Henry David Thoreau once said, “Although I do not believe that a plant springs up where there has been no seed, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.” While I appreciate this quote, I think perhaps it puts too much emphasis on the seed (or idea) alone. Although a seed is necessary, I feel that attention should be directed towards the roots (processes, objectives, human capital, etc.) that a single seed can lead to develop.

In fact, this observation reminds me of the recent Western Carolina University Leadership Development tour of the Cradle of Forestry in western North Carolina, where I learned about the approach to life (and development) that will take an oak Interestingly, in its first 20-25 years or so of life, an oak tree will expend 70-80% of its energy and resources developing a robust and widespread root system. In this example, while the seed is the starting point, it is the root system of a mighty future oak that serves as the true genius of its development.

I think it is important to reflect on the oak’s approach to life. Instead of growing tall and strong first, the oak stays small and initially chooses to grow deep, deep into the ground. An oak grows with its long or end game in mind, not for instant gratification and short-term results. This approach to life carries a lesson for all of us as human beings, but it acquires a particularly relevant lesson for those of us who, as Machiavelli said, “chose to assume a new order of things” in the form of innovation and entrepreneurship. .

For example, when you think of an entrepreneurial venture, what you see on the surface is only a fraction of the energy and results of the effort put into that organization or idea. For the purposes of this article, the main components of the root system of a new company are as follows:

• Value Proposition – Identifies an aspect of your product/service that makes your offering attractive to potential customers and helps sell and market that product. This serves as the cornerstone of your company.
• Talent Development/Cultivation: A core strategy to attract, develop, inspire and retain the best talent associated with your business with the larger goal of sustainability. In addition, talent development can help maintain consistency, trust, and more exceptional customer service or product development, while aligning with the application of your value proposition.
• Strategic/Business Plan – frames your company in a standard way providing objectives and methods/strategies to achieve them. This is a recognized document that potential funders can relate to and serves as a more accurate and robust expansion of your idea/product, value proposition, and the stakeholders involved.

Finally, as an entrepreneur, the most valuable lesson you can learn from the mighty oak tree is to remember to stay true to your roots. By doing this, you will be investing your time, energy, experience, and resources in your roots. If you nurture your roots, they can support you as you continue to grow to new heights and new depths!

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