There are so many lessons from the garden for RTOs. Last week over lunch I was listening to a podcast about plant wisdom, and seeking wholeness in nature. Earlier in the week I was discussing a team building day with an RTO, out in the garden. Then today I noticed a new “world day” about nature. I saw the pattern, the theme, which got me thinking about RTOs and business.
With so many peculiar holidays that pass by on social posts, I often don’t take notice. One that stands out for me as being eccentrically fun is Naked Gardening Day. Observed the first Saturday in May, this day invites enthusiasts to shed their inhibitions along with their clothes and connect with nature in the rawest form. At first, I took this idea with laughter and scepticism. Then I realised it actually holds a lesson for us all, the power of vulnerability.
Picture this: a team of RTO professionals, clad in gardening gloves and sun hats, embarking on a interesting journey of growth and discovery. They decided to trade the boardroom for garden beds and their laptops for shovels. They are knee deep in dirt and manure. Yet laughter fills the air, there is much conversing and the spirits soar. Whilst this act of gardening is not naked, each person is unafraid to get their hands dirty in pursuit of innovation and creativity. The childlike wonder comes to the fore, and participants explore the mysteries of nature. As they dig, plant, and nurture, they discover that beneath the surface lies a wealth of untapped potential waiting to bloom. And in that moment, amidst the laughter and the sunlight, they realize that the true beauty of growth lies not just in the destination but in the journey itself. This team are learning about each other, and apply lessons from nature into their own training practice.
Authenticity lies at the heart of both successful gardening and thriving businesses. In the natural world, plants thrive when they’re in environments that align with their needs – the right amount of sunlight, water, other plants and nutrients. Similarly, businesses flourish when they operate authentically, staying true to their values, mission, their client needs and unique identity.
Just as each plant species has its own requirements for growth, each business has its own distinct qualities that set it apart from competitors. Honouring these unique traits brings beauty and success. Just as a garden filled with diverse flora creates a rich tapestry of colours and scents, a business that cultivates a distinct identity that attracts customers will foster loyalty.
However, authenticity doesn’t mean presenting a flawless facade. Just as every garden has its weeds and imperfections, every business faces challenges and shortcomings. Embracing vulnerability in business means being willing to acknowledge these imperfections openly. It’s about being transparent with customers, employees, and stakeholders, even when the truth may be uncomfortable or inconvenient. Customers appreciate being real (not rude), just real. In our current environment of polished marketing campaigns and carefully curated social media feeds, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that show their human side.
So how can we learn from the lessons of the garden for RTOs.
Businesses that are honest about their values, their struggles, and their journey appreciate their journey and the time it takes to grow. They plan for the long-term, and plant now for the future. AND (relating to the naked gardening) By embracing vulnerability and exposing their imperfections, businesses can build trust and forge deeper connections with their audience.
Gardening is an act of nurturing and growth, both for the plants being cultivated and for the individuals who tend to them. It involves tending to plants, providing them with the care and attention they need to thrive. Gardening teaches us the importance of attending to the needs of others and fostering their well-being. We learn the importance of observation and responsiveness. We pay attention to the signs of the plants, whether they’re wilting from lack of water or showing signs of disease. We adjust our care accordingly, watering them, providing shade, or administering treatments to restore their health. This attentiveness teaches us empathy and sensitivity to the needs of living beings.
Being attuned to the needs of customers is essential for innovation and progress. Businesses must listen to the feedback and preferences of their customers. By understanding their needs, desires, and pain points, a business can innovate and adapt their products and services to better serve their customers.
Successful gardens are about the overall environment in which they grow, and so is a business. Creating an environment of growth and development with employees, providing them with the support, resources, and opportunities allows them to thrive. By nurturing the workforce, businesses cultivate a culture of engagement, creativity, and innovation, driving progress and success.
The practices and principles of gardening offer a powerful metaphor for personal and organisational growth. Just as a well-tended garden yields a bountiful harvest, businesses that invest in the personal and professional growth of their employees will reap the rewards of a motivated, engaged, and fulfilled workforce.
So what is the purpose of me writing this post?
I’m asking you to consider what is happening in your RTO? How are you inviting authenticity?
When we strip away the layers of protection to connect with nature in its rawest form, embracing vulnerability in business involves shedding pretences to connect with ourselves and with others authentically. Thus we can cultivate cultures of openness, trust, and innovation that empower individuals and business to thrive.
