Let me ask you a question I bet you’ve never asked yourself:
What can leaders learn from trees?
It might sound a bit strange at first, but stick with me. Nature often has lessons for us if we’re willing to observe. And in the case of trees, those lessons are both powerful and practical.
Trees Are Stable and Consistent
Picture a mature tree—maybe one you pass by every day, or one that stands tall in your backyard. It’s solid. It’s consistent. It’s been there for years, maybe decades. It’s weathered storms, droughts, and harsh winters, yet it still stands.
That kind of consistency is something leaders should aspire to. Like trees, leaders need to be stable, grounded, and reliable—not just when things are going well, but especially in times of uncertainty. People count on us. And if we want to stand the test of time, we need deep roots.
So what are our roots?
As leaders, our roots are found in our principles, values, and purpose. These are the things that ground us. They guide our decisions, anchor our leadership, and keep us steady when everything else feels chaotic.
Trees Are Also Flexible
Now, if you keep watching that same tree, especially on a breezy day, you’ll notice something else: it moves. It bends. It sways. The branches flow with the wind, adapting to its direction and intensity. That flexibility is not a weakness—it’s a survival skill. Without it, the tree would be far more likely to break.
And the same is true for leaders.
Being flexible doesn’t mean abandoning your values or purpose. In fact, it’s the opposite. When you’re grounded in your core, it gives you the strength and confidence to be adaptive. Flexibility in leadership is about being open to adjusting your approach—your how—while staying true to your why.
It’s about knowing when to stand firm and when to bend.
Think about the times you’ve said, “It depends.” That’s the essence of leadership flexibility. You’re recognizing that context matters—and effective leadership requires us to flex based on the situation, the people, and the moment.
The Balance That Makes Great Leaders
The best leaders aren’t just consistent. And they aren’t just flexible. They’re both.
Like trees, we need to stand firm in what matters and bend where we must. Too often, leaders lose their ability (or willingness) to adapt in the name of consistency—or they float from tactic to tactic with no grounding. But real leadership lives in the balance.
I’ve got a challenge for you. A few years ago, I asked our audience to give me a single word—any word—and I promised to connect it to leadership. It turned into one of the most fun things we’ve done, and we’re bringing it back!
If you’ve got a word you'd like me to explore through the lens of leadership, I want to hear it. If I take your challenge, we’ll send you a Remarkable journal and give you a shoutout when your word becomes an episode.
Leave it in the comments below!
Let’s learn together and keep growing—like trees.
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