Penguins and Peacocks Lessons on Leadership Book Report

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A Peacock in the Land of Penguins: Book Report



Section 1: Summary



A Peacock in the Land of Penguins is a unique take on leadership in the workplace: it uses a fable to introduce the concept that there are two types of workers in general—peacocks and penguins. From there it goes on to offer advice, ideas, examples and resources for both types of workers in an organization. This book helps workers identify whether they are a “peacock”—i.e., someone who relishes being different, creative and unique at work (where conformity is typically expected)—or a “penguin” (someone who does not mind at all fitting in with an organization and being like others). The book offers tips for peacocks, such as “be realistic about the world of work” (Hateley 116), which means know that there are going to be places where penguins are in the majority but that you may be on the lookout for organizations that want workers like you—so don’t despair. The book also takes a positive view of penguins (conformists) and shows that peacocks (individualists) can learn from penguins. It also points out that there is always a little bit of penguin in everyone. At the same time, the book gives tips to penguins who would like to develop more individualistic traits as well as tips for penguins who would like to change their organization. Because a conformist is not likely to be one to implement a change management strategy, the book provides useful advice on how to be more like a penguin in certain situations.

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Finally, the book shows why it is important to cultivate and “feed” penguins as they are important to any organization as they “provide creativity and new thinking” which is where innovative breakthroughs in industries ultimately come from (Hateley 132).



Section 2: Lessons Learned



One of the main ways that this book taught me to be a better leader was first and foremost to know yourself. If you are more individualistic, be aware of the good points and bad points of this personality type and how others might perceive you. If you are more oriented towards trying to fit in and conform to the status quo, know that this also has good points and bad points too. The important thing about leading is to know what kind of personality you have and how this can impact your influence and those around you. For example, an leader who is more of a conformist will never be able to implement an innovative change in the workplace; in order for such a leader to succeed, he or she will have to become more like a penguin and embrace his or her creative side before trying to get others to do the same.



Another lesson about leadership that I learned….....

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Works Cited

Hateley, B. J. A Peacock in the Land of Penguins. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2001.

 

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