Growing and Leading: Lessons from My Mother’s Garden

Since childhood, my home has always been surrounded by green, thanks to my mother’s profound love for plants. My earliest memories are of watching her tend to her garden with the utmost care and attention. To her, plants aren’t just living things—they’re family. Each leaf, each bud, is like a child she nurtures with endless patience. Our home now boasts over 70 plants, thriving thanks to her devotion, and each one holds a story.

My mother’s dedication doesn’t stop at watering them. She goes above and beyond, doing everything possible to revive a dying plant—sometimes even talking to it as though her words might encourage it to keep growing. And amazingly, she’s often successful! I’d say 80% of the time, she manages to bring plants back to life with her gentle, consistent care. 🌿

Her influence doesn’t stop at home. She often gives neighbors tips on how to revive their own plants or encourages them to start small gardens. Gardening, for her, isn’t just a hobby; it’s an act of generosity and a constant reminder of how small acts of care can add up to something beautiful.

Back in childhood, my brother and I learned the hard way not to mess with her plants. Playing ball indoors was one of our favorite pastimes, and if we accidentally hit a plant? Let’s just say my mother had her own way of “disciplining” us with a little swat on the head. Those plants were family, after all! 😂

Over time, I’ve come to understand that gardening isn’t just about making things grow; it’s a form of leadership. Observing my mother has taught me so much about nurturing, patience, and responsibility—traits that are just as essential in life and work as they are in the garden. Here’s how:

• Patience 🌱 – Like any true leader, my mother knows growth doesn’t happen overnight. A seed doesn’t become a flower in a day; it takes time, care, and faith in the process. Similarly, when managing people or projects, a good leader nurtures growth without rushing it. Progress takes time, but with patience, amazing things can happen.

• Adaptability and Problem-Solving 🌼 – Each plant in our garden has its own specific needs. Some crave sunlight, while others thrive in the shade. My mother adjusts her care based on what each plant needs—teaching me that a “one-size-fits-all” approach rarely works. Good managers do the same with their teams, identifying individual strengths and finding the best ways to support each person.

• Consistency and Reliability 🌞 – Just like plants need regular watering, teams and projects require steady attention and follow-through. My mother’s commitment to her plants is a reminder that consistency builds trust and ensures steady growth, whether in a garden or a workplace.

• Empowerment and Fulfillment 🌿 – Watching her plants grow and flourish brings my mother a deep sense of fulfillment. In the same way, there’s nothing quite like seeing the people you’ve nurtured succeed. As leaders, we don’t just set goals—we support and empower others to achieve their own.

• Community Building 🤝 – Through gardening, my mother has built connections within our neighborhood. Gardening has shown me that fostering community is a crucial part of leadership; it’s about bringing people together and creating a space where growth can happen for everyone.

To me, my mother’s garden is more than just a collection of plants. It’s a place where love, dedication, and growth converge. And every time I think about those moments spent in the garden with her, I’m reminded of the profound lessons in life and leadership that come from simple acts of care.

Here’s to the gardens we create, both in our lives and in our work, and the growth they inspire in us all. 🌻💚

P.S. - As a tribute to the inspiration behind these lessons, here’s a picture of my mother surrounded by her beloved plant.