Hicks, Tom J
Birds of Different Feathers Can Flock Together
A Peacock in the Land of Penguins, by BJ Gallagher Hateley and Warren H. Schmidt,
draws attention to a very important aspect of today’s workforce; diversity. Merriam-Webster
defines diversity as the condition of having or being composed of differing elements. With
globalization becoming a trend in the business world, diversity in the workplace will only
continue to grow. Through the use of metaphor, A Peacock in the Land of Penguins conveys a
message about diversity and how important its presence in the workplace can be.
The fable begins by introducing the reader to the Sea of Organizations. This Sea of
Organizations was comprised, in part, by many lands ruled by penguins. Though many different
birds inhabited the Land of Penguins, those with aspirations to move up in their organizations
were encouraged to be “as penguin-like as possible”. While many birds attempted this feat,
their efforts always seemed to go unrewarded. It became apparent that the penguins would
always be in charge in the Land of Penguins.
This way of life would soon change for many of the aspiring birds in the land. As the
elder penguins ventured to distant lands, an interest in new and different birds was soon
sparked. Impressed by the experience and accomplishments of these birds, the penguins
persuaded many to bring their talents to the Land of Penguins. With success as their motive,
the penguins believed they could introduce these newcomers to their land and sculpt them into
penguin way of life. One newcomer, known as Perry the Peacock, felt as though his future
would be brighter in the new land but would soon discover otherwise.
Hicks, Tom J
At first, everyone was pleased with Perry’s work but as time continued to pass, talk
about Perry’s differences began to grow. The senior penguins became uncomfortable with
Perry’s appearance and style and urged him to be more like a penguin. Perry didn’t face this
discrimination alone. Other birds that had been brought to the land were also facing the same
discrimination from the penguins. With this in mind, the birds adopted many different
strategies in an effort to change the culture that had been so prevalent in the Land of Penguins.
Ultimately, their attempts were futile. Met with opposition, some birds decided it was best to
move on as others were told to leave the land.
Perry the Peacock was the first to leave the Land of Penguins. In doing so, he found the
acceptance he desired in what was known as the Land of Opportunity. In this land, birds were
appreciated instead of scolded for being unique. Since birds were not pressured into
conformity, their different perspectives could easily be shared. This ultimately brought wisdom
and success to the land. Over time, the other birds that faced discrimination in the Land of
Penguins made their way to the Land of Opportunity. Perry the Peacock and his friends could
finally be themselves.
A Peacock in the Land of Penguins not only provides readers with a compelling message
about the importance of diversity in the workplace, but it also provides readers with a better
understanding of who they are. The metaphor can easily be compared to a real life work
environment, helping reader’s determine exactly where they stand within a company. As Perry
the Peacock’s story comes to a close, the authors continue to elaborate on the message they so
successfully conveyed. By utilizing the book’s tips and tools, a reader can learn more about
Hicks, Tom J
other ‘birds’ and their roles in the workplace. Strategies for “flying the coop” or staying within
a current work environment are also given.
Regardless of where my career path takes me, the message I received from A Peacock in
the Land of Penguins will be there. Prior to reading this book, I knew diversity was important.
It was after reading this book that I realized just how important diversity can be for success. In
a quickly changing world, new ideas and creativity can’t just be stifled as they were in the Land
of Penguins. As a leader, it is important to be open to new ideas and flexible to change. Instead
of pushing employees to conform, a leader should acknowledge employees for their personal
strengths and abilities.
Whether you’re a top executive or an employee at the bottom of the corporate ladder,
you can definitely learn something from A Peacock in the Land of Penguins. I would easily
recommend this book to anyone, regardless of corporate standing. With that being said, I do
want to remind readers that certain actions may not always lead you to the ‘Land of
Opportunity’ that you seek. In a time of such economic uncertainty, a new, creative idea may
lead you to just the opposite. While it is important to be open to the different perspectives
that a diverse environment can create, it is equally important to evaluate these perspectives. A
leader can’t be afraid to turn down suggestions, even if it means being seen as a ‘penguin’ in
the eyes of others. Just know that people, like birds, have their differences, but most
importantly, know that birds of a different feather can flock together.
Hicks, Tom J
Works Cited
“Diversity.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2011.
Web. 13 May 2011.