Trees continue to grow throughout their lifetime and some can live to several thousand years, but most between fifty and sixty.

As they grow trees contribute to their environment and many forms of life depend on them to survive. In fact without trees humans would not be able to live.

An organization is like a forest and each tree is like an employee that contributes to the well being of the ecosystem.

Continuous growth and development is essential for a healthy organization that can be robust enough to face the most challenging and harshest conditions. In fact the oldest trees tend to live in the most brutal habitats on the planet.

Trees are generous in that they share their nutrients through their root systems and will provide those nutrients to other trees that are vulnerable or lacking.

Ongoing training and development that addresses the total person can foster an attitude of generosity so that people are eager to help each other grow and overcome performance challenges.

It is up to leaders to understand this and themselves continue to grow and encourage everyone in the organization to do the same, while providing the required resources.