A Peacock in the Land of Penguins: A Tale of Diversity and Discovery
A delightful corporate fable, based on the experiences of real people, "A Peacock in the Land of Penguins" follows the adventures of Perry the Peacock and other exotic birds as they try to make their way in the Land of Penguins. Their story is both entertaining and enlightening. It is a tale of the perils and possibilities of being "different" in a world that values comfort, safety and the predictability of conformity. Perry the Peacock is a bright, talented, colourful bird who is recruited to live in the Land of Penguins. He soon runs into problems because the penguins have established an organizational climate that is formal, bureaucratic and governed by a vast array of written and unwritten rules. Although his talent is recognized, his different and unusual style makes the penguins feel threatened. Vivid imagery portrays a story that is unfolding each and every day in organizations across the country as they attempt to manage the increasing diversity of the workforce and capture the talent, energy and commitment of all employees. As this book shows, being "different" is much more than a matter of race and gender. Diversity in its fullest sense involves a broad range of human uniqueness - personality, work style, perception and attitudes, values and lifestyle, work ethic, world view, communication style, and much more. Valuing diversity means appreciating and encouraging people to be who they really are, helping them to develop their full potential, and utilizing their special talents, skills, ideas and creativity. "A Peacock in the Land of Penguins" brings new insight to the much-discussed issues of diversity in the workplace. Through the medium of a fable, this book helps readers see what can happen when we try to express ourselves fully and courageously in a chilly corporate culture.