When you think about it, the development of agriculture was humankind’s way of creating a food supply that didn’t fight back or run away. But it turns out that humans weren’t the first species to discover farming. In fact, 5 to 15 million years ago, farming was invented by the leaf cutter ant.
Leaf cutter ants, found primarily in Central and South America, cut up leaves in the forest, carry them back to feed the growing fungus inside their nests, and then harvest the fungus for their own dinner. In the process, they create by-products – leaves, fungus, and ant wastes – that add fertilizer to the scant topsoil of the rainforest. In other words, not only do leaf cutter ants actively cultivate their food supply, but they also contribute to the health of their environment by fertilizing the soil.
How are you cultivating communication?
Now, think about this in the context of communication. Are you communicating in a way that causes others to fight back – or worse, to retreat and disengage? Or are you following the lead of the leaf cutter ant? Cultivating communication means intentionally nurturing relationships by speaking and acting in ways that support growth and cooperation.
If you’re consciously cultivating communication by building up others (feeding them, if you will) so that you can harvest the goodwill created, then you’re setting yourself up for success. Think about what you can say or do that will help others grow or achieve their own objectives. When you do, they’ll be much more likely to help you achieve yours. And when you take this cultivating communication approach, you’ll create a positive atmosphere that enhances both your professional and personal environment.
How do you approach communication in your workplace or personal life? Have you found that building others up leads to stronger, more productive relationships? Or have you ever experienced a situation where communication caused people to retreat or disengage? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your experiences in the comments so we can all learn from each other!
Merge’s leadership development consultancy has one singular focus – to turn managers into leaders; to help great people become exceptional leaders so that they can turn their people power into real and tangible results. Through her speaking, training, consulting, mentoring and facilitation services, Merge helps leaders in organizations create high-performing workplaces.
Leave a Reply