Wild Leadership: Reconnecting with Our Natural Essence
Photo: Pencil Sketch by Dalle (AI)
By John Sigmon
My grandparents taught me to respect the natural world. I recall many weekends strolling through their gardens or hiking through the forest. They would teach me about the plants, wildlife, and cycles of the natural world. Many live in environments dominated by rapid technological advancements, urban landscapes, social media loops, and a lack of clarity due to dis and misinformation. It is easy to perceive nature as something external—a distant retreat from our daily lives. This perspective overlooks a fundamental truth: nature isn't "out there"; it's intrinsically woven into the fabric of our being; it is “out there” and “in here.” As leaders and coaches, recognizing and embracing this connection can profoundly enhance our ability to inspire, guide, and transform ourselves and those we serve.
The Call to Reconnect
The modern world distances us from nature. Artificial separation leads to disconnection from the environment and ourselves. This separation can manifest as burnout, lack of purpose, or diminished creativity. My belief is that within each of us is an innate longing to reconnect with our essence—a core deeply intertwined with the natural world.
Nature is a wellspring of wisdom and resilience. Nature operates in cycles, embraces diversity, and thrives through adaptability. We foster more harmonious, innovative, and sustainable environments when we align our leadership practices with these principles.
Embracing Our Inner Wilderness
Understanding that nature resides within us shifts our leadership paradigm. It encourages us to:
Embrace Authenticity: Just as ecosystems flourish through genuine interactions, authentic leadership builds trust and fosters genuine connections.
Cultivate Resilience: Nature demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of challenges. Observing and embodying these patterns allows us to navigate adversity gracefully and with intention.
Foster Interconnectedness: Recognizing our interdependence encourages collaboration and a sense of community, which is essential for any thriving organization.
Practical Steps
To bridge the gap between our professional roles and our natural essence, consider the following practices:
Outdoor Reflection: Regularly reflect on your leadership journey in natural settings. This practice can offer fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
Nature-Inspired Problem Solving: When faced with challenges, look to natural systems for solutions. For instance, biomimicry—emulating nature's designs—has led to innovative problem-solving approaches in various industries.
Mindfulness and Presence: Engage in mindfulness practices that connect you to the present moment, mirroring nature's inherent state of being. Meditation or a simple reflection can enhance decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
What’s Next?
I encourage you to step outside, take a deep breath, immerse yourself in the natural world, and reflect. Observe its rhythms, resilience, and interconnectedness. Use the tools and lessons from Wild Leadership to spark insights during these moments. By doing so, you'll enrich your well-being and cultivate a leadership style that is authentic, impactful, and deeply rooted in the essence of nature. In embracing the wilderness within and around us, we unlock the potential to lead with greater empathy, creativity, and sustainability. Let's embark on this journey, fostering a harmonious future where leadership and nature coexist.
To explore these ideas further and develop actionable strategies, I invite you to read my book, Wild Leadership. It serves as a guide to reconnecting with one's natural essence and offers tools and insights to transform one's leadership approach.
John Sigmon is a leadership coach, IZL Practitioner, and a FEBI certified coach.
