Fun and Inspiration

A Peacock in the Land of Penguins

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A Peacock in the Land  of Penguins
There once was a time,  in the not so distant past,  when penguins ruled many lands  in the Sea of Organisations.    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 colours 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, colourful 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 colourful  and had too many new ideas  that intruded the penguins’ comfort zone.

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.
We see this story unfolds  in many organisations today.    Creativity and innovation are seen to be  “a breath of fresh air” in many organisations.   Many “Perrys” 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 organisations.   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 organisation,  need to recognise that  diversity can exist in an organisation  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.



A Peacock in the Land of Penguins   Illustrates the value of diversity, empowerment, effective communication, and team building.   Tells the story of Perry the Peacock who has trouble fitting into the Land of Penguins.   In the end, they all realize that in their ever-changing world, all birds would have to appreciate each other's skills and contributions.

 Building awareness of differences and similarities between groups as well as individuals.   Finding Common Ground.  Enriching differences of style, perceptions, and perspectives.  Working comfortably with a wide variety of individuals.

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