Over the last few weeks, the leaves on the Cherry tree in our front garden have started to change colour as we head into Autumn. We planted this tree about 8 years ago and it’s more than tripled in height.
All through spring and summer, the tree puts effort in to produce chlorophyll which gives the leaves their green colour.
As daylight decreases, production of chlorophyll, slows, stops and eventually is destroyed completely leaving behind caretonoids and anthocyanins which presents the beautiful colours we see in Autumn.
Over the years I have seen similar in organisations, where everyone is working hard, but there is a continual expectation to conform, to follow rules no matter how much sense they make, ideas are suppressed and you end up with a team of drones all working hard but all the same.
Inevitably burnouts happen, the energy to keep churning and producing the same gives up, but it is then where individuality can come out, people’s true colours and abilities shine out bright and are capable of producing amazing things.
Maybe the analogy is a little far fetched but it’s a seasonal sign for me to hold fast to what gets me out of bed. To find and embrace my passions, remind myself of what drives me and challenges me and to double down on making a difference around me.
