Herbs & Business Management Series - Part 3: Lemongrass & Management - Clear Before Scale Principle

Lemongrass is one of Vietnam's most familiar herbs. Found in kitchens, in steam baths, in warm cups of tea, and in wellness spas, lemongrass carries a very distinctive aroma: fresh, sharp, easily recognizable, and unmistakable.

This characteristic makes lemongrass an interesting metaphor for a topic seemingly far removed from herbs: systems management and clarity in operations.

Lemongrass and the principle of "clarification for smooth operation"

In traditional medicine, lemongrass is known for its warming properties, affecting the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. In modern research, lemongrass essential oil contains citral and geraniol – compounds with a strong aroma that help clear congestion and reduce feelings of heaviness.

What is noteworthy is how lemongrass works: its scent is clear, its structure is simple, and it doesn't overlap. When present in a herbal blend, lemongrass often plays a "background" role, making the overall effect more pleasant and coherent.

In business management, this is the core problem many organizations face: complex systems, overlapping roles, information overload, and a lack of operational clarity.

Unclear management – ​​the root of organizational fatigue

Many organizations fail not because of a lack of strategy, but because their operating systems are too chaotic.

– Processes exist, but no one truly understands them.

– Roles are defined but not linked to actual responsibilities.

– Decisions are made but lack consistent principles.

In this context, leaders are often drawn into handling incidents instead of leading the overall picture. The feeling of fatigue doesn't come from the workload, but from the lack of clarity in the system.

Lemongrass suggests a very fundamental approach: before accelerating, clarity is needed.

Lemongrass and the "clear before scale" management mindset

In modern leadership and management coaching, a principle is increasingly emphasized: clear before scale – clarify before expanding. A healthy organization doesn't need too many layers of control, but rather:

– Clear goals

– Transparent roles

– Processes simple enough for everyone to operate independently

Just like lemongrass in a pot of herbal tea, you only need a sufficient amount to brighten the aroma, not many complicated ingredients.

Many leadership coaches, when working with CEOs or middle management teams, often start with very "down-to-earth" questions:

– What is weighing down the organization the most?

– Which part of the system is causing bottlenecks?

– How many decisions that shouldn't require leadership are still being held back?

The answer often lies not in adding more tools, but in removing unnecessary layers of complexity.

Lemongrass and mindful leadership

Lemongrass essential oil is often used to help keep the mind alert, reduce fatigue, and support focus. This isn't a strong stimulant, but a very natural state of "enlightenment."

In leadership, clarity of mind has a similar meaning:

– Identifying the problem correctly instead of reacting emotionally

– Making concise decisions instead of procrastinating

– Leading with principles instead of micro-interference

A clear leader creates a breathable organization. A breathable system allows people to perform better.

Applications of lemongrass in daily life (for reference only)

Lemongrass can be simply applied in daily life:

– Warm lemongrass tea: crushed fresh lemongrass, steeped in hot water, suitable for morning use or when a gentle alertness is needed.

– Herbal steam bath: combining lemongrass with pomelo leaves, ginger, or mint helps relax the body.

– Workspace: gently diffused lemongrass essential oil creates a feeling of freshness and clarity.

– Cuisine: lemongrass appears in many Vietnamese dishes, aiding digestion and creating a pleasant feeling after meals.

Note: The information above is for sharing knowledge and folk experience, and does not replace medical advice or professional treatment.

Lemongrass is not just a familiar herb. The image of lemongrass evokes a very basic but often overlooked management principle: clarity creates strength.

In an increasingly complex business world, sometimes what is needed is not to add more strategies, but to clarify the system – so that the organization runs more smoothly, people work healthier, and leaders have space for truly important decisions.

HERBAL MALLORCA