Growing Weeders Into Leaders: Leadership Lessons from the Ground Level

by Jeff McManus, Robert C. Khayat (Foreword)

One of America’s most accomplished landscaping professionals reveals his methods for cultivating greatness.   Nowadays, greatness tends to be measured by shortest or longest times, highest heights, medals won, honors given. But as Aristotle taught us, greatness is what we can do every day, without recognition or reward, for the satisfaction that comes from meeting the challenge, creating a team, and overcoming the odds.   Under Jeff McManus’s leadership as Director of Landscape Services, the Ole Miss campus has won professional awards—and been cited by Newsweek and Princeton Review as America’s “most beautiful campus.” In Growing Weeders into Leaders, he relates the principles behind his team’s success. It is an entertaining and thoughtful look into the hearts and the workday lives of ordinary people who tapped into their inner greatness in pursuit of a vision. Creating one of America’s most beautiful college campuses at the University of Mississippi did not happen overnight and, inside these pages, McManus describes the joys, the defeats, the brilliant problem-solving and the best laid plans that are proven worthless . . . until the bigger picture appears. This is the bigger picture as viewed from the ground level—taking you through the practical applications of empowering people to experience not only what it means to grow outstanding landscapes, but also to grow greatness in themselves and encourage it in others.   “A straightforward approach to problem-solving and methods to grow individuals into a team.” —Susanne Woodell, CGM Historic Gardens Manager, Biltmore

Genres: Nonfiction

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2017

About the author

Jeff McManus grows things. As the Director of Landscape Services at the University of Mississippi, he grows plants….he grows people….he grows ideas.
After coming to the University in 2000, Jeff took on the challenge of managing a multi-million dollar landscaping beautification implementation project.
Through that experience, Jeff developed his approach to managing resources and developing personnel – his GROW-theory; a management and professional development approach based in the belief that all humans either strive for or have within them the elements of Greatness, Resiliency, Opportunity and Wisdom – they just need a fertile environment to GROW.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University and is a PGMS Certified Grounds manager, and Certified Arborist.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two facts:
1. I work on a college campus in the Deep South.
2. I was given this book by our Vice President of Student Affairs because Jeff McManus was coming to speak to our Division.

I both read this book and heard Mr. McManus speak within one day of each other. What really inspires me about Growing Weeders Into Leaders is the story of how the landscaping department at Ole'Miss makes a difference on their campus; not only with the appearance of the grounds but with their support and guidance of others.

There are definite take-a-ways to help develop responsibility, connection and leadership within teams, no matter what area your career is in. In my opinion, it isn't incredibly profound, but it does help reinforce or maybe even initiate a commitment to help staff to grow to their potential.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a encouraging, inspiring, and gracious book. Jeff McManus illustrates how to empower others through a humble, hardworking, and encouraging attitude. I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. Jeff shows how being an empowering presence encourages hard work and an 'owners mentality' in those around you. This book is applicable not only for business leadership but for leadership in all areas of life. Anyone who has a business, works with people, or wants to be a leader needs to read it.

[Adam LeBarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

My boss recommend is read this book and I'm glad I did. As I started reading, I knew I had to continue and before I knew it a couple of hours had passed and I was done reading. The way Jeff puts everything into terms anyone and everyone can understand and can duplicate is amazing.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. This is a short book that is easy to read. I like that the author uses short stories to highlight his point and that the main lesson in each of these is in bold. I think there are some good lessons in this book for anyone, not just leaders.

[Ryan Boomershine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for reinforcing a) how aesthetics shape us and b) value of investing in people at every level. Work need to have value, and it's a beautiful thing when the gardener is in on the vision.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great refresher on all of the things a good leader/ manger should be doing everyday. Jeff reminds us that training, personal connection, and time in the field are worth the investment. I love that a vocation like landscaping can instill pride in the team. Well done.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of hearing the author speak at a conference. I run my own landscaping business hiring individuals who are disabled and/or disadvantaged and I found this book incredibly relatable and inspirational. Well done.

[James C.]

Excellent book with practical wisdom about leading a team. The author is very deft in weaving the leadership lessons through the story of building up the groundskeeping department he was leading. Highly reccomend!

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was great, but I have to admit I read this through the lens of having heard him speak at a conference. I was so impressed with his attitude and sincerity I wanted to learn more.

[Bess Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories on leadership from the Ole Miss Landscape Services Director. Great reminders to take pride in your work and lead by example. Easy read, but interesting story.

[Mary Claude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great leadership book! Helpful to create a vision for the things you lead!

[Jackie Mulkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Late Log

[Brian Kuecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and easy to read. Highly recommend this book to everyone that is looking to grow their leadership mindset.

[Mark Muckerman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just one step short of completely awful. Very elementary.
The only redeeming comment is that I got it for free from a Giveaway. I now plan to "accidentally" leave it in my hotel room to torment others.

[Daniel Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought all of the information in here was good, and it is a quick easy read for any leader. I struggled always connecting the topic with this story. There are also some areas he probably could have skipped completely or gone into more detail. It's hard to walk away from this with one or two particular things to work on.