Be a Palm Tree
Be a Palm Tree
Many years ago, at a thought-gathering workshop hosted by Patricia and Craig Neal in Minnesota, a man named Peter (I forgot the last name) told a story about how palm trees survive hurricanes. [if someone knows his last name, please send it to me, I would like to credit him.]
The analogy of hurricanes and chaos has been useful to me for decades. So, the question is, how do palm trees survive total chaos from hurricanes?
- Palm Trees are flexible. With long slim trunks they can bend with the wind. Even when the winds are over 150 mph, they can snap back…maybe not to the original vertical degree, but upright after the tremendous force to uproot them.
- Palm trees have deep and expansive roots. Even when wet, high winds, and flying objects blowing by, the palm tree roots hold firm against extreme conditions.
- Palm trees withstand the chaos caused by external forces by growing in communities rather than being alone. One palm tree alone is less likely to survive than a group of palm trees in proximity.
Lessons for our communities and organizations:
- Remain flexible in our thinking. Einstein said, “Creativity is more important than knowledge.” I agree, knowledge is important and it is insufficient. We must remain flexible in how to respond to chaos. Force by itself is unsustainable. Creativity can get around most bureaucratic and coercive leadership. If you doubt this, try being a principal enforcing a contract or be rule-bound by thousands of students who are creatively navigating school systems.
- What are your roots, values, and principles that keep you upright in the face of mounting political pressure to acquiesce to position power and money? When I teach leadership courses, the first question I ask on the first day is, “how do you feel about dealing with conflict?” There are those who squirm in their seats say, ‘I don’t like conflict.’ That is not what I asked. If you don’t want to deal with conflict, there is the door; change your major. If you want to be a leader who must be liked, “go sell ice cream!” Know your values first, not when they are tested in real time.
- Who do you hang with? Who are your people? Find those who energize you, learn with you, and help you survive and thrive when times are difficult. Any person or leader must have a support system. The day of the lone leader will not be long for the world. It is lonely at the top in your role. Who feeds your soul? Those are critical people in your career.
I wish you well on your journey and on your path. Go make learning and leading happen, resulting in positive outcomes for you and those around you.