Redwoods & Roots
I have always been amazed by redwood trees. These massive structures often grow over 300 feet tall, and many have trunks that span 20 or more feet in diameter. It’s a little hard to wrap my brain around something this substantial.
When I think about these trees, I assume they must have a root system that reaches the center of the Earth! A storm or a tornado could easily blow over an entire redwood forest if it lacked a strong root system.
But redwood trees have unique roots that are actually just six to twelve feet deep. Their roots are shallow but wide. So how do they stay standing during a tumultuous storm? They are able to withstand significant wind because they intertwine their roots with the other redwood trees that are nearby. Their roots are all connected, and they are literally holding each other up. They ultimately intertwine their roots so they can share nutrients and physically support each other. Just a few feet below the ground is a massive, interconnected support system. These roots act as hands that have linked together to hold each other up during difficult times. If you want to build something that will last, a symbol of strength, then your roots will be a key to your success and longevity.
From this, we too can be reminded that our roots matter. When we choose to be intentional about who we plant ourselves next to we are being purposeful about the community we are building. One particular group of people who need to consider the application of this concept are leaders. I often hear from young or emerging leaders that they do not want to be a leader because they fear isolation and being alone in their leadership journey. Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. We too can choose to link our roots to other like-minded leaders who can sustain us and hold us up during difficult times.
If there is anything that I have learned during a year of social distancing it is that my community matters deeply to me. I am overjoyed about some new partnerships and business relationships that I have formed this year. I am also thrilled about some collaborations that are currently in the works. My roots continue to be intertwined with wonderful people who have a clear mission in the work they are doing. As I have often shared, I believe “a leader is a person of influence who uses their influence for good.” It is life-giving for me to be connected to other leaders who are choosing to use their influence for good.
I would regret it if I didn’t clearly invite you to join me on this journey. If there are ways you want to be connected to my work, to join our roots, then let’s talk. While I feel very good about the programming I am offering, I also realize that you might not know how you could fit into this work. If that is the case, please click here and we will find a time to talk and potentially grow together.
Who you are connected to matters. Redwoods don’t survive alone, and humans—including leaders—can’t either. We need each other. We need community. Let’s be connected.
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