We spend a lot of time trying to eliminate stress.

And look, I’m not advocating for turning your calendar into a deleted scene from The Hunger Games. Chronic, overwhelming stress is real. But there’s another side to this conversation leaders often miss:

Some stress is actually a sign of growth.

There’s a fascinating example from the Biosphere 2 experiment in Arizona. Researchers created a massive controlled environment where trees grew rapidly in ideal conditions.

The problem?

Many of the trees fell over before maturity.

Why?

Because there was no wind.

Without environmental stress, the trees never developed what scientists call “stress wood” — the structural strength needed to withstand pressure over time.

Turns out, trees need resistance to become durable. And so do people. A lot of leadership growth feels uncomfortable because it is uncomfortable:

• Giving difficult feedback

• Leading through uncertainty

• Managing conflict

• Making decisions without perfect information

• Speaking up when the room disagrees

That pressure can feel like a signal that something is wrong.

But often, it’s actually a signal that you’re stretching beyond your current comfort zone and building capability. The key isn’t avoiding all stress. The key is learning to distinguish: destructive stress from developmental stress. One drains you. The other strengthens you.

The next time you feel that tension before a difficult conversation or challenge, try asking:

“Is this stress harming me… or growing me?”

And if your leaders are navigating heavy change, growth, or uncertainty right now, I’m always happy to be a thought partner. Just click the link below to start a conversation.