Growth Lessons From The Natural World: #1 Selflessness

The first type of humans (homo genus) appeared approximately 3 million years ago. Living organisms appeared around 4 billion years ago. If you do the maths… more than 99.9% of life on Earth took place before humans existed.

Adapting to change is vital to survive and thrive. Long before humans, other species have developed remarkable personal and social abilities in the toughest environments. From limited food resources, to severe injuries, or even a cataclysmic asteroid impact 66 million years ago, numerous species have managed to just keep going and are still around today.

Do you know how long ants, dragonflies, sharks and jellyfish have been around for? Respectively 150, 325, 450 and even 500 million years ago!

So what valuable lessons can we learn from the natural world? In this blog series, we will look at inspirational behaviours and remarkable strategies from animals and the living world. After all... human existence represents less than 0.01% of the history of life on Earth.

In this first article, we will explore 3 lessons from the natural world about Selflessness.

1) Wolves: Guiding the weak to greatness

Wolves live in packs. Their social abilities are crucial to their survival and success as a species. When a wolf is injured, other members of the pack will assist by providing food and protection. Remarkably, the pack can even modify its hunting strategies and target smaller preys so that the injured wolf can participate. This altruistic behaviour allows the weak to remain part of the group and bounce back, and contribute to the benefit of all.

Wolves have understood the value of guiding the weak to greatness very quickly as a species. Have wolves been around for longer than humans? Not at all. If human existence was the length of a day, wolves would be born at 21:36.

Humans have been working more hours over the past few decades. Burnout has become a serious issue. Extensive research shows that more than 50% of employees do experience burnout. Discussing work-related stress openly with an employer is often considered as a sensitive topic. Admitting to burnout may be perceived as a sign of weakness. However, supporting colleagues in bouncing back from burnout - impacting at least 50% of the workforce - is vital. It requires a collaborative effort from managers, leadership and the team. Leaders should treat burnout like wolves treat physical injuries in their group.

"True leaders in business understand that their role is to unleash the potential of the weak." - Inazo Nitobe

2) Emperor Penguins: Facing an enormous challenge

Emperor penguins have been around for 35 million years and can live in extremely cold environments. In Antarctica, temperatures below -40 degrees Celsius can last for weeks or even months during the winter. To survive such harsh conditions, Emperor penguins engage in a behaviour called huddling. Penguins form a tightly packed group, and each individual will take turn on the outer edges to create a shield that protects the rest of the group from the freezing temperatures and harsh winds.

Huddling demonstrates the group's ability to face one of their most enduring challenge. It requires acting selflessly and working together. It is for the benefit of all.

"When the cold winds blow, it is our unity as a team that shields us and keeps the fire of resilience burning within." - Simon Sinek

3) Honeybees: Sharing key knowledge

Honeybees emerged 30 million years ago. They live as colonies and are known for their sophisticated communication and knowledge-sharing abilities. When a scout bee discovers a new food source, such as a flower patch, it immediately returns to the hive and performs a waggle dance to communicate the location and the quality of the find with other bees.

Sharing key knowledge effectively allows the entire hive to feast and grow stronger.

"Knowledge gains true value when it is shared selflessly with others." - Olivia Grace

Conclusion

We have countless opportunities to support others selflessly every day. Wolves are masters at guiding the weak to greatness. Emperor penguins can face months of temperatures below -40 degrees. Honeybees are great at sharing key knowledge for the benefit of all.

What happened last time you selflessly supported a colleague, someone you know or a stranger? What can you do today to support someone selflessly?

My next blog on '‘Growth Lessons from the Natural World’' will be about Agility.

Please feel free to leave any comments or ideas. Thank you.