The library, part 13: Check out these powerful books, actionable insights and quotable quotes “Winter, Autumn, Spring, Summer” by Gerda Muller 1. Celebrating the Seasons: Just like the seasons, business goes through cycles—growth, challenges, renewal, and rest. Understanding these natural cycles helps business leaders embrace change and adapt. For example, a business might go through a “winter” phase of slower sales or restructuring, but knowing that “spring” (a period of growth) is coming can keep teams motivated. Businesses can apply seasonal thinking to strategic planning, marketing campaigns, or even team development. 2. Observation and Exploration: In business, paying attention to the details is crucial. These books encourage observation, which is a key skill in spotting market trends, customer needs, and areas for innovation. Just like children observing the world around them, business leaders should stay curious, asking questions, exploring new markets, and innovating based on what they observe in their industry. 3. Interactive Learning: Businesses thrive when teams collaborate and engage in creative problem-solving. The wordless nature of Muller’s books encourages storytelling and interaction, which is relevant to team building and leadership. Encouraging employees to create their own stories or solutions can lead to more innovative thinking and collaborative projects. In business, fostering a culture of open communication, where ideas flow freely, can lead to growth and adaptability. How this could be applied: Businesses could apply these concepts by recognizing the cycles they go through and preparing for them proactively, much like nature prepares for each season. Additionally, companies can create an environment that values curiosity and observation—whether through regular brainstorming sessions, workshops, or opportunities to explore market trends. Finally, team engagement and creativity can be enhanced by embracing open-ended, collaborative projects where employees are encouraged to build their own narratives and solutions.