Plant care and leadership are both about understanding and meeting individual needs

Leadership and plant care might seem worlds apart, but they actually share a lot in common. Both require a deep understanding of individual needs – and the ability to adapt in order for people (or plants) to truly thrive. To some, this might sound trivial. But for others, the idea that “we don’t all fit into the same box” hasn’t quite sunk in yet. That’s why we find it necessary to spell it out – using a strong leader-vs-plant metaphor.

I get it – you might not be a plant lover. But I promise, all this greenery leads to a very real and important point about leadership. So bear with me.

It’s widely known that a plant won’t thrive – and will eventually die – if it doesn’t get the right care. That happens when it’s deprived of enough sunlight, water, or nutrients, or if it’s placed in an environment that doesn’t suit its needs. Of course, it doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s a slow process called senescence – when a plant gradually loses its ability to grow and reproduce. Environmental stress, lack of nutrients, and many other factors can contribute. The plant begins to decline – yellow leaves, wilting, stunted growth. Some plants live longer than others, and factors like genetics, environment, and care all play a major role.

It’s the perfect metaphor for what happens when a leader ignores the individual needs of their team.

Senescence = burnout

Your employees' "yellow leaves" and "wilting" show up as low motivation, low performance, or what might be seen as laziness. But low performance is often just a symptom – a sign that someone is withering due to environmental stress or lack of nourishment.

Just like plants, every employee has different needs and varying capacity to handle pressure and workload – based on their individual makeup and what kind of environment they’re used to.

People have different goals, priorities, and values. Some employees care most about career progression or financial success. Others prioritize work-life balance or job security. They may also have personal or professional needs – like flexible work arrangements or support for skill development.

That’s why leadership plays such a crucial role in shaping an employee’s "lifespan" in your organization.

By understanding each person’s unique needs and motivations, you not only help them perform better – you also help them feel better. That’s a win-win.

But neither plants nor people can be expected to thrive overnight.
It takes time and consistency to see real growth. A leader who is patient and consistent – like a thoughtful gardener – will see the strongest results.

5 ways to lead with individual care

1. Regular one-on-one meetings
Schedule consistent check-ins with each employee. Focus on their needs – not just your own expectations or thoughts about their performance.

2. Collect honest feedback
Don’t settle for one heavy, yearly engagement survey that everyone dreads. Make feedback a regular habit – at least monthly – and take proactive action based on what your team tells you.

3. Practice active listening and empathy
Listen with an open mind. Try to see things from your employee’s perspective, and show compassion when they express concerns or needs.

4. Acknowledge and appreciate effort
Recognize your employees’ hard work and contributions. Celebrate effort and results regularly to reinforce a culture of appreciation.

5. Give respectful feedback (even when it’s critical)
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. As a leader, you also need to hold people accountable.
But when giving critical feedback, do it with empathy. Be clear, constructive, and solution-focused. Work together on a plan to move forward and avoid the same issues in the future.

Just like a plant needs the right environment and care to thrive, a team needs the right leader and resources to succeed. Put in the effort. Try to truly understand your people.

Make sure they have the right soil, enough nutrients, and the right amount of light to grow. And of course – water them regularly, if and when they need it.

If you do that, you and your team will grow together. And the best part? You’ll be practicing empathetic, responsible leadership – and helping people thrive. And that’s something to be proud of.