Strength in Harmony

 

The lacecap hydrangea has a truly unique structure. What appear to be its large outer petals are actually sepals. By developing these large, vividly colored sepals, the plant attracts insects to the cluster of small, inconspicuous hermaphrodite flowers at its center, thereby promoting pollination. In other words, the lacecap hydrangea invests a significant amount of nutrients in a few sepals, creating the appearance of a single large flower and efficiently ensuring the continuation of its seeds to the next generation. The delicate sepals support and highlight the modest flowers at the center, creating a sense of humility while maximizing the effectiveness of the whole plant through mutual complementarity. Leaders can learn much from the lacecap hydrangea. Just as its different parts work together to achieve a common purpose, organizations composed of diverse individuals thrive when each person’s unique strengths are recognized, supported, and combined in ways that enhance the success of the whole.

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