Oranges and Lemons - More (Coaching) Lessons from the Garden

If you read my last post about coaching and gardening, you’ll know that my citrus experiments have been less than successful. And yet… I’m watching my one orange slowly but surely turn from green, to … orange. I mentioned to my husband Jim today that when it ripens, we’ll have to eat it mindfully and savour the moment. Jim was quick to say, “Just wait. In three years, we’ll have buckets of fruit and we’ll look back on your one green orange nostalgically.” (He also asked if I was going to make a speech before we ate it. Very funny.)

What I love about this is the optimism; a true belief that from little things, big things really do grow. Today I witnessed one of my coachees “turning orange”. A year ago, there was no way this person would have had a courageous conversation with their leader, to talk about their own leadership potential. This week, they have done just that. Sometimes coaching involves reminding; reminding the person how far they have come, the growth they have made, the fact that they are turning orange.

And yes, in three years time, I believe that this person will be yielding more and more fruit. Is it all because of the coaching process? Definitely not. It’s about their personal courage, increasing skill, an uptake in confidence, the willingness to set goals and take action,  AND the coaching process.

So, I continue to watch my orange grow, being attentive, letting it take the time it needs, trusting the process and believing with Jim for greater things. And yes, I might just make a speech before we celebrate the harvest!

If you’re aspiring to leadership or already in leadership, and looking for someone who will listen, question and encourage, contact me at purposefulgrowthcoaching@outlook.com or www.purposefulgrowthcoaching.com.au