A few weeks ago we shared a note about the hummingbirds visiting the VALIMET Orchard. They continue to return
The more one observes them, the more remarkable Natural Intelligence appears – see this pic, taken by one of our employees.
EVOLUTION
A hummingbird lives in constant motion.
Its wings beat dozens of times per second, yet it can hover perfectly still, move sideways, or reverse direction in an instant. Few creatures combine such speed with such control.
Evolution meant for hummingbirds developing unique shoulder joints that allow complete rotation, letting them move in any direction — even backward and upside-down.
Getting to the root of the problem: “evolution” comes from the Latin “e-volvo”, “I roll away from”. It’s about survival, it’s towards prosperity.
In what domains can an Organization be capable of ‘complete rotation’? What are the ‘shoulder joints’ we can leverage on, how versatile are they?
Ultimately, does our Organization feel the imperative to evolve?
ADJUSTING
Hummingbirds constantly adjust to wind, temperature, to the availability and shape of flowers, and to the presence of other birds seeking the same nectar.
Their life depends not on size or strength, but on the ability to adapt moment by moment.
In The Messy Middle Scott Belsky writes:
“The middle is messy because you’re constantly adjusting to reality.”
(themessymiddle.com)
That observation applies as much to Industry as it does to Nature. Reconsidering assumptions when the scenario changes is an essential practice. Ability to adapt continuously while keeping direction might mean survival for organization as well as for people.
Let’s again ask the ancient Romans the root meaning of the words we use:
- “to Adjust” comes from “ad justum”, “to what is right”;
- “To Adapt” comes from “being able, skilled to perform an action”.
Watching the hummingbirds return to our Orchard is a reminder of these principles. We pass it on to you, dear reader, as we meditate it ourselves.