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Think Like a Redwood Tree, Leadership Lessons from the Forest



When you think of leadership, does a towering redwood tree come to mind?


These trees—strong, connected, and enduring—can teach us a lot about how we nurture our teams, foster growth, and create legacies.


Redwoods don’t grow overnight, and neither do great leaders. Just like these majestic trees require decades to reach their full height, leadership development is a journey, not a sprint.


It takes time, patience, and the right environment to flourish. Here’s how thinking like a redwood forest can help you grow into a resilient, impactful leader.


1. Support Young Saplings

Every towering redwood once started as a tiny sapling. Young trees grow stronger when they are surrounded by the wisdom and protection of older trees. Similarly, emerging leaders in your organization need mentorship and guidance. Instead of judging them for their inexperience, nurture their growth with support, patience, and constructive feedback.


2. Build Strong Roots

Redwoods have shallow roots, but they thrive because their roots intertwine with others. This interconnected network provides stability and strength. As a leader, your “roots” are the foundational skills and relationships you cultivate. Build trust, align with your values, and foster meaningful connections. A strong support network ensures that when the winds of change blow, you’ll remain steadfast.


3. Clear the Underbrush

In the forest, too much underbrush can stifle growth. In leadership, this translates to removing unnecessary barriers. Simplify processes, clear out outdated habits, and create an environment where ideas and people can flourish. Give your team the space they need to thrive.


4. Provide Nutrients

Healthy soil is the key to a thriving ecosystem, and in leadership, this means investing in your team’s growth. Provide resources, training, and opportunities that empower them to succeed. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it requires a continuous flow of inspiration, collaboration, and learning.


5. Thrive Together

Redwoods share sunlight and resources; they thrive because they grow together. Leadership is no different. Strong teams are built on collaboration and shared success. Celebrate victories, lift each other up, and remember that a win for one is a win for all.


6. Weather the Storms

Forest fires and storms may seem destructive, but they often strengthen the redwoods by clearing out the old and making way for the new. Challenges in leadership can be the same. They may feel overwhelming at the time, but they often leave you stronger, more adaptable, and ready to face the future.


Leadership, like the redwood forest, is an ecosystem. Each part—your team, your skills, your vision—plays a role in creating something resilient and enduring.


Whether you’re just planting your first seeds or tending a well-established forest, remember that great leaders grow like redwoods: slowly, steadily, and together.

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