When Gaps Become Growth: Lessons from the Forest Floor
I live in the woods and did a lot of forest fire mitigation around my home last summer. I trimmed low branches and removed deadfall. I used this wood as the base of my permaculture garden beds to retain moisture, saving water. As it decomposed, it fed my newly planted pollinator meadow, and I didn't have to fertilize. I became part of a system that worked in harmony, which is nature’s design. The missing branches created gaps and spaces between the trees around my home.
And do you know what happened this year?
The gaps turned into opportunities.
Sunlight reached parts of the forest floor that once were dark, and ferns started to curl toward the sun. In business planning, I’ll notice people getting insecure as we discuss our gaps, but maybe we might start seeing them as opportunities. Just like those forest gaps allowed sunlight to nurture new growth, the gaps in our businesses can create space for innovation and unexpected chances.
Your leader has gaps that allow team members to step up and shine.
Your client has gaps, which your services can beautifully fill.
Your competitors and collaborators have gaps, which reveal market opportunities or ways to differentiate yourself by illuminating your strengths.
Your partners and friends have gaps, which allow for complementary strengths.
So does your community, which presents service possibilities that bring you belonging and connection and feed your business with energy.
And you do, too, which opens doors for growth and learning.
Will we feel insecure about ours, or look for opportunities and shine a little sunlight on them? Would you like some help identifying the opportunities in your business? Check out our one-on-one consulting services here.
