Customer Reviews

A Peacock in the Land of Penguins: A Tale of Diversity and Discovery

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I finally got around to reading this bestseller and now understand why it's sold so many copies. The beauty of this little book is that it gets at important diversity issues that are often emotionally "loaded" for people, but without making people defensive. I find that many people have set up psychological fences around their attitudes toward race, gender and ethnicity. They've been admonished often enough on these topics that they find it hard to listen anymore. By presenting a charming fable about a peacock and penguins, Hately and Schmidt avoid those fences and get directly and powerfully at the essence of the experience of being different--and about the ways that people respond to differences. This second edition contains the 111-page fable from the first edition, plus 15 additional pages of guidance and resources on how to deal with differences. Even with the additional material, it is a very quick read. Reading carefully, it only took me about 45 minutes to read the fable, and another 10 or 15 minutes to get through the new material. This book would be a perfect pre-work assignment for a workshop on diversity.

Already printed in 10 languages and two editions since its debut in January of 1995, this book is essential reading for anyone feeling stuck in a job, a club, an organization, a church or any systematized group. (It's also a valuable guide for people who prefer the security of being stuck and feel pommeled by the wild beating of feathers around them.)

But, get the second edition, so you can take advantage of the 15 pages of identifiers, tools and processes that will take you from figuring out where you are to figuring out how to get where you want to go.

If you ARE a corporation or lodge or church or school, read the SECOND EDITION only if you're willing to be "dislodged" as appropriate!

Press BACK <<-- to return to search results listing both editions, or click on the author's name for complete listing.

BJ's lively parable is a charming instructor, a souvenir of a memorable exploration of "fitting in" and a companion showing that we are not only NOT ALONE in the world, but that the very things about us that make us feel most alone make us also MOST VALUABLE.

Perry the Peacock's imaginatively illustrated and delightful story suits children of all ages and adults connected with organizations of any kind-business, non-profit, social services, etc.

Fifteen pages of identifiers, resources and strategies make this second edition a book you will buy by the dozen rather than loan out.

I couldn't believe such a complex issue was presented in such a simple manner. I think it should be required reading for all of Corporate America as diversity goes way beyond black and white. How about women, Christians, non-Christians, degreed, non-degreed, conservatives, liberals, moderates, etc? The list is endless. Excellent reading!

Peacock in the Land of Penguins is simple, fun, and right on. Its an easy 1 day read that has incredible impact in managing different personalities. This book will help you be a more effective manager.