Trees grow up through their branches, down through their roots and grow wider with each passing year.
As growth occurs, trees eventually shed their protective bark to make way for growth. Humans are the same way.
Just as trees need bark as a protective shield while growth occurs, you need boundaries to defend your vulnerabilities as your potential unfolds … but your ongoing growth depends on your ability to shed this “bark” of protection when it is no longer needed.
In some cases, an inability to shed this bark will constrict your ability to realize your full potential.
But unlike trees, which shed their bark automatically, you must consciously adjust your comfort zones.
One of our impressive mentors in the Small Giants Community - Lance Shipp - recently shared this LinkedIn post by his friend Lee Colan, an organizational psychologist, founder, advisor, and author.
Maybe it’s because fall is in full swing here in the Midwest - leaves are changing colors and the weather is crisp and chilly - or because I’ve personally been navigating major chapters of change in my own life, but this post really hit home.
To grow, you need to let go.
Now as I’ve mentioned, change is a difficult thing for me to accept. It always has been and will probably continue to be. I’ve challenged myself to try to become more comfortable with change, yet that doesn’t mean it’s any easier. But nature requires change. It demands that change happens with seasonal regularity, whether you’re ready for it or not.
Like a hermit crab outgrows its shell or a snake’s skin molts, a tree sheds its old bark as it grows. Bark peels to make room for the new, larger tree within, and trees grow in all directions — from the end of its branches to the base of its trunk. When a tree grows, it’s outside must expand in tandem to allow for this internal growth to take shape.
I wish I had the natural ability of trees to automatically shed the protective barriers that I’ve developed and built up over time. Instead, I have to intentionally make the decision each and every time to let down these walls of habits and behaviors, to shed my bark, in order to grow and position myself for success in new situations and at new levels. And it’s more than just letting go of what no longer works, but it also requires patience with yourself and the process to sustain this journey of change.
When was the last time you let go to make room for an elevated version of yourself? What are you currently shedding or do you need to shed to allow for growth? How can you be more mindful of this process or patient with yourself as it happens?
LEADERSHIP
Learn Strategy from IDEO 🧠
Learn about the Process Map | Learn about the Choice Cascade
IDEO is an award-winning global design company that takes a human-centered, design thinking approach to help organizations innovate and grow. Through IDEO U, you have direct access to learning their methods, processes, and mindsets.
If you’re trying to create a new strategy or navigate strategic planning or goal setting for a new project or even the new year, take a look at IDEO’s proven process for this:
Start with the Strategy Process Map to determine and build out your strategy.
Then use the Strategy Choice Cascade framework to communicate and visualize this strategy.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
How to Start a Business Without Access to Capital 💰
RSVP Here
On November 9, attend this free virtual event to discover cost-effective strategies and innovative approaches that allow you to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Hosted by SCORE, a non-profit organization that provides mentorship and resources to entrepreneurs and business owners, learn how to start a business without relying on external funding, all while developing a strategy to position your business for future financial success.
INNOVATION
Tech Talks 💻
RSVP Here
On November 9, Chicago’s tech-hub 1871 is hosting a free virtual event that will bring together a panel of experts to discuss the transformative potential of Extended Reality in 2024. Beyond gaming and virtual social media, learn more about how the Metaverse is innovating industries like education, art, and healthcare. You’ll also hear more about the triad of AI, Extended Reality, and Web3 and why it matters.
CULTURE
HR Virtual Summit 👤
RSVP Here
Bamboo HR is hosting the world’s largest virtual HR conference on November 7 … and it’s free! Learn insights from industry experts on topics ranging from company culture and hiring and training, to employee engagement and much more! This is an excellent opportunity to discover game-changing people-focused ways to elevate your team and your company.
PERSONAL GROWTH
How to Break into Venture Capital 💸
More Here
Founder, investor, and advisor John Gannon writes a popular newsletter + blog all about the VC world. He shares his knowledge and insight, along with a collection of powerful resources ranging from how-to guides and job openings within VC funds.