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The story of Fern the fern

Fern the fern is a good leader but their teamis underperforming.They create a consistent environment for theteam to work in and treat everyone the sameway.2

Fern the fern knows their team are tryinghard to show up each day and give their best,yet energy is low and Fern the Fern knowsthey can all perform better.They call each plant into a meeting one byone to discuss how they are feeling.4

Corrine the cactus has been in her role for 15years and loves what she does and thecompany she works for.She loves to spend most of her time workingalone and finds the constant daily wateringsuffocating. She feels like her boss Fern thefern doesn’t trust her to work things out forherself and is trying to make her grow when,in reality, she is happy just as she is andreally good at what she does.6

She respects Fern the fern and knows howhard she works to keep the team together,but sometimes wishes they would treat heras an individual instead of the same as someof the newer team members.8

Oscar the orchid is quite new to the team. Helikes the sunny nature of the individuals butsometimes feels it’s a bit much and he doesn’tfit in. He would like more watering from Fern the fernuntil he is fully established but is nervous toask for fear of feeling like he isn’t growing fastenough. 10

Oscar has big career aspirations but worrieshe may not have the chance to live these outin this team, as he thinks Fern the fernexpects the same from him right now assome of the more established plants.12

Sonny the sunflower has been in the team fora couple of years. She has grownexponentially and is hungry for morechallenges but feels like Fern the fern isholding her back by just feeding her watereach day. Sonny knows that if she was given someplant feed now and again it would help herprogress even faster which would benefit theteam as a whole.14

She loves the team she works with butsometimes feels Fern the fern wants to holdher back so they can all grow at the samerate.16

As a leader, what would you do in Fern thefern’s position?18

Looking after plants is a lot like looking afteryour team. Each plant requires differentamounts of attention and different methods ofcare.When we buy a plant, we are given theinstructions on how to care for and nurture itto get the best from it and help it grow.

Safe around children and petsWater once a weekThrives in humid environmentsKeep out of direct sunlight Prune regularlyRepot once plant has outgrown current containerPlant Care20

Human CareWhich Environment gets the best from them?How much time and support do they require from you?What keeps theirenergy levels high?What format of communicationdo they respond best to?What is important to them in life and their career?How do they like to be led?21

As leaders we rarely get given that insightand therefore it is our job to find out how ourpeople will flourish and thrive in their rolesand their environments. What motivates them? What keeps theirenergy high? What working environment willenable them to be their best? How muchinteraction and support do they need fromyou, their leader? What are their goals andaspirations?22

Your Aspire programme has been designedto develop your mindset, skills andbehaviours. Starting with the inner game ofleadership and management, understandingthe part you and your team play in the growthof Centrica, thinking about how you can be arole model of the culture and our values andfinally, exploring all the tools you haveavailable to you to grow, nurture and developyour people.23

The Aspire Programme is here to supportyour career growth, so let's enjoy this part ofthe journey together by being curious, open-minded, and challenging of ourselves andothers. And most importantly, let’s have fun!24

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