This week’s word carries several implications that impact the nature of our leadership, both from a noun and verb application.

As a noun, the idea behind flourish is defined as an instance of suddenly performing or developing in an impressively successful way.

As a verb, to flourish is to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.

Leaders must provide the kind of favorable environment that allows others to grow in a healthy and vigorous way, to flourish. Accomplishing this task follows the path of two key ideas:

1) Encourage creativity. Enforcing a mould of one size fits all or the cookie-cutter approach to development stifles the minds of those who have much to offer if allowed.

2) Allow others to spread their wings and try. Mistakes may be made and there will be accountability, but we might be surprised at what flourishes when an opportunity is given.

More could be said, but we get the idea. Leaders need to flourish and promote the same in others.