The sow-reap mental model pictures intentionality and accountability 101 because it doesn’t get much more basic than this!
Sowing and Reaping
Sow-reap is a basic mental model. It’s so useful because it links actions with outcomes.
Hence, I’m accountable for how things turns out because of the intentional choices I’ve made.
Unfortunately, accountability is not what some leaders want to hear.
As expected, there are several models of intentionality and accountability, as listed in the following diagram.
Intentionality and Accountability
But, Intentionality and Accountability 101 doesn’t give us much slack. For instance, I invested X and received Y return.
However, it gets worse! How so? Because often the sow-reap construct combines with the multiplication principle.
Then, the result is sow a little reap a little or sow a lot, reap a lot. See Second Corinthians 9.6 for these combinations.
Actually, sow-reap as a mental model is neutral because it’s a statement of fact. For instance, for every action there’s an equal an opposite reaction.
Unfortunately, sow-reap as a precept isn’t neutral because it’s a statement of value. For example, when I sow arrogance I reap disdain from others.
Therefore, like it or not, I’m accountable for my actions as a leader!
Leadership Insight
For a leader, sow-a-little can mean being indecisive. Or, it can mean refusing to act when an opportunity presents itself. Hence, the focus verse from Proverbs 11.24-25.
Similarly, sow-a-lot can indicate making a series of very poor choices that result in wasteful, dishonest, unethical, or immoral behavior. So, this is a worse-case scenario where a leader risks a lot to gain a little.
You can fill in the blank as to how this will read in the business press when the leader is dismissed.
Sow a Little, Sow a Lot
In a positive vein, sow-a-little can mean small investments in high-risk, high-return new markets or new products. Now, we expect failures in this type of venture funding, but also expect some home runs.
Similarly, sow-a-lot can be scaling up operations when a leader recognizes a fundamental market shift and seeks to gain first-mover advantage.
Therefore, the issue isn’t that sow-reap is such an absolute.
Instead, the issue is the good judgment of an impactful leader. How so? Because the leader takes measured risks in order to enjoy a favorable mix of sow-reap and multiplication.
Apply This Today!
Truly, sow-reap and multiplication is a powerful combination in the life of an impactful leader.
How can you enjoy sow-reap combined with multiplication? By investing in personal and professional development. So, be that leader!
Unfortunately, negative outcomes from sow-reap become permanent scars. Under what circumstances?
1). When a leader refuses to take responsibility. Thus, there’s no personal accountability.
2). Or, the leader refuses to learn. So, there’s no intentionality.
3). Or, the leader refuses to change.
Let me know a time when you invested in yourself by sowing a new skill or making a significant pivot in your career.
Thanks for visiting. Also, please contact me if you have comments: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
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