Meyer – Part 2

We have a small lemon tree on our back patio that was given to me several years ago by my sister as a birthday gift, which we affectionately call Meyer.  It took about three years before Meyer was able to give us our first lemon.  The next year there were two lemons.  This year, our little lemon tree has eight lemons currently growing on its branches.

Our little lemon tree often reminds me of our own growth as leaders. In the early stages, most of our growth is unseen. We are building deep roots so we can be strong enough to last through changing seasons.  Leaders must also build roots of wisdom through experience in a variety of situations, settings, and groups.  This experience provides a foundation for our leadership decisions and actions.

As we continue grow, our branches have bright green leaves, but the fruit is still missing.  As leaders, we can easily grow impatient during these times.  Our growth is beginning to show, and we feel good about stepping into these leadership roles. Just as leaves are necessary to hold future buds and shelter the fruit once ready to grow, leadership requires growth beyond what is seen by others.  Growth is needed internally to understand our strengths, our authenticity, and our unique leadership.

Eventually, our branches are heavy with fruit, and it is glorious. Our leadership is not only about us, it impacts all those around us.  The most impactful leaders are those who are building more leaders. The fruit of successful leadership is a team of people who are able to lead themselves and others well.

Just as time was needed for our little Meyer to produce lemons, time is needed for leadership growth.  The roots of leadership experience grow roots of wisdom.  Our bright shiny leaves are the result of preparing ourselves inside to hold and protect those in our sphere of influence.  More seasoned leaders have the opportunity to witness the fruits of their leadership when they build flourishing leadership teams.

Where are you in your leadership growth? Whichever stage you find yourself, never stop growing.

[The full story of Meyer the lemon tree is in my book From Striving to Thriving, available now on Amazon, ttps://amzn.to/3GdSP2i]