Not Every Flower Fits the Same Bouquet: A Talent Lesson in Springtime Blooms

Spring is in the air - well, in Chicago, it depends on the day!

The sun shines a bit brighter, the birds are migrating back north and greeting us with sweet chirps, and the neighborhood trees are just about to bloom. Things are good! This season, which symbolizes growth, joy, and happiness, also has me reflecting on what blooming means in our careers.

I saw this quote a few days ago, which is relevant to this time of year, and resonates with my mission of empowering others to achieve meaningful and rewarding careers.

“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” – Alexander Den Heijer

Why is this quote so impactful? Well, personally…

Before my post-corporate career shift to coaching and talent development consulting, I felt a bit stagnant in my role- like a flower that wasn’t fully blooming. I was leading impactful business strategy and talent programs, had built a strong reputation, and worked with an incredible team. Each year, I watched my early career and business strategy team members continue to grow, landing amazing opportunities, yet I wasn’t thriving. I needed a change- a new environment that would challenge me, allow me to focus on what fueled me, and give me the flexibility to be more present for my two little boys. Like spring, it was time for a refresh.

Making that leap wasn’t easy. It took a lot of effort, commitment, and honestly, vulnerability. Some days, I’m fully booked supporting clients and driving actionable changes, while other days my “planter” feels overwatered trying to navigate being the best mom, wife, daughter, friend, coach, thought partner, subject matter expert, and everything in between!

But now, six months into my “replant,” I can confidently say: The petals are starting to bloom! It’s not perfect by any means, and that’s ok! I’m loving every minute of this perfectly imperfect pivot.

“Steph, what does this have to do with talent development?!” Well…

On a recent weekday, my preschooler urgently reminded me that our snack reserves needed restocking. So off we went to Trader Joe’s. While grabbing the usual granola bars, pretzels, and fruit, I spotted my favorite flowers: rose lilies. They’re stunning, low maintenance, and their fragrance fills the room. I couldn’t resist (seriously, go out and buy a bunch or two!)

I immediately unpacked my flowers into a nice vase, and one stem with an almost blooming flower fell off the bouquet. It was “flawed.” I could have thrown it away, but why toss out a flower that was so close to blossoming? Instead, I found a juice glass, filled it with water, and set it on the kitchen counter near the sun. I crossed my fingers and hurried upstairs to my office/guest bedroom to get to work supporting clients on some exciting talent planning and development work.

That evening, as I went downstairs to get dinner on the table, the flower was THRIVING! Blooming. Fragrant. Full of life! This flowering bloom now lives on my desk—cheering me on during coaching calls and client sessions. A few clients have even commented on its beauty, and I share the story of the flower that almost had a different fate in the trash can.

So… what does all this flower talk have to do with talent development? Everything.

As I coach leaders and teams, I always caution against labeling someone as a “bad flower.” 99% of the time, a “bad flower” has incredible potential, but isn’t in the right environment to thrive. When someone isn’t blooming, it’s our job as leaders, teammates, or mentors to ask:

• Are they in the right department?
• Right role?
• Right kind of work?

Sometimes the flower just needs a different pot, a little sunlight, or a splash of water.

Let’s stop tossing out flowers just because they weren’t in the original bouquet.

If you’re feeling stuck in your current career—or see someone who’s wilting instead of thriving—let’s talk. I’d love to help you or your organization replant and bloom.

I’ll bring the soil…