Chapters of Leadership - Strengthening
Introduction - Part III
Depth of Leadership Requires Depth of Roots
Sleep | Creep | Leap
You have been replanted and becoming well | rooted takes time - the Nashville Conservation Corps suggests that a replanted tree has three phases - sleep, creep and leap. Much like our settling chapter taught us, the sleep phase is where the roots are going into the soil and beginning to extract the necessary nutrients. As you can imagine, the reality of growth is hidden from the naked eye. As it is with trees, so it is for us, in the creep phase the roots are spreading wider and deeper to obtain the strength needed for sustained growth - you could say the tree is being strengthened. Finally, in the leap phase, the tree has gained the necessary nutrients to stretch its roots deep and wide enough for the depth of the tree to be visible by the vertical growth exposed above ground.
The process for a replanted tree to go through each of these phases can last up to 3+ years. One of the important realities of being well | rooted is to understand that depth of leadership requires depth of roots. To have deep roots it will always take time. In a world of puddle deep leadership, create space to embrace the sleep, creep and leap process of your story. I know the patience and trust required in this chapter of strengthening can feel like something you endure. But, if you remind yourself of the frozen soil of commonness you came from, I would suggest you will stop enduring and actually embrace this moment. And within that embracing you may even discover a true joy in the roots.
Stay Rooted ~
Deeper Roots
Have you ever sat down and thought about why growth often takes time? Or at least it certainly takes more time than we would care to wait for.
So if we are coming out of the sleep phase and moving towards creep what is important for you to consider and keep at the front of your mind?
If you think about the idea of your significant growth being hidden from the naked eye – what areas of growth are you currently experiencing that are not exposed?
Think of it like areas only you notice and feel the difference right now.
If I were to tell you I could see the future and these imperceivable growth areas of your life will actually never be seen by others and you can’t tell others about it - how does that make you feel?
What efforts and actions would you immediately stop because of knowing this information?
