As leaders, we’ve been taught to value, push for, and demand growth—whether that’s reflected in our bottom line, the development of those we lead, or our personal and professional journeys. However, we rarely stop to think more expansively about what growth could mean for us. A more thoughtful, holistic understanding of growth can unlock new possibilities for how we want to grow and what kind of impact we hope to have.
Shifting Perspectives on Growth
I recently listened to Serviceberry, a new book by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the celebrated author of the modern classic Braiding Sweetgrass. In Serviceberry, Kimmerer again draws on the science of nature and Indigenous wisdom and worldviews to challenge the assumptions of our current economic systems—assumptions that often center on a scarcity mindset, insist on constant expansion, and reflect a limited, pessimistic, and debunked view of human nature.
Her work prompted me to reflect on growth more complexly—whether it’s business growth, professional development, or our learning of new skills. Instead of defaulting to a model that prioritizes “more and more,” what if we saw growth as something that could also be broader and deeper?
Growth as “More”
This traditional view of growth—more revenue, more clients, more productivity—is deeply embedded in our dominant culture and capitalistic ideals. I’ve certainly been socialized into this mindset. To be clear, there are times when this kind of growth is essential and appropriate. But when a relentless pursuit of “more” becomes the only lens through which we measure progress, we risk depletion—of ourselves, our people, our resources, and even our planet.
Growth as “Broader”
Growth doesn’t have to mean just more; it can mean wider. What if we expanded the reach of our work—not just to add more clients or customers, but to broaden who benefits from it? What if our economic systems were designed to grow wealth not only for a few but to share those benefits more equitably?
In leadership, broader growth could mean diversifying our understanding, perspectives, or relationships. Instead of focusing solely on adding connections, what if we prioritized building connections across differences, expanding our circles of empathy and impact?
Growth as “Deeper”
We can also think of growth as going deeper. Rather than spreading ourselves thin, we might focus on deepening our knowledge, relationships, or impact.
- What if businesses focused on becoming deeply rooted in their local communities, prioritizing sustainability and long-term stability over short-term gains?
- Instead of reaching more clients, what if we served fewer clients better—creating transformational value rather than transactional touchpoints?
- Instead of learning more languages, what if we deepened our understanding of one?
Depth can offer stability, resilience, and a greater sense of purpose—both for individuals and organizations.
Toward Expansive Growth
What if, instead of defaulting to “more” as the only path forward, we paused to ask ourselves: What kind of growth are we seeking?
Sometimes more is needed, but other times, broader or deeper growth might be the key to creating better tomorrows for us all. Expansive growth invites us to step back, reflect, and choose a path that aligns with our values, aspirations, and the impact we hope to make.
