When my book Remarkable Leadership was published people asked me about the cover. Why acorns they asked? (actually by then 8 year old daughter Kelsey was the first to ask).
My answer was two fold.
Leaders are in the growth business, as are acorns. After all, even the tallest, strongest and oldest oak trees on the planet started as a single, small acorn. Recognizing that fact can help any leader stay on the path of growth, for we are like an acorn.
Leaders are also in the business of growing other people. The mark of a great leader isn’t what they accomplish alone, but the legacy they leave in terms of people, results and a changed world. When you look at a leader you don’t know how many other people they are impacting or growing. So too with an acorn. An acorn doesn’t just represent one tree, but potentially thousands of trees, after it grows itself.
Never have I been more pleased with the cover of the book than this week, when on the New Scientist TV blog I saw a post of a time lapsed video of an acorn sprouting into a tree. While I’ve included the video here, it is worth visiting the post for the back story and details.
It is beautiful and fills me with awe.
It also is a powerful reminder for all of us as learning leaders. As you watch consider the patience, struggles and discipline required by the seed to do what it does. Consider that you have more in common with the acorn than you might have initially thought.
How are you growing today?
What will you do right now to either spur your growth or the growth of others?
Great analogy with the acorn and oak tree! I agree it is never ending learning process and determination to grow and develop. Thanks for sharing!
How are you growing today is a question that everyone should ask themselves everyday.