This is the Too Many Trees newsletter, where I share what I’ve been writing and reading in the realm of leadership and personal development. My coaching practice is centered around the idea that we are more effective in moving towards our goals when we become more conscious and intentional in focusing our time and attention.
The theme of this edition is how to act in complex systems, where there are no clear solutions, and actions have unpredictable effects. This is inspired by my continued antiracism education, as systemic racism feels hopelessly difficult to “solve” in America given the interlocking cultural, legal and economic aspects. And yet, doing nothing in despair is not helpful.
So I am exploring how to act to move such systems, while also knowing that my actions are miniscule and likely meaningless. But as my coach said, “Do the work, and do it in public” - it’s important to do the work, and doing it in public is how we find allies and inspire each other to keep going. One place I started is by offering pro bono coaching sessions to black professionals after being inspired a couple weeks ago by Tracy Wilk on LinkedIn, and I plan to continue doing that. Contact me (eric at toomanytrees) to learn more.
LinkedIn: Posts on acting in complex systems, with call-outs to antiracist work.
Progress, not perfection - keep taking steps in the direction of the desired outcome, rather than hoping to get there in one decisive leap.
What is your intent when you speak up? - make sure you know how you are adding value to others in a conversation or community before talking.
The limitations of “Bring me solutions, not problems” - for complex issues, solutions do not come from individual heroes, but as a result of many people taking collective action together.
Who do you serve? - while we can't know all the implications and repercussions of our actions, we can choose the stakeholders we prioritize, and take action to enhance their ability to thrive.
Blog: My summary of The Willpower Instinct, by Kelly McGonigal, from which my main takeaway was to focus on the inputs - willpower is strengthened by taking care of my body, including sleeping, eating well, exercising, meditating, and deep breathing. This is relevant to antiracism in sustaining our willpower for the long-term work that will be required, and relevant to acting in complexity for noticing how our bodies are complex systems that are tremendously dependent on good inputs to function well.
Anti-racism links:
What is racism? particularly this line: “White privilege means that your race is not part of what makes your life harder.”
The Trayvon Generation, a heartbreaking New Yorker piece from a black mother lamenting how her sons have grown up with constant stories that “instructed them that anti-black hatred and violence were never far.”
13th - Ava DuVernay’s devastating documentary showing how the prison system has been used to reinforce systemic racism. I knew some of this from reading The New Jim Crow but DuVernay makes it visceral with her film.
11 ways white America avoids taking responsibility for its racism: “The two most effective beliefs that prevent us (whites) from seeing racism as a system are that racists are bad people and that racism is conscious dislike”
Are you willing to give up your privilege? “And we, the wealthy and privileged, should lean in to our discomfort. This is the most pressing work of our time, and it will be difficult. Our present is deeply rooted in historical inequalities that must methodically be rectified."
Anti-racism is about humility: a message to the ‘newly awakened.’ particularly this line: “Anti-racism is about humility. You begin where you are, so remember — YOU. ARE. A. BEGINNER.”
A Coach’s Approach For Would-Be Allies: Create A Racial Wokeness Development Plan - a coach offers some suggestions for your development plan if you want to continue this work past the “New Year’s Resolution” phase.
Lighter fare:
Amusing short videos from Julie Nolke where she explains how crazy 2020 has been by pretending to go back in time from April to January to explain to her past self what’s happened, and then again from June to April.
An amazing squirrel obstacle course - we watched all 20 minutes and laughed.
Recommendations:
If you are feeling stuck in your career and looking for a way forward, my friend Victor Saad at Experience Institute is running "A virtual retreat to help you become better at building and navigating your career". It will be a 7 day experience in July for you to find your core values and energizers, and convert that into an actionable leap forward. Learn more at https://careerleaps.splashthat.com/
I just joined Arlan Hamilton’s Backstage Crowd investment syndicate. I first heard of Arlan on the Startup podcast a couple years ago, and her story is amazing as a gay black once-homeless woman who decided to diversify Silicon Valley venture capital through sheer force of will. I’m excited to have the opportunity to invest with her through Backstage Crowd to support underestimated founders.
I continue to be here to witness, to listen, to learn, to amplify, and to support. Just reach out (eric at toomanytrees) if you want to share, or need a virtual shoulder to cry on, or just need to vent. I also welcome feedback on how I could do better - suggestions welcome.
Thanks for reading. See you in a couple weeks.