What can bonsai teach us about business? Lessons from RHS Wisley

Another excellent event at Royal Horticultural Society Wisley - this time the ancient practice of bonsai took centre stage 🌳

Alongside the inspiring displays we were treated to several talks that were so popular it was standing room only.

Here are a few operational lessons from nature that are relevant to the business world:
- Repotting, pruning, and wiring all stress the tree, so spread tasks throughout the year ➡️ Don’t attempt to do everything at once
- The roots of the tree are the most critical part ➡️ Get your foundations right before trying to scale
- The last 10mm of the roots are doing all the work, everything else is scaffolding ➡️ Keep production lines and middle management to a minimum
- Students at bonsai school aren’t permitted to water the bonsai for 3 years ➡️ Don’t delegate critical processes until people are skilled up
- The ideal shape is triangular ➡️ Keep senior management lean
- Needlework scissors will do the job just as well as bonsai scissors ➡️ Don’t spend more than you need to on tech

Thanks to Daryn Grossmith and Tom Buchanan for sharing their expertise!