Jumping off of the ladder and onto the vine is no easy task, and we think the latter is better than the ladder. Why a vine?
Well, Barabara Krumsiek, the CEO of the Calvert Group astutely observed in a NY Times article “that the whole career ladder concept is a very disruptive concept because what does it suggest?” Well, “you can’t get past the person ahead of you unless you push them off the ladder.”
Recognizing the dilemma associated with the old metaphor of the ladder, Living Green chose to go with the concept of the vine to guide our growth, a flowering vine called Traveler’s Joy. The species Clematis brachiata exhibits a number of characteristics that capture how we see it, and we hope that it offers a different metaphor for a variety of organizational settings. We think the vine provides a better way of conceptualizing how we can each thrive by building on resiliency and diversity, rather than static, linear conceptions of the way to the “top”. In fact, there is no top, only a vast array of directions that lead us to our full growth and potential, like Traveler’s Joy. The heights we reach are limitless.
We have chosen to see Living Green as the support system for an intricate web of individual, yet functionally interdependent parts – a bit like a vine. Like vines, we use energy to achieve maximum results, seeking efficiency so that we can flourish elegantly. So, how is it that we flourish?
Each person affiliated with Living Green is like an individual branch of Traveler’s Joy. Whether it is an owner, affiliate, or coaching and consulting roster member, each of us depends on the strength of the other to thrive. By creating paths connected to our core values, we’re able to continuously remain a part of the Traveler’s Joy. Whether we’re developing our individual knowledge, skills and abilities, or supporting the work of a visionary, we are constantly supporting, growing, and promoting the conditions that allow us, and our clients, to flourish.
We wholeheartedly believe that it’s important to have a strong support system, a stable structure, deep roots, and the freedom and the space to explore the boundaries that allow people to flourish. In the end, it’s not about how each branch gets to where it goes, it’s about going where one needs to be, while growing in a mutually beneficial manner, sustaining the Traveler’s Joy.
So, what exactly is the Traveler’s Joy to us. Well, we envision a more just and sustainable future flourishing with mindful leaders. We envision strengthening resiliency by encouraging personal and professional exploration and growth. So, if you’re looking for a new metaphor, why not jump off of the ladder for the Traveler’s Joy and start growing UP in innumerable ways.
