It is spring in Pennsylvania which means things are coming up. Tulips, Daffodils and Johnny Jump Ups are everywhere. As are dozens of little trees that were planted by “our squirrels.”  I watch them each fall running everywhere planting walnuts from the crop of trees found in our neighborhood. But today I decided they never could have really intended to eat all the walnuts they planted- there are just way to many. I’d like to believe they intended for some to become trees to enjoy later- much later.

This got me thinking about managers and the patience needed when coaching and mentoring their team. Coaching and on-the-job (OTJ) training need adequate time to grow and develop before a new behavior or skill is born. It takes time to see the rewards of such a process. Have patience when providing OTJ training, coaching or mentoring with your team. Be like the squirrels and be sure to plant when it is time to plant. Ensure the seed is planted deep enough to take root, nurture the seed as may be needed, and allow the time needed to master new skills.