Too Much, Too Little Wind?

A client recently told me that several years ago scientists at the Biosphere II Center outside of Tucson, Arizona found that trees don't bloom without wind. To solve this problem they installed fans. It seems that a certain amount of stress on the trees in necessary - in this case in the form of wind - in order for it to be healthy. Too much wind would blow the tree over, as in a hurricane. People, I find, are like trees. They need enough stress in order to exceed their comfort levels. Too much stress and people make mistakes and become ineffective.

 

Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz in their book, The Power of Full Engagement, speak of this delicate balance between stress and rest. Athletes balance stress better than most. We don't find a Randy Johnson pitch every game nor a Tiger Woods golf every day. For them, stress is balanced by time for repair and renewal. Unfortunately, the business-world hasn't found the benefits of balance. The business world now is like the tree in a hurricane. The stress is overwhelming. On the other hand, without enough stress in our lives we become bored, depressed, limp.

 

What I'd like to see, in myself, and in others, is more time strategizing, relaxing and vacationing. These activities are key ingredients for maximizing performance. Often during these "down times", great ideas and splendid plans are created and launched. We must look at relaxing, vacationing and resting as business activities. Until we do, hold on tight, for the wind won't stop blowing.

 

For more information about MFI contact us 623-444-2164 or by visiting us at http://www.missionfacilitators.com/