During the Covid-19 lockdowns, I would habitually sit on the couch in my bedroom to reflect and introspect and without fail, my eyes would focus on the tall, mature but unfruitful mango tree in our backyard. This tree was over ten years old and I would often remark that it was past time for this tree to bear fruit.
One day, on one of my admittedly infrequent browsings in the backyard, I glanced up at the mango tree and you guessed it...mango buds! I was beyond excited! The buds eventually grew (after much watching on our part) and the photo above bears evidence of the beautiful, sweet, fruit which we totally enjoyed this year.
In retrospect, I realize that I had cancelled the thought of that mango tree ever producing any fruit. Isn’t that what we sometimes do to the people with whom we live, work or interact? We perceive them as unproductive, unfruitful or stagnant based either on their past performance or lack thereof; so we intentionally ignore or subconsciously obliterate them.
Within every mango tree is the potential to bear fruit - mangos, and in the correct environment and at the right time, that is exactly what it will do. We are no different. Each of us has potential within us, and just like the mango tree, the fruit of our potential will undoubtedly be revealed in time.
Although potential sometimes needs a nudge from personal awareness before it is activated, it also does not hurt to have a helping hand from leaders, coaches and mentors who value people enough to cultivate an environment for their growth and the development of their purpose.
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