The Mango Tree

 

Since moving to Brazil, I’ve been overwhelmed by the varieties, flavors, and appearance of fruits. I'm encountering fruits I’d never seen or heard of before: jabuticaba, caju, pitanga, graviola, and countless others I'm trying to figure out how to eat (and pronounce). Even familiar fruits like papayas, bananas, and mangos taste sweeter and more fragrant here.

Our campus has several trees with fruit, and before picking any, I always ask a local if the fruit is poisonous. I can't imagine a school would have poisonous fruit trees, but it's always best to be cautious and check. Today, I noticed green clusters swaying in an uncharacteristically strong Bahian breeze. I asked someone what they were. "Mangos". I then asked when they would be ready to be picked? "Later".

Leadership, like the mango, depends on patience, care, and timing. When we rush something, whether in ourselves, others, or our programs, we rob the process of its effectiveness. The most meaningful growth takes place beneath the surface, often slowly and without notice, until one day it reveals its natural sweetness.

It's easy to get caught up in quick results, and while there are times it's appropriate, meaningful change often takes time. And fruit, even on the same tree, doesn't always ripen at the same pace.

If someone told me the mangos were exotic lemons, I would have believed them. Tropical Brazil continues to teach this American midwesterner new lessons!