The Landscapes that Connect & Define Us
On a recent visit with my family to the national parks of the southwest, I was awed not just by the natural beauty but by the energy of the parks. Our travels began in New Mexico, snaked over to the Grand Canyon, followed up through Zion, and culminated in Moab.
From Santa Fe, New Mexico, though the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, to Moab, Utah.
The grand landscapes and tiniest natural details were majestic, and yet the beauty extended well beyond the surface and physical attributes. I often found myself reflecting on my experience through the lens of the takeaways relevant for leaders striving to build organizations and cultures that create similar, if not equally powerful experiences for their team members.
Even more important than the physical, sensory experience, in the parks I felt something, an energy at the meta-level that was palabale and yet hard to define.
We often experience this in other aspects of our lives, be it in our homes, the culture of our workplace, and other communities that attract us. I felt enmeshed in the vast history of the geography, connected in those moments to complete strangers marveling at the same sights, and grateful to the people, past, present, and future who have and will continue to preserve these wonders.
The “landscape”, artifacts, and stories of our companies bring to life the values embedded in our companies that have and will continue to shape our teams.
The first thing that struck me was the (literal) landscape itself. The views were surreal, and each in its own way put the physical history of our natural world right in front of you. In those moments, I felt fortunate and grateful to be a miniscule part of that history. The physicality and symbolism of the parks constantly evolve, morph, and are shaped by forces over time. In a way, the parks made me feel a part of this grand evolution, a small part of the larger story.
How can we preserve those stories, values, and artifacts in our own companies as the organization evolves?
Arches National Park, Moab, Utah
People of varying backgrounds, experiences, and geographies were brought together by a shared appreciation for the “forces” that have shaped their present context. [Related reading: “Creating Context to Achieve Success”]
Throughout the trip I appreciated quiet moments of reflection for myself and collecting, if not, hoarding time and space with my family. Yet, there were times when I also appreciated having others - complete strangers - within close proximity. I appreciated sharing this experience with others: family and strangers alike.
Each person had their own unique experience, and yet there was significant commonality amongst us. We were standing witness to the effects of millions of years of imperceptible, earth-shaping forces, and marveling at a country’s wonders. We shared a bond simply by being there at the same time, part of a temporary community that was actively sharing in the experience.
How can we create an experience for our team members that allows them to connect with the company and each other in the way many do with the majesty of the national parks?
It takes leaders of vision and foresight to preserve tangible and intangible aspects of their “community” for all to recognize and embrace.
Countless people and leaders have contributed to and dedicated themselves to the preservation of the tangible and intangible beauty of these national parks, further protecting what is represented. This experience was made accessible and preserved by leaders who had the foresight to protect it, and, in turn, to preserve many of our nation's most crucial artifacts and to further embed what it represents in the psyche of our country.
How can we “invest” in our companies and teams to reinforce and enhance the values and principles that symbolize who we strive to be?
As we hiked, drove, and explored, the beauty surrounding us was at times overwhelming, redefining the word ‘splendor’. My thoughts constantly returned to how the parks embody a powerful spirit that is embedded in our country and oftentimes in our companies.
