Reproducing Reproducers

The Legacy of Leadership Succession

“…the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, whose seed is in itself…” – Genesis 1.11

?Nature teaches us that the reproduction of fruit is naturally reproduced by reproducing the seeds of more fruit within itself.

Those seeds continue to reproduce more fruit trees with fruit that reproduce other seeds that reproduce more seeds—on and on the cycle of natural reproduction goes.?

Let’s breakdown this natural reproducing process and examine the principles that must combine (or collaborate, if you will) in order for reproduction to take place:

1.???? The seed within the fruit must be planted in fertile soil and combined with the other necessary elements of water and sun. It is then cultivated and ultimately reproduces more fruit-yielding trees that yield fruit after its kind, “whose seed it in itself.”

2.???? The phenomenon of releasing the life in the seed—that must mix with the other needed elements of soil, water, and sun—is a mystery in itself. As it combines with the other needed elements, the seed must be selfless in the giving of itself or remain alone and unproductive; unfruitful.

3.???? Finally, although it only takes one seed to reproduce one fruit-yielding tree, there is no telling how many fruits are within each seed that produces a fruit-yielding tree. Or, to put it another way, you can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you cannot count the number of apples in a seed.

What does all this have to do with reproducing leadership? As it turns out…a lot.

?The Seed Within Us Must Be Planted in Others

Those of us who have the privilege of being in a position of authority and leadership are not in our position for ourselves. We may be good leaders. Great leaders. Effective leaders. We may be leaders with grand influence and throngs of followers who admire our wit, words, and wisdom. And while all those things have their place and worth, they can be mistaken (and too often are) for the end game of our purpose and work that misses the mark of a long-lasting legacy of fruitful leadership.

?The environmental nature of reproduction is inherent in human nature as well. Yet, there is a difference in that though inherent, it is not automatic. After all, plants and animals don’t possess the capacity to think about their thinking and exercise free-will and choose what may, or may not be, the path intended for the enhancement of reproduction for the common good.

?We have witnessed leaders in positions of power and authority make decisions for their own good—their own personal glorification, their own personal benefit, and not in the best interest of their followers or society in general. This is contrary to what we see in the normal fruit-bearing reproductive system in nature. And that is the difference between leaders with a mind-set of producing followers that are fans vs. the mind-set of leaders reproducing leaders that reproduce other leaders.

?The Planted Seed Must Become Selfless

As Leaders, we are called to a higher path, a path that is line with the nature of reproduction. This passion within ourselves seeks to reproduce others of like mind, heart, and spirit of service. This internal passion in turn will also reproduce Leaders, who will reproduce other Leaders, who will reproduce others. Thus, the life cycle of excellent leadership continues beyond the original Leader.

?This reproduction requires Leaders with a certain mind-set, a certain attitude about authority and its purpose. It requires Leaders with checked egos, the strength of humility, the servant-mindset, and in a word, selflessness. This selflessness freely gives, shares power, liberates, lifts others, and releases others to grow into their intended potential. Essentially, leadership must be selfless so that others may succeed.

?The Power of The One Seed to Produce the Many

Reproducing reproducers solidifies the legacy of fruit-bearing leadership. The principles we learn from nature can be captured in our organizational systems, structures, and culture that provide the ongoing reproduction of reproducing more leaders. This system of ongoing reproduction requires understanding its step-by-step cycle:

1.???? We must find the fertile soil. The fertile soil refers to the hearts of those with a servant mind-set and hunger to learn and grow. These are individuals—staff members—that demonstrate a coachable spirit, humility, loyalty, and a consistent willingness to invest time in developing others. They seek what is in the best interest of the organization-not what’s in it for them.

2.???? Second, we model, teach, and guide, those we are developing. We cultivate their maturation as leaders by an investment of our time coaching them. This type of mentoring cannot be done from a distance but rather is up close and personal. It allows our mentees to witness how we handle success, adversity, diversity, and how we own up to our mistakes and shortcomings as leaders.

3.???? Third, we create the systems that provide: needed resources, structures that allow autonomy, personal expression, decision making, innovation and creation of new methods of delivering services. Instead of judgment, we provide support when mistakes are made through risk taking to ensure confidence and the learning process of leadership development.

4.???? Fourth, we continually practice selflessness. We listen to other perspectives, allow others to figure out solutions, and make room for those we have cultivated to grow and ultimately succeed us, replace us, and continue to reproduce other reproducers.?

In closing I will leave you with the words of Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation,

“We want our DNA to be encoded in every leader and every team member at every level of the company. We expect greatness from all our people. We expect them to accept and conquer challenges that may seem overwhelming at first glance. The greatness of people comes out only when they are led by great leaders. We are all growing and learning, and we all need teachers and coaches to help guide us. We say at Toyota that every leader is a teacher developing the next generation of leaders. This is their most important job.”?

- ?Richard R. Ramos, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Founder of Parents on a Mission - A Parent Leadership Program

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