Kind of a Wreck, Kind of a Leader

When you buy a banana, you’re buying potential. You know you won’t eat it today. It’s too green, too firm, not quite ready. But you trust that with a little time and patience, it’ll reach its sweet spot.

Leadership development is a lot like that. Sometimes we spot someone who isn’t ready yet, but we know they will be. The key is not just identifying that potential but understanding the timing. Give them the space to grow and be ready when they hit their stride, because just like with bananas, if you wait too long, you risk missing the window.

And if you’re dealing with multiple bananas, or people, you have to stagger the timing. Develop some now, save others for later, and create an environment where growth is expected and supported, not rushed or wasted.

The same goes for avocados. They’re harder to read, often ripen suddenly, and can go from perfect to past-prime in the blink of an eye. Some potential leaders need a closer watch, more touchpoints, more intentional check-ins to see when they’re ready. Miss that moment, and the opportunity may slip by.

So maybe the lesson is this: leadership, like fruit, isn’t just about what you pick. It’s about when and how you nurture it. And whether you’re growing your own potential or someone else’s, it helps to remember that good things take time, and readiness is rarely immediate.