Where tender branches are growing, trees seem to be the most sensitive. Some trees that are coming too close in forests avoid contact with their own. The canopy forms gaps between the tree crowns that look like capillary. This phenomena is not equally common among tree types. Beech and ash trees seem more sensitive than linden trees, who seem to like touch.

Why tree crowns won’t touch – a phenomena also known as ‘crown shyness‘ – is something that scientists don’t completely agree. It could be preventing leaf-eating insects from spreading, or caused through the tenderness of buds and branches that in windy moments lead to abrasion.

Fear of touch of protection from infection, whatever the reasons are, this natural phenomena seems like a metaphor for a corporate phenomena. Why is it so difficult for established companies to be innovative?

Innovation, which is developing tender buds in one department, is being kept at distance by other departments. It’s endangering the status quo and established processes. It brings a disturbance into the system. Innovation is seen as pest that has to be kept at arms length.

What is supposed to unleash its full power when matched by collaboration with other departments is forced to stand on its own. Without others that it can interact innovation stays almost without chance. It cannot spread and at best it stays within its own border, and at worst it just dies.

Even if it hurts to embrace innovation, it makes the company more resistant to threats from outside. Shyness is the wrong reaction. It’s better to imitate the linden tree than the ash tree.

This article has also been published in German.