Next Generation Leadership

Do you know anyone who gardens? Are you a gardener?

For many managers and leaders, “playing it safe” feels like the responsible thing to do. Stick to what you know. Avoid rocking the boat. Don’t risk making mistakes. On the surface, it seems like a protective strategy—for yourself, your team, and your organization.

It’s a common leadership pitfall: a decision is made with the best of intentions—sound reasoning, thoughtful input, even a hopeful eye toward progress. But when it’s rolled out? Resistance. Confusion. Distrust. The backlash can feel disproportionate to the substance of the decision itself.