“Listen to all the teachers in the woods. Watch the trees, the animals, and all living things – you’ll learn more from them than books.”
(Joe Coyhis)
The quote above is one of my favourites and one that I firmly believe in. Whenever I read this quote it takes me back to one of the best leadership courses I have attended. The majority of sessions were held outdoors, in remote locations. The curriculum was very loose, open and fluid; as it had to be, given we are not in control of the environment around us. The spirit of this course and the intention of the facilitator was to draw our attention to how nature and the physical environment is interconnected and interdependent on various elements, creatures, organisms, etc. These symbiotic relationships can be observed when nature flourishes, when destruction and devastation strikes, and what occurs in a toxic environment.
This training provided me with insight and inspiration as a leader, a systems-approach to leadership. The co-dependencies that can be observed in nature are also ever present in humans. How we interact (the good, the bad and the ugly) with each other. I had a new perspective on how we are all interconnected, what is required within our teams, how we can nurture each other to grow, develop and flourish. Just as important, it provided me a greater understanding and appreciation for the opportunities that can come from devastation, how this is part of a bigger ecological system and that destruction is often the catalyst for new growth and transformation.
The best example that comes to mind is the rejuvenation and regrowth that occurs as a result of a forest fire. Forests recover from fires through the germination of seeds stored in the forest floor. Some fires, depending on their heat source, improve the soil, which in turn helps plant life. Some types of plants and trees need the heat of a fire to germinate. Recovery from large wildfires may require some help. However, the forests will, in time, heal themselves.
Another (personal) example of transformation that comes from nature: I am currently working on a new piece of furniture, a beautiful “live-edge” fireplace mantle. What once was a magnificent tree, will be transformed into the centre piece in our cabin in the woods.
We all have stories of change, disruption, transformation. The best stories aren’t about living through these, they are about the improvement that comes out of the experience. If you are a leader facing change, transformation, disruption or if you are currently working in such an environment – embrace it and look for opportunities for growth.
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