May often is the most stressful month in the life of a Green Industry professional. Seasonal activities peak all at the same time. Buried in our work, we have no time to appreciate the regeneration of landscapes, profound beauty and abundance of life that May brings. For most of us, May simply brings an overwhelming list of tasks, deadlines and unrealistic demands.
I’ve been in this industry for more than 30 years and I see two different approaches to May.
The first is simply survival. Hang on for dear life, take one day at a time, do what you can do, and let the chips fall. I understand this approach, but I always feel sorry for these people. They’ve given up. Their fight is gone. They’re complacent, resigned and slow. They’re always reacting and behind the curve. They put in just enough effort to get by.
A better approach requires more effort but is much more rewarding. This approach, the second approach, involves embracing the challenge of the peak season, preparing for it and attacking it with a vengeance. It requires proactive thinking and getting out front of the curve. People who take this approach are fired up, smiling and moving at warp speed. Every second counts. They know if they get behind, they’ll never catch up. They work tirelessly to get out front and stay there.
Look around you. Who is taking the first approach? What about the second approach? It’s fairly obvious if you know what to look for. People in the first group may benefit from some coaching or they may be better working elsewhere. Some people simply aren’t cut out for this industry. People in the second group need to be encouraged, recognized and rewarded. Don’t take these people for granted.
It’s May. Who’s in front and who’s behind?
