A Peacock in the Land of Penguins: A Fable about Creativity and Courage

We learn from fables because they “depersonalize” stories, making it easier for us to see the situation objectively. This book explores diversity in the workplace by using bird species to represent different characteristics.

The main characters are the penguins (representing the established order and resistance to change) and a peacock (symbolizing innovation and change). There are other “exotic” birds to support the peacock, each representing a specialized skill and unique trait. The tension between conformity and change is not new, and this book addresses the merits of each side. However as it is a story, readers may focus on the side that they most identify with.

Part II tries to provide advice on leveraging diversity in the workplace. Without a concrete context, advice like this sounds “preachy” unless the reader is willing to infuse the text with personal experiences, which of course requires the reader’s reflection on and engagement with the text. Part III is another story, with the peacock dispensing sage advice.

The book does require the reader to see meaning in the story. I like it because it can be read in under an hour and its message is fairly simple, and one that I feel we do need to hear regularly.