I experienced the power of planting the seed long before I became a coach. A friend of mine has mastered the art of planting the seed using suggestive powers that have worked on me a few times. It has led to some of my most memorable experiences in life, such as celebrating my 50th birthday in Paris. In this article, I will share how this tool works and how you can practice it to improve your leadership abilities.

According to iPEC (The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) when you are planting the seed you project the expectation in the other person that they can do something. Because you expressed your belief and confidence in that person, they will consciously and subconsciously think about a solution. The questions you’ll ask assume a positive outcome.

So, in the case of my friend, the questions she asked me about my 50th birthday sounded something like this:

• What if we celebrated your 50th birthday in Paris? (Pause for a reaction)
• When we celebrate your 50th birthday in Paris, what activities shall we plan? (Assuming 100% that it will happen)
• Who do you envision will come to your birthday party in Paris? (Making your wheels spin)
• What kind of an experience would you like your guests to have from your birthday party in Paris? (Envisioning the outcome)

In the business world, the tool of planting the seed works equally as well as it sparks ideas and ignites your imagination if used in a positive, expansive way. You’ll start thinking in terms of possibilities instead of restrictions or obstacles. Now, planting seeds has a downside if it comes from a place of negativity, and the seeds you plant expand into doubts and fears. There is even a saying by William Wordsworth reminding us, “Your mind is a garden. The harvest can either be flowers or weeds.”

Let’s focus on the positive effect that planting the right seed has on your team and how you can utilize this tool during your next one-on-one or team meetings. Asks questions with curiosity such as “When we figure out a solution, what will be different and improved?” or “Once you have reached this milestone, how will we celebrate?”. You get the idea. Imply the positive outcome has already happened without focusing on exactly how it will happen.

Now, going back to my 50th birthday party in Paris – it was epic, and I don’t use that word lightly. Over 30 friends and family members gathered to celebrate me in my favorite city in the whole world. What made this event so special to me was how paths intersected and different worlds met. My family met my friends and vice versa and I realized how blessed I am with both. And it all started with a small seed that was planted when my friend asked me “What if we celebrated your 50th birthday in Paris?”

If you would like to learn more about how planting the seed can help you become a better leader, reach out to me at angela@belladonnacareercoach.com for a free discovery call. I look forward to hearing from you.