O
     OOO
    OOOOO
   OOOOOOO   X                   LEAVES
  OOOOOOOOO XXX                  OR  
 OOOOOOOOOOXXXXX                 WEEDS? 
      O   XXXXXXX
      O      X
********************

Everyone wants growth.

It seems that way on face value. My friend and collaborator asked me for feedback on a design workshop she's planning to lead. She was exploring concepts of growth to support business strategy and life design sessions.

We raised these questions in our conversation:

• Have they defined what they want growth to look like?

• Have they thought about what else might be growing unintentionally?

• How does decision making play a role within growth?

Are you growing leaves or weeds?

"Growth isn't neutral," I stated.

I went on to share a metaphor of "leaves and weeds" that I made up in the moment. Both are examples of growth but we tend to value one form over the other.

I'm far from a horticulturist or botanist, and I'm a pretty terrible plant parent, but let's see how the metaphor works:

Consider the (eco)system and trade-offs

Know the (eco)system of your metaphorical garden and what might grow alongside the things you've planted.

When you're trying to grow "leaves" are you considering how certain "weeds" might thrive. If you're paying attention to one part of your business or life, are you noticing other things that may grow in the background such as customer complaints on an ignored product or resentment from a neglected friend.

Deciding not to grow something still grows something

Not making a decision is a decision.

Perhaps you're not ready to plant anything so you leave the soil unattended. Through your inaction, something still grows. Perhaps you've chosen to put off a decision to launch something and competitors gain ground. Or you wait to start an exercise program and you pack on the pounds.

What weeds are growing in your life and work?