Organizational Innovation and Diversity
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This presentation is adapted from the book "A Peacock in the Land of Penguins" by BJ Gallagher Hateley. Like this book, the presentation echoes the dilemma facing businesses across the world -- how to manage the increasing diversity of the workforce and how to capture the talent, creativity, energy, and commitment of all employees. Written in a charming, engaging style, the book is a fable about a peacock who struggles to be itself while surrounded by penguins. Can these seemingly opposite birds work productively together?
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- Adapted from a book by BJ Gallagher Hateley & Warren H.
Schmidt A Peacock in the Land of Penguins Organizational Innovation
and Diversity By Adama Coulibaly Contact me at
coulibaa@aol.com
- 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
suits They believed that uniformity is the way to do things; Black
and White Uniformity = 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. Black and White
- 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. Too coulourful Too many
new ideas! Perry must GO
- 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 Perrys are recruited for their creativity.
Yet, along the way, their creativity is stifled by the need to
conform to the norm. .
- Other than penguins and peacocks, there are also pigeons who
are peacemakers in the office,. There will always be Penguins and
Peacocks in any organizations. Sparrows who try to be neutral so as
to keep a low profile or, Ostriches who choose to bury their heads
in the sand
- Penguins, being the backbone of the organization, need to
recognize that diversity can exist in an organization if there is
acceptance and trust. Peacock bring in varieties and new ideas But,
the stability provided by the Penguins must not be ignored
- When we learn to appreciate one anothers 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 Land of Opportunity is more than a place It is a state of
mind. The Land of Opportunity is where we live and work when we
choose to see with new eyes, live from our hearts, allow ourselves
and others to be who we truly are OURSELVES.
- END