Those of you who know me understand that I am a big fan of ecosystems and often draw parallels between teams and gardens or forests. I truly believe it is our job and responsibility as leaders to make our teams flourish. And why not use the millennia-old wisdom of nature to guide us along the path? This summer, I dove deeper into the concepts of social permaculture. One amazing guide on that path has been the book People & Permaculture by Looby Macnamara. She describes how patterns and cycles that govern nature are also valid for people and groups.
One particular concept she described caught my attention: spirals of erosion and abundance.
Spirals of erosion are like the slow, destructive forces in nature that wear down mountains or deplete fertile soil. In teams and organizations, these spirals manifest as fear, mistrust, competition, and scarcity mindset. When leaders operate from a place of scarcity, it often leads to micromanagement, lack of transparency, and a focus on immediate results at the expense of long-term sustainability. This type of environment fosters a culture of "me versus you," where hoarding information and resources becomes the norm. Over time, this erodes team morale, stifles creativity, and diminishes overall productivity. The spiral deepens, leading to high turnover, burnout, and a toxic work atmosphere that is hard to recover from.
In contrast, spirals of abundance are akin to the natural processes that build up the soil, nourish plant life, and create thriving ecosystems. Leaders who cultivate these spirals focus on building trust, encouraging collaboration, and maintaining open lines of communication. They recognize that fostering a sense of community and belonging is crucial for team success. An abundance mindset values shared success over individual gain, which leads to greater innovation, resilience, and a positive work culture. As team members feel valued and heard, they are more likely to invest their best efforts, leading to a virtuous cycle of growth and prosperity.
The impact of these spirals on leadership and teams is profound. A leader who nurtures a culture of abundance helps their team develop the skills and resilience needed to thrive, even in challenging times. They create an environment where individuals feel safe to express their ideas, take risks, and grow. On the other hand, a leader who allows erosion to take root will find their team struggling with low morale, high stress, and a lack of engagement. Recognizing which spiral is at play in your team is the first step towards creating a healthier, more productive, and more harmonious workplace. The choice between erosion and abundance is not just a leadership style—it’s a fundamental approach to how we work together and achieve success.
So, what do you choose today? Erosion or abundance? Take a moment to reflect on the atmosphere in your workplace. Are there areas where fear and mistrust are taking root? Or are you nurturing an environment where trust and collaboration can flourish? Your choice sets the tone for your team.
And if needed, what small change can you make today to shift towards abundance? It might be as simple as a conversation, a gesture of appreciation, or a decision to share information more openly. Remember, every step you take in the direction of abundance creates ripples that can transform your entire ecosystem. Choose wisely! And if you feel stuck, unsure about your next step, feel free to reach out and let’s exchange some thoughts!