Notice the Condition of Your Garden

Series: The Power of Seeds – Blog #5 of 8

Theme: Awareness and intentional care of your environment and team

Growth is a process.

It doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality.

In the previous blog posts of this series, we talked about preparing the soil, appreciating our garden, and listening to others. Next, we turn to a critical leadership skill: noticing the condition of your garden.

In The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, John Maxwell reminds us that growth doesn't just happen—it’s the result of intentional steps.When I decided I didn’t just want to write about planting seeds, but actually plant real flowers, it required more than good intentions. I had to drive to the store, study the different plants, read about sunlight needs, choose the right flowers, buy the tools, put on gloves, and prepare the soil. Planting was only the beginning. If I want those plants to thrive, I must continually check on their condition.

In the same way, leaders can’t just hire a team and leave them to figure things out. Teachers can’t just welcome students and walk away. Ongoing attention is critical for growth.

Have you paused lately to notice the condition of your garden—your team, your classroom, or even your own mindset?

Why Awareness Matters

Just like gardeners check the soil, leaves, and growth patterns, leaders must regularly observe how their people are doing.

You can’t fix what you don’t notice.

• Are your team members energized or exhausted?

• Hopeful or hesitant?

• Optimistic or overwhelmed?

• Fulfilled or frustrated?

  
  

We must also do a self-check—because a leader’s energy is contagious.Leaders set the tone. If we aren't intentional about guarding our own mindsets, exhaustion and negativity can spread.

Ask yourself:

• What is the vision for my team?

• Am I sharing it clearly and consistently?

• Am I inspiring my team to look toward the future with hope?

• Am I willing to examine myself and ask, What needs to change in me for the team to flourish?

  
  

Awareness is the starting point for improvement.One tool that helps is taking an EQ (emotional intelligence) assessment and developing an intentional growth plan.

Pruning What’s Not Helping

Planting is only the first step—pruning is necessary for long-term growth.

Pruning removes dead or diseased parts of the plant that could hinder healthy development.It’s the same with teams and classrooms.

We won't know what needs pruning unless we intentionally observe the garden.

When I think about unhealthy elements, I use the acronym WEED:

• W – Whining and complaining

• E – Excuses, egos, enmity

• E – (again) Ego-driven behavior, entitlement

• D – Doubt, division, distractions

  
  

Are there people who constantly whine instead of working toward solutions?Are egos clashing and blocking collaboration?Is doubt stalling progress?

Growth requires faith and hope—doubt can kill dreams and momentum.

One tool I love using with teams is the Rose, Thorn, and Bud exercise:

• Rose: What are you proud of?

• Thorn: What challenges have you faced?

• Bud: What are you excited about or hopeful for?

  
  

Personally, I tend to focus on the roses—I prefer optimism. Some have joked that I wear rose-colored glasses!But while roses lift the spirit, ignoring thorns can be dangerous.I once worked with a team member who focused only on thorns, while I focused only on roses and buds. That imbalance eventually caused harm. The thorns were pricking my heart and bleeding trust from the team.

When that person chose to leave, it created a temporary pause—but ultimately, healthier plants grew in their place. Now, I see thorns differently: they’re not only painful—they're opportunities to notice, learn, and adjust.

Pruning Your Speech

In Toastmasters, the Ah-Counter tracks filler words during speeches.My crutch word is “so.” Unfortunately, I still say it—but far less often than before!

While hearing the Ah-Counter’s report can feel painful at first, it’s a gift.Self-awareness is the first step to improvement.Once you know your habits, you can start pruning them intentionally.

The same principle applies to leadership communication:

• Are we watering with positive, clear words?

• Are we encouraging rather than criticizing?

• Are we listening with care?

  
  

When pruning happens with the right context (love, not judgment) and the right motive (growth, not criticism), people thrive.

Nurturing a Healthier Garden

When you notice the garden needs attention, you can create a more positive environment by:

• Watering with encouraging words

• Offering praise before critique

• Implementing listening circles or regular check-ins

• Modeling vulnerability and genuine care

Quote reminder:

“A cheerful heart is good medicine…” — Proverbs 17:22

Remember:The goal isn’t perfection.The goal is consistent care and attention.

Conclusion: Be the Gardener Who Models Care and Consistency

What kind of gardener do you want to be?What kind of leader do you want to be?How do you want to be remembered by the people in your garden?

Don’t leave your team’s growth to chance.Notice and respond to the conditions.Don’t ignore the weeds—pull them up before they choke the flowers.And don’t assume one check-in is enough—care must be consistent.

This week, what’s one thing you can do to notice and improve the condition of your garden?