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Creating Space… For Roots to Grow
- Tian Philson
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Leading With VOICCE® Series.
I've been struggling with something lately. Stillness. Not the kind that I talk about most often - breath, intention, and reflection. The kind that comes when it looks like nothing is happening.
Last week I found myself sitting at my desk, gazing out the window - staring at nothing in particular. I found myself asking:
Are the messages landing?
Am I focused on the right things?
Is my approach to creating aligned, meaningful conversations actually working?
Here's the thing - I feel so clear about what IS working. I see the evidence in the shifts my clients are experiencing. Hell, I see the shift in myself with each client that reaches the outcome she's been craving.
Yet every time it's time to start the process again, I feel it again - planting, stillness, quiet. And I'm starting to realize something very important -
When you're planting something new - a new idea, a new way of leading, a new version of yourself - there comes a season when it feels like you are doing the work, investing the energy, and you're not getting the visible evidence to show for it.
Remember how kids would plant seeds in little styrofoam cups - perhaps in March or April - with the hopes of having something to bring home to mom for Mother's Day? I can still remember running over to the classroom window sill, checking my cup, and wondering why nothing was happening yet. But it was - we just couldn't see it.
Planting seeds as an adult can feel just like that - no visible growth. No proof. No momentum.
Instead, we are met with stillness, ambiguity, and uncertainty. This is where maturity steps in. Evidence. Because if we are not careful, this becomes the moment we start to question everything.
I'll never forget learning about the impressive redwood trees. Despite their relatively shallow roots, they reach their impressive height, in part by building massive root systems - intertwining with the other trees around them.
What makes them strong isn't what's visible above ground. It's the network being built beneath the surface.
This reflection immediately led me to think about this in terms of leadership. How often does pressure ask us to rush the process? Development, results, outcomes.
Sure, there are times and circumstances when deadlines must be hit. But what about the deeper work? Oftentimes, I believe as leaders we overlook the root-building phase.
There are times when:
Results are quiet.
Progress isn't obvious.
And growth is happening - there just may be no proof yet.
When the pressure is on, we often push for visible results before the foundation is ready.
Leadership doesn't work like that. Not if what we truly crave is sustainable, impactful leadership.
If you find yourself in a season where it feels like nothing is happening, ask yourself:
What am I building beneath the surface right now? Consider the things that may not be visible. What's being strengthened, clarified, or connected?
Where am I expecting immediate proof instead of trusting the process? And - how is that pressure impacting my decisions?
Who - or what - is helping reinforce my roots? Strong leadership isn't built in isolation. Where can you lean into your system of support?
Just because you can't see the work, it doesn't mean growth isn't happening.
Some of the most important work you will do as a leader, will take place deep within, and in seasons that look like stillness from the outside. But underneath - that's where everything is taking shape. Roots first.
Save this and come back to it when you have 10 minutes to quietly reflect. Share this with another leader who deserves a reminder that they are doing incredible work.
Coaching Corner
If this resonates, and you are looking to strengthen your leadership foundation or elevate your impact, I'd love to have a conversation. You can reach out to me directly or schedule an alignment call, and we can explore what services might best fit the season you are in.
Thank you for your presence. I am so excited to continue this journey of Leading with VOICCE® with you!
With gratitude, Tian.
Tian Philson Leadership, Wellness & Mindset Coach | Creator of the VOICCE® Decision Making & Empowerment Framework | Helping leaders go inward so they can go upward.
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