Giant Sequoias, A Bear Cub, and Mustang Clover

from Able Leader, June 2004

by Steve Kaye

Giant Sequoias

Mid-June I traveled up the mountain to meet with the wise old Giant Sequoia trees.

This year, they shared a valuable insight, which is: Some things take time.

True, we need to work with a sense of urgency. We need to do more with less. We need to move faster than the speed of business.

And we also need to be appropriate.

Rushing through some issues can produce false solutions.

For example, a group slams together an annual plan, only to find that the plan ignores real market conditions, organizational limitations, and individual support. The result is a document that no one uses.

For example, a powerful group forces others into making a decision, only to find that nothing changes. In fact, sometimes the other side retaliates with such force that the original group loses status.

Better: Take time to make sure that all considerations are included in plans and decisions. If you are planning a meeting to resolve a major issues, hire a skilled facilitator to help you obtain a result that lasts.

A Bear Cub

The highlight of this year's trip was watching a bear cub. The cub behaved like a complete goof ball while mama bear went about her business eating in the meadow.

The cub climbed on logs, fell off rocks, and dropped things on mama. And during all of this play, mama bear just kept eating.

That is, she kept eating until the cub ran toward me. Then mama bear looked up, growled, and chased after the cub. (I'll assume that's what she did, because I ran away when Mama Bear growled.)

The point: Sometimes you need to allow an appropriate amount of disorder because it's part of growth. It's part of letting people explore. It's part of letting people be themselves. Of course, when threats appear, then you should take charge. And you may only need to growl to restore order.

Mustang Clover

In the spring, the Sierra Nevada mountains are covered with patches of Mustang Clover. These small flowers (typically, half an inch across) tremble in the slightest breeze, and as you walk by they look like little pink dots. But if you pause and look closely, you will discover a masterpiece of complex beauty.

The point: Are you pausing to notice important details? Some may be merely enjoyable reminders of how wonderful life can be. Others may be essential indicators about the health of your business.

By the way, you can view photos from this trip on my web site.

Key Point: You can gain wisdom even in a forest.

Much success,

Steve Kaye
714-528-1300