In the 1951 MGM musical, “An American In Paris,” Gene Kelly stars as an American ex GI who has remained in Paris after World War II, seeking inspiration to pursue the goal of his life: to be a painter in the tradition of Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Rousseau. But in a voice-over monologue as the film begins, he reveals a concern that has haunted him for a long time when he states: “Back home everyone said I didn't have any talent. They might be saying the same thing over here, but it sounds better in French.”
The comment, the perception and the implications apply perfectly to other areas of our own lives, including the home and the workplace: the environment in which we operate, whether as a leader or as the one being led, has a profound effect on our confidence, capacity and growth. “Leaders” and “followers” are affected by it; children, spouses, bosses and employees are affected by it; the final “products” of our efforts are affected by it.
We know this environment variously as our “home,” “neighborhood,” “classroom,” “corporate environment,” “culture” or “paradigm.” The proper setting for beginning can be likened to a garden; in essence, “a place to grow.”
Four fundamental principles underlie all authentic success in parenting, leading and teaching; principles which, regardless of culture, religion or race have stood the test of time.
But it all begins in the Garden.
>> The Edaphic Compass
