Growing a Thriving Team – Lessons from the Garden

When I’m not looking after horses, you’ll usually find me in the garden – and lately, it’s quite literally come up smelling of roses. As I potter among the plants, I often find myself reflecting on how gardening mirrors the way we build and nurture teams in business.

It Starts with a Plan

A healthy, flourishing garden doesn’t happen by chance. You need to decide what you want it to look like in the months – and even years – ahead, and start planting now. The same is true for your team. Think ahead about what your organisation will need in the next 12 months, or ideally over the next five years. What kind of team structure will support your vision? What roles will be essential? What skills and training will be required?

Recruitment takes time – finding the right people isn’t something to leave until the last minute. You wouldn’t plant your summer flowers in July and expect a full bloom by August. Recruitment, onboarding, and development require lead time. Planning now saves stress later.

It Requires Consistency

Gardens thrive on regular care: planting, watering, weeding. Teams are no different. They need continuous attention – not just performance reviews, but meaningful development and daily encouragement.

Simple things like regular one-to-ones, clear communication, or even a quick check-in over coffee can make a big difference. A neglected team, like a neglected plant, may survive for a while – but it won’t thrive.

Right Plant, Wrong Place?

Some plants don’t flourish where you first put them, but thrive when moved to a different spot. People are the same. Sometimes, a great team member is simply in the wrong role. Moving them to a position that better suits their strengths can lead to remarkable growth.

A team member who underperforms in a technical role might shine in customer service, or someone overwhelmed in a leadership position might excel as a specialist. Career development isn’t just about promotion – it’s about alignment. Don’t lose good people just because the fit wasn’t right from the start.

Remove What Stifles Growth

Weeds and suckers can drain life from your roses – and the same goes for energy-draining team members. If someone is consistently toxic or underperforming despite support, they can suppress those around them. Address these issues early, and always within legal and ethical frameworks.

It can be difficult to have these conversations, especially in close-knit teams, but ignoring the problem only allows it to spread. You have a responsibility to protect the culture and energy of your team.

Feed and Prune

Just as plants need regular feeding and deadheading to thrive, your team needs ongoing training, feedback, and recognition. Take time to listen, invest in their growth, and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Professional development doesn’t always have to mean external training. Peer mentoring, job shadowing, and even sharing articles or podcasts can be powerful and cost-effective. People are more likely to stay engaged when they feel invested in and appreciated.

Strong Roots Build Resilience

Without strong roots, plants wither. Likewise, your team needs a foundation of continuous learning, clear values, and a shared vision. When those roots are strong, your people can weather change and grow stronger through it.

Culture and values aren’t just posters on the wall – they should be part of daily decision-making and behaviour. When your team is grounded in purpose, they’ll stay focused even during challenging times.

Growth Takes Time

Not all progress is visible straight away. Sometimes the most important development happens below the surface – roots spreading, seeds germinating. The same goes for your team. Be patient, keep nurturing, and trust that growth is happening even if you can’t see it yet.

A junior employee might not be making headlines, but they could be quietly developing the mindset and skills of a future leader. The key is to keep nurturing that potential and allow space for it to emerge.

At James Todd & Co, our coaching services help business leaders design effective recruitment strategies and plan staffing budgets to support sustainable growth. We’re passionate about helping you grow a team – and a business – that truly flourishes.

Get in touch today to start planting the seeds for your future success.