer, listed 7 things a farmer does to help their crops grow:

1 - Don't shout at the crops.2 - Don't blame the crops for not growing fast enough.3 - Don't uproot crops before they've had the chance to grow.4 - Choose the best soil and environment for the crops.5 - Irrigate and fertilize your crops.6 - Remove the weeds. 7 - Remember you will have good seasons and bad seasons - you can't control the weather - only best prepare for it.

After reading this, I thought about the kids I coach, my own kids, the teams I lead, and how I lead my house.

What do I hope my kids say about me when I'm not around or when they are grown?

I hope that I have created a loving environment filled with hope, joy, and peace. I hope that they understand why I have high expectations for them and that they know and feel the support I have given them to help them achieve those expectations while creating and striving for their own goals.

I still yell (probably too much), but I'll try to do better. I'll recognize that they will grow at their own pace, and I will recognize my role in that process. Then they fail to do something, I will make sure that I have done all I can to help them. I will make sure that the environment I create is the best environment for learning and growing. I will fill their buckets, help them recognize and know how to remove the weeds in their lives, and help them remember that The Hero's Journey is a never-ending series of ups and downs and to enjoy the ride!