We often talk about what people need to thrive as if the answer is universal.

More sunlight.
More support.
More freedom.
More feedback.

What are you trying to grow? A plant doesn’t need “everything.” A fern and a cactus require completely different environments. Give a cactus constant water, and you don’t help it, you harm it.

People aren’t so different. In today’s workplace, phrases like “bring your whole self to work” or “be your authentic self” suggest there’s one ideal environment where everyone thrives. That idea oversimplifies growth.

Growth is contextual.

If your goal is innovation, you may need space, autonomy, and tolerance for failure.
If your goal is precision, you may need structure, clarity, and consistency.
If your goal is healing or rebuilding, you may need safety, patience, and time.

None of these are universally “better.” They are aligned or misaligned with the goal.

The same is true at an individual level. Who you are and how you show up will naturally shift depending on what you’re trying to cultivate in your life or career.

• Trying to grow confidence? You might stretch beyond comfort.
• Trying to grow stability? You might prioritize boundaries and predictability.
• Trying to grow influence? You might adapt more to your environment.

The takeaway: Before asking “What do I need?” or “How should I show up?”

Ask: What am I trying to grow?

Thriving isn’t one-size-fits-all. It, depends on the goal.

Additional Reading:

• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
• The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth
• Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong
• Plays Well with Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong
• The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life
• Leaders Eat Last

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