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Leadership failure is often discussed in boardrooms, classrooms, and self-help guides—but rarely is it explored through the lens of nature. In one of the most influential books on leadership principles, Robert N. Tullar’s “Why Leaders Fall: A Journey Through The Redwoods,” readers are invited to walk among giants—not just metaphorically, but literally, as the towering redwoods of California become symbols of what makes leaders thrive, fall, and rise again.
This blog explores Tullar’s fresh, nature-inspired strategies for identifying leadership pitfalls, cultivating resilience, and ultimately growing into a strong, grounded leader. His approach stands apart from many books about leadership development, bringing life, humility, and wisdom to the often complex world of leadership theory.
Leadership Lessons from the Forest
Tullar’s book is more than a guide—it’s a metaphor-rich exploration of the importance of leadership principles through the redwood forest. Just as redwood trees depend on interconnected root systems to survive, so too must leaders develop strong networks, inner values, and community connections. Tullar identifies three key attributes of redwoods that correlate directly with leadership:
- Deep yet interconnected roots – representing the support system and inner character of a leader.
- Thick, resilient bark – symbolizing emotional endurance and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Lifelong growth – illustrating that great leaders are never done learning.
Unlike some theoretical approaches found in other books about leadership principles, Tullar’s wisdom grows from personal experiences, leadership failures, spiritual insight, and decades of observation in the professional world. He writes a real-world strategy to help individuals avoid becoming the metaphorical “fallen tree.”
Why Do Leaders Fall? Insights from One of the Best Books on Leadership Principles
In “Why Leaders Fall,” Tullar presents the fall of a redwood tree as a tragic yet revealing event. When one of these giants crashes, it doesn’t fall silently. It shakes the forest, damaging smaller trees in its path. The same applies to leadership. When leaders fall—whether morally, emotionally, or professionally—they rarely do so in isolation. Their teams, families, and organizations often bear the consequences.
One of the most powerful messages from this book, which rightly belongs among the best books on leadership, is that failure often stems from three overlooked root causes:
- Isolation:
Leaders who disconnect from their peers, mentors, or team members become vulnerable, just like trees on the fringe of a forest without shared roots.
- Neglected Core Values:
Without regularly nurturing their “inner core roots”—values like integrity, humility, and purpose—leaders can slowly erode from the inside out.
- Imbalance:
Tullar warns against letting one area of life dominate the rest, particularly when work overshadows family, faith, or personal well-being.
These factors contribute to many leadership collapses, and the author’s approach to recovery begins by acknowledging their presence and addressing them head-on.
Building Strong Roots: A Foundational Strategy from Books About Leadership Principles
One of the most valuable chapters in “Why Leaders Fall” is Tullar’s discussion on Building Your Root System, a concept that should be highlighted in any book about leadership principles. According to Tullar, your “roots” are both external and internal:
- External roots include mentors, colleagues, friends, family, and professional networks.
- Internal roots involve character traits like discipline, humility, courage, and accountability.
The stronger and more diverse these roots are, the more stable the leader becomes. Redwoods are famous for having shallow root systems, but they thrive because those roots are widely spread and deeply intertwined. This mirrors the support system great leaders cultivate—diverse, wide-reaching, and cooperative.
Tullar urges readers to actively “feed” their root systems by investing time in relationships, continuing education, and self-awareness practices. These are essential components in every one of the best books on leadership, yet here, they are grounded in imagery and nature, making them both memorable and actionable.
Resilience and Recovery: How Great Leaders Rise Again
What makes “Why Leaders Fall” stand out among books about leadership development is Tullar’s compassion for fallen leaders. He doesn’t write from a pedestal. He writes from personal experience, sharing not only how he fell but how he got back up.
This concept—leaders can grow even after failure—is modeled again through the redwood metaphor. Even after a redwood falls, new growth emerges around it. Saplings take root. Life begins again. For human leaders, this means:
- Acknowledging failure honestly
- Rebuilding trust slowly but intentionally
- Seeking mentorship and guidance
- Restoring balance across personal and professional spheres
Tullar’s approach is not just informative; it’s restorative. His book guides readers through the emotional and relational work necessary to recover and become better than before. In contrast to many books on leadership principles that emphasize perfection, Tullar celebrates growth after imperfection.
Balance Is Survival
A common thread throughout the book is balance—between ambition and rest, work and family, speaking and listening. Just as redwoods survive by adjusting to storms, droughts, and fires, leaders must learn to adapt and protect their inner ecosystems. Tullar shares real-life strategies for achieving balance, such as:
- Keeping a family-inclusive planner
- Prioritizing health and spirituality
- Avoiding overcommitment
- Setting clear boundaries at home and work
He also dives into his personal failures—moments when imbalance led to distance from family, emotional strain, and professional missteps. It is this transparency that sets the book apart from other books on leadership principles. It teaches through story, not lecture.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership Failure
Among the most sobering lessons in the book is that when leaders fall, they rarely fall alone. Tullar compares a fallen redwood taking out surrounding trees to how a compromised leader can damage their team, their family, or their organization.
It’s a reminder that leadership is never just about the individual. The ripple effect is real, which makes prevention and self-care crucial responsibilities—not just optional habits.
This principle reaffirms the importance of leadership principles, especially integrity, humility, and accountability. These aren’t just virtues—they are safeguards.
Conclusion: Standing Tall with Lessons from Nature
“Why Leaders Fall: A Journey Through The Redwoods” by Robert N. Tullar offers one of the most heartfelt, nature-rooted reflections found in today’s books on leadership principles. Rather than lecture or list generic tips, Tullar walks readers through the forest—literally and figuratively—revealing truths about leadership, vulnerability, growth, and redemption.
Whether you’re a CEO, pastor, teacher, parent, or emerging professional, this book proves that strong leadership isn’t about standing tallest—it’s about staying grounded, connected, and balanced.
If you’re searching for the best books on leadership principles that truly resonate beyond the workplace, this one is a must-read. It brings soul, story, and strategy into harmony.
