A Peacock in the Land of Penguins

I was able to attend a 2 days “Basic Supervisory Skills Training” last July 9-10, 2013. I find the training very heavy but it served as an eye-opener for me.  I may currently do not have an immediate subordinate directly reporting to me but as HR Training practitioner, I need to understand the employees (Managers and their subordinates) I am dealing with everyday. A change of attitude & behavior for the good of all and effective communication are the 2 important things I am practicing and definitely my goal that I need to achieve in my professional life.

Have you heard about the story of “A Peacock in the Land of Penguins”?  This story was shared by our facilitator and for those working mommies out there you might ponder on this story.

“There once was a time, in the not so distant past, when penguins ruled many lands in the Sea of Organizations. These penguins were not always wise, they were not always popular, but they were always in charge. The top management wore the same outlook in their distinctive black and white suits. They believed that uniformity is the way to do things; Uniformity is Unity.

On the other hand, worker birds wore colors and outfits that reflected their work and lifestyles. Birds who aspired to move up the corporate ladder were encouraged to adopt the penguins’ code of conduct and wear the penguin suits. They learn the penguin stride and follow the example of their leaders.

One day, Perry the peacock joined the Land of Penguins. He was loud, colorful and full of new ideas. Although he was different, the penguins were impressed by his new ideas. They felt that he has real Penguin Potential. Initially, everyone was happy. The penguins were pleased with their new recruit. Perry was creative and he brought in good results.

However, as time went by, the penguins began to murmur against Perry. He was too loud, too colorful and had too many new ideas that intruded the penguins’ comfort zone. Too colorful Too Loud! Too many new ideas! We are NOT comfortable!  Perry was also unhappy. The penguins tried to turn him into a penguin. He was told to “try to be like the rest of us, wear a penguin suit” . Both parties were unhappy. Be like us! Wear a penguin suit! Leave me alone...”

We see this story unfolds in many organizations today. Creativity and innovation are seen to be “a breath of fresh air” in many organizations. Many “Perry’s” are recruited for their creativity. Yet, along the way, their creativity is stifled by the need to conform to the norm.

There will always be Penguins and Peacocks in any organizations. Other than penguins and peacocks, there are also pigeons who are peacemakers in the office, Sparrows who try to be neutral so as to keep a low profile or Ostriches who choose to bury their heads in the sand.

Peacocks bring in varieties and new ideas, but, the stability provided by the penguins must not be ignored. Penguins, being the backbone of the organization, need to recognize that diversity can exist in an organization if there is acceptance and trust.

 When we learn to appreciate one another’s differences, we become more willing to listen, more open to new ideas and more eager to grow. Birds of different feathers can work together in harmony.

The End...