If you love gardening, you know that every plant or flower needs different type and level of care. Some plants need watering once a week. Other plants or flowers require that you water them every other day. Some need sunlight, others don’t. Some are outdoor plants and others would die if left outside. Some are beautiful with a nice fragrance, and yet others are plain. Some die as soon as they face a harsh weather, yet others are wild and can bloom and flourish regardless of the weather or where they grow.

Humans are the same. We can’t expect to deal with everyone the same way and expect the same results. Everyone is different which means everyone has varying needs, just like plants and flowers. Some people require more explanation and guidance before they understand what to do. Others get it from the first time you explain it to them. Some require a lot of hand-holding, whereas others can fly on their own with minimal supervision. Some are needy which means you have to show more appreciation than others. Some get offended easily, others don’t.

For example, you can’t keep ‘watering’ someone who is self-sufficient and can do the job without supervision. You’ll drown this person eventually in ‘water’ and he or she will not blossom. On the other hand, the same would happen if you leave someone out to dry out if this person actually needed your support and step-by-step guidance. The key is to give each person just the right amount of attention, support and guidance, as well as appreciation he or she needs to help them become the best they can be.

We are all different, with varying needs and wants. Don’t treat everyone the same way. Pay attention to each person’s needs.

Your role as a team leader is to understand the needs of each person you deal with and act accordingly.