Leadership principles from the Lotus Plant

Nature has its unique way of preserving and propagating its own species. The picture shows a 3 generational family system of the lotus plant. The one in the lower left bottom was a lovely flower that has shed all its petals a couple of days ago. The pink bud in the centre is blooming soon. The 3rd generation is the tiny bud located towards the centre left hand of the picture. Let me draw some parallel lessons on the principles of leadership transition.

Lesson #1.
Just as the lovely flower has a season in its bloom, so do leaders in their service too. Therefore, it makes good sense that when in service, leaders should give their best that they can offer without reservations. And when they have served their season, they would not have to live in regrets for not giving their best nor be afraid to move on to new areas.

Lesson #2
When the petals are shedding off, it means that the flower season is almost coming to an end and unless new buds appear, there shall be no more flowers to behold. In the same way, effective leaders prepare the next generation of leaders. They are not afraid to 'let go' and allow space for new leaders to emerge. As in the case that every lotus flower is different, so the diversity of gifts, talents and leadership of 'new leaders' should be embraced and affirmed.

Lesson #3
It is interesting to note that at the centre left hand of the photo, a little bud has surfaced. I had observed that these young buds usually grow under the shelter of the large lotus leaves until such a time when they are ready. Then, they would be 'moved' to a full exposure to the sunlight in order for them to flower. I have been fascinated by such an interesting arrangement between the buds and the leaves. In terms of leadership transition, such an arrangemnent is like a mentoring phase where young leaders are not abruptly thrown into the 'deep blue end of the sea'. A process of preparations and exposure is a healthy aspect of leadership succession.

Lesson #4
Whilst the young bud is learning the ropes and the larger bud is fully exposed to the elements of rain and sun, the stem w/o the lovely petals (in the bottom left) should not be neglected. In fact, they provide the lotus seeds which are vital for propagation and in some cases, they are used in desserts such as 'cheng terng' and as paste found in mooncakes! In the same manner, 'retired' leaders should not be neglected but be accorded with the appropriate respect and honor for who they are and the contributions that they had made. And in some instances, they can continue to contribute meaningfully to the organisation.

There are probably more interesting lessons that we can derive from a keen observation of the lotus plant and other species. I shall be happy to hear from you.

P.S. I am posting this w/o the pix as there is error on my page. Will edit it when the system is resolved. Thanks for your patience and undertanding. LATEST. I am glad to be able to post the photos. Here's a lovely lotus flower to further brighten your beautiful day :)