Edaphic: (e·daph·ic) adj.
-
Of or relating to soil, especially as it affects living organisms.
- Influenced by the soil rather than by the climate.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Biotic (living) communities pass through evolving phases of progression wherein certain elements in the soil and the physical makeup of the surrounding forest pre-determine what plant communities will occupy that specific environ in its successive stages growth. These “edaphic factors” function like a genetic code or program for that entire ecological community, transforming it naturally toward the “edaphic climax” community prescribed by that code.
The edaphic process can be seen anywhere the life cycle is at work. Among the most vivid examples is the regeneration of forest communities in Yellowstone National Park in the years since the raging wildfires of 1988. Botanists and soil scientists could predict which plants would re-grow first, which would follow, and they had a good idea how long it would take. The ‘programming' was in the soil.
At Edaphica we believe that families, work teams and even entire organizations are living organisms or communities similar in nature to these other biotic communities. And like them, physical (environment), chemical (social ‘chemistry') and biological (structural/cultural) factors affect the evolution (or dissolution) of these human communities. Unlike within the plant communities, however, these human organizations are created with no naturally occurring edaphic code that predetermines their success. That's where the Edaphic Leadership Compass™ comes in. In our half-day and full-day onsite Edaphic Leadership™ workshops we reveal a powerful and effective leadership paradigm unlike any you've ever seen. (We even call it a “gardening session.”)
Exploring and applying four specific principles foundational to human development, learning and growth, this understanding of the Edaphic Leadership Compass™ will enable the would-be or would-be-better leader to discover that code, the DNA of authentic leadership, and write it into the programming of his or her organization. And more importantly, into the programming of his or her own pattern of functioning in human relationships.
Using such a compass, you can move from a pedantic and ineffective role on the periphery of progress to one of authentic, effective and influential impact as a true leader. Your personal Edaphic Leadership Compass will soon allow you to map out a course toward leadership success, family success, and organizational success.
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