Could #NaturalIntelligence be pointing us toward #SituationalLeadership?
Our Japanese Barberry bush (Berberis thunbergii) and our Eurasian Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) were planted next to one another and happen to share an interesting trait: their new leaves emerge red, then gradually turn green over the course of about two months.
Why does that happen? More importantly, can this natural process offer a useful lesson for organizations?
The mechanism behind it:
The transition from red to green is driven by a shift in pigment balance. In the early stage, red pigments called anthocyanins are more visible. As the leaf matures, chlorophyll production increases, and green becomes the dominant color.
The purpose:
Early red pigments provide UV and thermal protection, help defend against herbivores and give the young leaf time to reach full photosynthetic capacity.
Translating it to business:
Companies also go through transitions. A period of growth may require temporary safeguards for the team, its processes, or its capabilities. Marketing initiatives may need to be paused until the organization is ready to accommodate new demand.
At the individual level, the analogy with Natural Intelligence may be even more striking.
The managerial tip:
In the field of organizational behavior, Dr. Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard developed an adaptive management framework known as Situational Leadership.
In simple terms, the employee’s readiness for a specific task helps determine the most appropriate leadership style — from directing to delegating.
To learn more: https://lnkd.in/eXBCSU3
Recently, two VALIMET teams ran their meeting in the Orchard, and this topic became the starting point for a broader conversation.
We believe in the importance of recognizing what stage we are in — and providing the right form of support until the organization, the team, or the individual is ready for the next level of performance.
Hope it’s food for your thoughts too.
#Leadership #OrganizationalBehavior #ManufacturingLeadership #GrowthMindset