Be Like Cacti

For quite some time, those closest to me know that I have been in awe about flowering cacti.  Cacti look like such violent and off-putting succulents.  Almost everything about it tells creatures in nature to step back or they might feel something unpleasant.  But once it flowers (and depending on the type, it could be very rare that it will), it draws you in with amazingly vibrant colors and smells. There is so much in this world and in nature that one can learn from, and after internalizing the awesomeness of a cactus (no, this is not from a youthful experience of ingesting some mind altering cacti), I have often thought I should share those characteristics.  In reality, I think a good percentage of us need to adapt to become more like this well respected plant.

There are a few lessons we can learn from the cactus:

GROW WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED
You have most likely heard of this concept before, but beating the horse to death just makes it unforgettable.  The cactus is resilient from birth.  A variety of desert animals are able to eat the fruit from a cactus, and once it's ready to “deposit”, this seed could potentially be hundreds of miles away from its natural known environment.  This seed can one day become a cactus that is monumental in size if well rooted.  We have seen them flourish from desert environments to being the focal point in Home Depot nurseries.  Wherever your career puts you, even if it is thousands of miles away from your comfort zone or natural habitat, do you best to grow and adapt to your current environment.  My experience in the military has taught me that comfort is rare.  In my first four years in the military (2004-2008), I had only spent two years at my home unit and the other time was spent traveling. You must make the most out of every new location and understand what it takes in order for you to be successful. 

FILL YOUR RESERVOIRS
Resiliency is not an afterthought, it is preparation done before hand.  A cactus is able to stand long periods of drought because it has prepared itself.  Like cacti, you too must prepare yourself for the worst environment or situations imaginable.  How do you do this?  Learn.  Some of my greatest mentors have challenged me to reflect on my day and recall a key take-away to learn from.  By doing so, you set yourself up to be prepared for a situation or multiple situations when they come.  Never stop learning or gathering information that could one day be beneficial.  When you feel like your well has run dry, you tap into your reservoirs to survive.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
When I say the word cactus, most will first think of its spines.  The spines however, are not an offensive mechanism trying to hurt anyone, but instead, a defensive trait deterring certain creatures who have ill intent.  There are some creatures who can completely avoid the spines and utilize the cactus for the better of their species like the small birds of the desert who use cacti to keep their young safe in their nest.  When you have figured out your environment and how great or tough it truly is, protect yourself and your interests.  Additionally, don't forget to protect those that have learned to trust you.  Avoid falling into ethical traps that will ruin the relationships you have with your peers and followers such as worrying over image and drive for success. Gaining a loyal following takes much work; don't lose it because you have created an environment that lacks psychological safety.

STAND UPRIGHT
Despite high winds and being pelted with harsh sand from the Sonoran Desert, the Saguaro Cactus stand upwards of 40 feet tall.  With winds that are unpredictable in the flat lands that vary from every direction in all seasons,  the Saguaro Cactus continues to stand in its life cycle.  I relate this to ethical leadership saying that no matter what the influence of others or the environments is pressuring you to do, stand upright.  Ensure you understand the ethics of your organization to the fullest extent and make sure those ethics are aligned with the organizational mission and vision.  Be aware that the ethics that you hold near and dear to your heart and have from birth, may not be the best thing for your business.  Every different environment creates a different culture, therefore different ethics.  For you to understand what ethics they may be, keep in mind the vision of the organization and create ethical guidelines that align with them and will help the organization and its people be most successful.

WHEN IT IS TIME, SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS
Yes, the cactus is known for not being much to look at and at times, and sometimes is seen as harsh or off-putting. However, if maintained properly, some will blossom with the most beautiful and unique flowers.  The way the cactus is naturally designed, as discussed earlier, is to increase its rate of survivability.  Having a harsh or rough appearance and attitude will not gain you many willing followers, so learn to show that you are human underneath it all and that there is a side that shows some truly amazing things. But please remember, you must be patient.  If a young cactus is not ready for the environment or blossoms too early around predators, it can attract the wrong kind of attention(toxic leaders and toxic peers), which can result in its demise.  Make sure you are properly guarded, rooted, and most importantly, grounded.  Some species of cacti wait 30-40 years before flowering-- you could say that’s when they are finally comfortable in their own skin.  Chances are you are not going to make it big with your first attempt at a career (at least it is rare); many people don't even know emotionally what they want to do until the age of 25 (according to lessons in Emotional Intelligence and Harvard Psychologist William James).  When you have discovered your career that you are passionate about and when it becomes your time to shine(blossom), do it in such a way that people can't help but notice.  It seems like those who are unique in the business world are remembered the most.

Be Like the Cactus
Let not harsh tongues, that wag
in vain,
Discourage you. In spite of
pain,
Be like the cactus, which through
rain,
And storm, and thunder, can
remain.
-Kimii Nagata

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Dan is currently serving on active duty in the Air Force. An aircraft mechanic by trade, Dan is currently teaching and molding young men and women in the Air Force and US Coast Guard on Leadership Styles and Team Building Concepts with the Sgt Paul P. Ramoneda Airman Leadership School.

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