Good Managers Are Always Growing: Leadership Lessons from the Forest

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” -Henry David Thoreau

Consider this: Effective leadership is always a process, never a product. CEOs who rest on their laurels, their prior accomplishments, outdated networks, or their college degrees are seldom efficient and often stagnating (as is their company). If it’s “same old, same old,” corporate progress is stymied; evolution is thwarted.

A visit to Sequoia National Park would be incomplete without time spent with one of its most iconic trees – The General Sherman. This tree is the largest-known living, single-stem tree in the world. Just as remarkable is its age; estimated to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.

Equally impressive, is that this tree – as do all Sequoias – has never stopped growing throughout its extended life. To be a successful manager, you should continue to grow too. The significance of that constant growth is magnificently exemplified in the title of Marshall Goldsmith’s compelling book (2007) for corporate leaders, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.

Good Leaders Are Like Trees 

1) Tree: Pinyon pines live in a harsh and demanding southwestern environment. To obtain necessary water, the roots of this tree seek out and penetrate the minutest of fissures or cracks in surrounding rocks. They sneak their way into the smallest of crevices – a conglomerate of tiny rootlings that wind their way through rocks and soil.

Implication: In anthropomorphic terms, pinyon pines are curious. Their roots peek and poke through the earth in a constant search for nourishment and viability.

Action: There’s a common belief that knowledge is the key to success. But growing research suggests that some of the most successful CEOs embrace their “innate ignorance.” They understand that there is much more to learn about the world, but they don’t let that impede their progress. If anything, it galvanizes them to do more.

Knowing what we don’t know can be a powerful mindset shift that sparks growth and creativity. Once or twice a week, select a topic you know little about, preferably one unrelated to your job or background. Maybe it’s WWII pilots who flew “The Hump,” prehistoric cave paintings in Spain, or a forest of square-trunked trees in the Anton Valley of Panama. Spend ten to fifteen minutes learning all you can about that topic. You will discover that “thinking outside the box” will energize your creative intentions and help you see the world (and how your company operates) in new ways. For me, I’d rather work with someone still curious than someone who has all the answers.

2) Tree: Mulberry trees are often known for one singular characteristic – they are incredibly messy. When their berries mature, they fall from the trees and stain sidewalks, decks, cars, and clothing. These trees are often despised – or rejected – because of their unpleasantness.

Implication: Mulberries, in spite of their messiness, are also celebrated as a delicious food (pies, tarts, wines, and teas); they have become part of our literary heritage (And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street by Dr. Suess); and they have been celebrated in art (Mulberry Tree by Vincent van Gogh). In spite of its constant rejections, the mulberry tree has done quite well.

Action: Rejections in the corporate world are a common fact of life. A planned acquisition turned sour at the last minute; a proposed contract was sent back unsigned, or a top recruit decided on another company. It’s how we deal with those inevitabilities that is critical. Knowing that they are inescapable can be interpreted as a good sign: each rejection becomes a learning opportunity.

Most of us attended schools where the focus was on the memorization of facts (“What is the chemical symbol for salt?”). That is to say, for every question there’s only one right answer (salt = NaCl). That, in and of itself, is a problem because as inventor and author Roger von Oech says, “If you think there’s only one right answer [to a problem or challenge], then you’ll stop looking as soon as you find one.” Instead, get in the habit of regularly asking yourself multiple open-ended questions – those with divergent responses. (What if there was more than one way to do this? What if I looked at this from another point of view? What if we turned this inside out? or If it was possible, how could I…?). That orientation puts you in an all-important growth mindset; one that uses rejection as a learning tool.

3) Tree: Huon pines exist solely in Tasmania. They are often cited as some of the world’s oldest trees. One stand has been scientifically determined to be in excess of 10,500 years. Throughout their long years these trees have undoubtedly endured several minor events: an occasional broken branch, bird droppings, a brief dry period, or bark scraped by a passing animal.

Implication: There’s a saying that’s been around for a long time: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Although it’s been popularized, we still don’t practice it. In our multitasking world, we quite often sweat the small stuff simply because the small stuff crowds our lives and becomes larger than it really is. Huon pines are never “excited” by the small stuff – they continue their vibrant lives…through centuries and beyond millennia – their “eyes” on the prize!

Action: Often, we get caught up in the minor events in our lives, we lose focus on the larger, more important issues. We spend too much time wrestling with the small stressors and end up ignoring the values and beliefs that keep us grounded. Take time (once a month is suggested) to review or rewrite your company’s major goals. Under each one record one to three events (in the past 30 days) that supported that specific goal. Keep the emphasis on the larger picture and be sure to share those efforts with your staff in regular meetings.

4) Tree: Silver maples are trees often recommended as a landscaping icon. Silvery leaves, distinctive bark colors, shades of red and yellow in the fall, and a leafy spread arcing out for up to fifty feet in all directions make this tree a wondrous addition to any home or municipal park.

Implication: Silver maples compliment any environment; they are arboreal signatures upon the land. Corporate managers should do no less. If you want respect you need to give respect – regularly and consistently. As Marshall Goldsmith noted, “Failing to express gratitude [is] the most basic form of [corporate] bad manners.” To which I would add, “…which ultimately results in low morale and high stress.”

Action: Make compliments a regular part of your daily activities. Notes, emails, letters, handshakes, texts, and personal appearances are all ways of communicating your appreciation and gratitude. However, when giving someone a compliment, be sure to accentuate their core values as a person or employee (rather than their physical attributes). Try complimenting someone on their kindness, curiosity, sense of humor, work ethic, sincerity, helpfulness, listening ability, or confidence. A few examples: “You’re an inspiration. You always go the extra mile.” “You always challenge others to be better.” and “You’re a terrific team player.” Vast psychological studies have shown that regular compliments release endorphins that positively affect mood, reduce stress levels, boost self-esteem, increase morale, and decrease anxiety for both the receiver and the giver. Win-win!

The Bottom Line 

Like a forest, a sustaining and productive company or organization branches out in new directions while staying rooted to its overall goals and objectives. So too is it proactive; seeking nourishment and sustenance from a variety of resources. And, it complements the environment in multiple ways. Most important, it is ever-growing.

Look to the forest – the trees know!

“Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.” – Rumi

Written by Anthony D. Fredericks, Ed.D. .