Finding Your Leadership Presence: Lessons from the Garden

applicable practices barbara schindler conscious leadership leadership skills mindful leadership self leadership

"Present-moment awareness in leadership, like nature itself, can't be rushed - it must be cultivated daily." - Hands planting in a garden. - Empowering Leadership Teams

Every morning, as the sun rises and the dew still clings to the leaves, I find myself drawn to my garden. It's become more than just a space where I grow vegetables and flowers – it's my sanctuary for presence and leadership growth.

As Thich Nhat Hanh wisely notes, "The first step in loving communication is for you to go home to yourself. You take the royal way back to yourself through mindful breathing to touch the joy, the beauty, the wonders of life in and around you."

This journey home to myself begins in early spring, when my hands first touch the cool soil. There's something profound about the act of planting seeds – it's an exercise in hope, patience, and trust. Each seed represents potential, much like the potential we see in those we have the honor to lead.

The garden has become my greatest teacher in presence. You see, you can't rush a tomato to ripen or force a flower to bloom before its time. Nature moves at its own pace, teaching us perhaps one of the most valuable leadership lessons: the importance of being present in the moment rather than constantly rushing toward the future.

When Thich Nhat Hanh speaks about "the practice of being mindful of your breathing helps you go home to yourself in the here and now," I find this truth reflected in my garden. The simple act of tending to plants, of being fully present with them, helps me center myself before engaging in the complex world of leadership.

Why does this matter in leadership? Because our effectiveness as leaders directly correlates with our ability to be present. When we're fully present, we listen better, respond more thoughtfully, and connect more authentically with our teams. It’s impossible to empower others if we're constantly trapped in thoughts of the past or anxiety about the future.

I've found that this natural rhythm – this daily practice of presence – has transformed my approach to leadership. Just as I can't force growth in my garden, I've learned that I can't force growth in my team. Instead, I can create the conditions that nurture growth, provide support when needed, and trust in the natural process of development.

The garden reminds me daily that leadership, like nurturing plants, is about patience, presence, and persistent care. It's about creating the right conditions and then having the wisdom to step back and let growth happen naturally.

As I watch the seasonal cycles in my garden, I'm reminded that everything has its time. Some days are for planting, others for nurturing, and still others for harvesting. The same is true in leadership – knowing when to act and when to wait is an art that nature teaches beautifully.

What's your path to presence? How do you find your way home to yourself? Perhaps it's not a garden for you – maybe it's a morning walk, a moment of meditation, or time spent by the ocean. Whatever your path, I encourage you to find it and follow it faithfully. Your leadership journey depends on it.