Leadership Lessons from the Earthworm

Leadership lessons exist in every garden bed I tend. Yesterday’s teacher was the earthworm.

Earthworms are environmental indicators of soil health. They create optimal structure and nutrient balance required for plants to flourish. A gardener wants to see an earthworm in every turn of the shovel. 

We have earthworms at work too, don’t we? These are people who nurture a space where everyone can flourish, who loosen tensions, who enrich the environment for all. They are often quietly supporting others under the surface, not hogging all the sunshine for themselves or weakening others.

As you think about your next best move–internally or externally–go where you find the highest concentration of earthworms. And consider it a warning if you have to dig too hard to find one. 

The presence of earthworms at work is a sign of a healthy, nurturing environment. Plant your feet there and flourish.

And, remember, earthworms are hermaphrodites. They come in all genders.