It’s the beginning of spring and I thought it only fitting to share what spring means, or can mean, for our organizations.

Spring means opportunity. Opportunity to plant new seeds of growth. Opportunity to make a change. Opportunity to decide to think or act differently.

Opportunities don’t mean the same thing to everyone. Some may seem like small opportunities, but it’s the small things added up day over day that lead to a BIG achievement. Likewise, it’s the small things you don’t do, opportunities you choose to ignore or take advantage of, added up that lead to a BIG let down.

One of the things I enjoy most about what I do is the opportunity to help others get more of what they are really after. I see the personal growth of our people as one of the most important things we can focus on.

As leaders, we are here to support our people, but we can’t make it happen for them. We can provide support, guidance, advice, feedback… even constructive feedback at times… but we can’t make them do anything.

We all have people that may feel ‘stuck’ or may feel like they’re not where you want to be. My best advice is to encourage them to take even more ownership of their development in 2019. Ask that they come prepared to 1:1s. Ask that they have questions. Ask that they get curious about the organization. Ask that they become genuinely interested in adding more value.

Meanwhile, role model the behaviors you’re looking for. Embrace change. Try new things. Learn new things. Offer your ideas. Offer ways to make things better rather than just pointing out everything you don’t like or that you think isn’t working. Only ask your people to do what you are willing to practice.

We can all take advantage of this spring… rather than letting another one pass us by. There are only so many springs that we’ll get to experience. There are only so many opportunities that will come our way.