Drought Resistant Leaders - Part I

We are in a drought. This is a fact. Yet, the drought is as much a scarcity of drought resistant leaders as it is economic by nature.

Picture a single oak tree with sprawling branches and fallen leaves in the midst of an autumn day. We can see what is above the surface, but rarely think of what lies below. Above is one main trunk stretching to the sky with the curves and bends a tree makes in its growth process. The branches and limbs are the extremities of the trunk with its leaves as it outer most edge.

Below the surface, however, is a network of veins called roots that both scout for water and transfer sustenance to the core of the tree to enable its continued growth.

Without roots there are no leaves. Without water there is no growth.

There is a lot of blame going around our world about economic failings and yet there should be no excuse for not being prepared for a drought. Droughts are inevitable. There are seasons of growth and seasons of stagnation. Seasons of increase and seasons of decline. In every case we must be ready to adapt and to thrive.

What happens to a tree when dryness comes? The roots go where the water is - deeper, not wider. The amazing process of the nature of a tree is that its roots seek water intuitively, which is typically by reaching for deeper supplies of water.

The first stage of drought resistant leadership is to focus on going deeper not wider, both personally and professionally. For each of you that may look different. It may include:

• Spending more time focusing your heart and mind in the morning time.
• Reading more than you normally do.
• Watching what you listen to - more positive than negative.
• Working harder on your core strengths.

Go deeper towards that which brings you life. Start reaching towards the positive in order to survive the negative.

Wishing you the best.

Posted on December 10, 2008 in Leader Development