Lessons from the Olympics

I spent a full, jam-packed day in Vancouver on Saturday and loved every minute of it. Like many others, I had been watching the various Olympic events on TV and as I looked at the sea of red filling the streets of my old home town, it occurred to me that a visit to Vancouver was in order. I no longer wanted to be a spectator but a participant, right there, in amongst everything, with everyone, making a noise and wearing red of course. So a quick glance in my appointment book and consultations with family members led to a trip to "Olympic land'.
As I live in Victoria (#YYJ)I had to take a boat. The 7 am ferry was packed and the party atmosphere was in full swing. Sleepy people? Drowsy? Not a hint. They were wide awake and ready for fun - just like us. Some had gone just a big further than us and were sporting home made "curling stones" for hats, but without a doubt 'RED' was the colour of the day! After the ferry docked, we walked off with the hundreds of others and hopped one of the long line of the buses waiting for us. Then we connected to the Translink train which whisked us to the waterfront station - where we saw the Olympic torch - all in under an hour. What a sight. Nothing on TV could compare with being there. After we'd taken our photos, we walked to Robson Street and saw people flying overhead on the zip line, watched the skaters, then strolled to various venues around town soaking up the entertainment, music and large screen shows of in-the-moment-competitions - while we waited in line ups. We took the bus to Granville Island, rode the bombardier train and finally reversed our out-bound trip back to the ferry. On the way home my grandson (15) said, "I wish we could have stayed longer", (this was from someone who wasn't keen to go in the first place). So what did I learn from this trip that resonated so strongly?
First, life's more fun if you're part of the party so whenever you can stop being a spectator. So join in - seize the moment and go for it.
Second, talk to strangers, you'll be amazed and how much they like it and talk back with you. That's how friendships are formed.
Third,you don't need long drawn out plans in order to have fun. Be spontaneous once in a while. Just go! Now! Right away!
Finally, show your enthusiasm, let your hair down, dress up, clap, cheer, show you care, it's infectious.
My day in Vancouver was worth every moment and apart from the ferry trip and bus pass, it cost nothing to participate in all of the entertainment - Zip. Zilch.

Gardening and Leading

Gardening and Leading? I expect you're wondering what the possible connection could be. It came to me as I was puttering outside today, that the effort I put in last year in beginning to show - now! Much like leadership! I took great pains in the spring last year to add a top dressing of top quality fertilizer so my seeds would germinate and thrive. All summer long I watered, mulched, weeded and staked and the summer display of flowers, fruits and vegetables was astounding. I filled humming bird feeders, topped up the bird bath with fresh water and sat down occasionally to enjoy the beauty around me and in June I invited friends and family to a garden party to enjoy it all. Then in the fall I pruned, raked up leaves, cut back dead flowers and turned the pile of compost so I'd have some rich soil for my tubs and planters this spring. So now, here I am in February, looking at the Snowdrop, Peony and Helebore shoots poking through the soil, the birds emerging from the hedges to bathe in the small pools, and the fresh new leaves on the various climbers scrambling up the walls. Today I spent some time hoeing to remove small weeds before they got established and cause a big problem. This 'work' (actually enjoyment) is because I care. I want the end result to be spectacular, to give me satisfaction, to reap the rewards of my efforts.
Leadership is much the same. I have to care. I have to realise that my efforts will make a difference, small things add up and pay off - later. First, I need to prepare the environment for my employees to thrive (a healthy dose of optimism). I need to 'weed out' obstacles, provide 'stakes' to support them when they need my help. I need to pay attention, to tend to things as they become apparent before they become a major problem. As a leader I have to make sure the environment around my emplyoyees is healthy and safe (no pesticides or loose paving stones). If I do all of those things, regularly and consistently, I will be rewarded - in time - and it may take a while. Not everything in my garden grew to it's full size in one season. Leadership, like gardening, is a long term career, stick with it, do what needs to be done, and you will see the results of your efforts.