Spread, Don't Accumulate

Here's a delightful interview with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard. He discusses business, the planet, and simplicity, and as he is wont to do, he shares maxims and ideas that stay with you.  

For example:

Nature doesn’t like empires. It doesn’t like accumulation in one place, it doesn’t like monoculture. It’s always trying to make diverse species. It wants to spread everything out. And we’re constantly trying to hold everything in.
What a helpful reminder for those of us trying to influence others. The trick of influence, after all, is that in order to have it, you can't accumulate it and hold on to it. Influence only happens when you give it away.

Invest in others. Take the time needed to listen to your team. Share your great ideas. Try a new event or program. Say thank you. Embrace the messiness of community.  

And don't try to be influential by accumulating accolades or honors. Instead, give all that away and watch as your influence grows by leaps and bounds.  

It's only natural. 

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