A Peacock in the Land of Penguins [Paperback]

B. J. Gallagher Hateley (Author), Warren H. Schmidt (Author), Sam Weiss (Illustrator), Ken Blanchard (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2001

A Peacock in the Land of Penguins echoes the dilemma facing businesses across the country -- how to manage the increasing diversity of the workforce and how to capture the talent, creativity, energy, and commitment of all employees. Written in a charming, engaging style, the book is a fable about a peacock who struggles to be itself while surrounded by penguins. Can these seemingly opposite birds work productively together? This new, expanded edition of the international bestseller will help managers understand and maximize the potential of their workforce.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Every once in a while a small book comes along that deals with a profound subject in a very simple, elegant way. A Peacock in the Land of Penguins is such a book."—Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager and Empowerment Takes More Than a Minute "Is there anyone among us who has not felt the pain and frustration of not being appreciated for who they really are? A Peacock in the Land of Penguins, a powerful message, simply told, speaks to the spirit in each of us that yearns to fly high and free."—Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO and The Path

About the Author

BJ Gallagher Hateley is president of Peacock Productions, a human resources training and consulting company. A popular speaker and workshop presenter worldwide, she has consulted to leading corporations and nonprofits including DaimlerChrysler, Chevron, IBM, Volkswagen, Baxter Health Care, CBS, the American Press Institute, and Planned Parenthood. Her other books include Customer at the Crossroads and What Would Buddha Do at Work? Warren H. Schmidt is president of Chrysalis, Inc., a management training and consulting organization. A professor emeritus of the University of Southern California where he was professor of public administration for fifteen years, he also serves as chairman of the World Heritage Foundation. He has authored numerous books and articles and has participated in more than 90 educational and management films. Together, Hateley and Schmidt have also coauthored Pigeonholed in the Land of Penguins and Is It Always Right to Be Right?

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 3rd edition (December 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576751732
• ISBN-13: 978-1576751732
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource for Diversity Training, April 22, 2002

By 

Beth A. Hinsdale (NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Peacock in the Land of Penguins (Paperback)

I am an attorney practicing labor and employment law and have used this book in diversity training. It is the best I have read, and believe it conveys the benefits of diversity in a simple and easy to understand way. All levels of employees, from rank and file to top executives, can (and in my experience do)relate to its message.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that should be read by the peacocks and the penguins, May 5, 2010

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Peacock in the Land of Penguins (Paperback)

The best thing about a fable is that they can be used to deliver harsh messages in soft tones. In this story the penguins are bureaucratic bound managers that are unwilling to tolerate any change, even if it is the mere mention of change. The peacock is a hotshot (in the good sense) new hire that is full of energy, new ideas, creativity and purpose. Similar dynamic individuals added to the organizations are an eagle, hawk, mockingbird, and a swan. All started jobs in an organization run by penguins where the penguins professed a desire to execute some changes. At first the penguins were happy to see the infusion of "new blood."
However, over time the penguins grew insecure over the prospects of change and together they forced out all of the "unusual" birds. Although the nonconformists suffered a bit, they managed to gather together and form a dynamic and creative group that they called the "Land of Opportunity."
As the material in the afterword demonstrates, this is an excellent book for diversity and creativity training. In the modern business world, every employee needs to be operating on all creative cylinders and must be heard. For it is impossible to predict where the next great idea will arise so it could very well be suicidal to discount or suppress any new idea that is raised.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, April 25, 2010

By 

David Williams (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Peacock in the Land of Penguins (Paperback)

I was asked to read this book for work and since reading it I have shared it with many others including my 8 year old daughter. Its an easy read and really gets the point across.