Some People Are Weeds

A weed is interference--a plant that is harmful, not helpful.  For example, while we love mint and dandelions under many circumstances, they can quickly choke others out of sunlight and nutrients if not managed.

In contrast, some plants are complements that enhance the others around it.  Marigolds, for example, are terrific to place with tomatoes since they emit a chemical that wards off nematodes. Marigolds even help repel mosquitoes.

So it goes with people.  Some people in our lives are weeds. Some are marigolds.  ‘Weed people’ crowd others out to get noticed. They do more taking than giving. They use “I” most of the time, even though "weed” starts with “we.” ‘Marigold people,’ on the other hand, contribute positively to any environment. They embrace collaboration and believe everyone in the ecosystem has a unique contribution to be valued. If servant leaders were a plant, they’d be a marigold.

Think of your network as a garden of people--rows and rows of personal and professional connections you allow to take root in your life in some way.  Survey which people are the marigolds you want to cultivate and which are the weeds you need to pull.  

Cultivate your networks. Tend your people garden.