Pigeonholed in the Land of Penguins: A Tale of Seeing Beyond Stereotypes

Rating:
Summary: Semi-Fabulous
Review: This book really does examine at least some of the causes and effects of stereotyping. Part One provides a fable with allegorical dimensions and implications. Part Two discusses how the lessons learned from the fable can be applied to the so-called "real world." I would have rated this book higher had there been more substance in Part Two. I would have rated it lower had the fable suggested fewer correlations between the Land of Penguins and the contemporary organization. In the Foreword, Ken Blanchard correctly points out that "Stories are powerful...Stories stick with people." He also thinks that the story told in this book is priceless." Perhaps. Presumably he is referring to the fable. Certainly not to Part Two which seems to suffer from the same lack of resources which the penguins encounter in Part One.

Here's what I suggest. First, buy the book and read it cover to cover. Then re-read Part One. Next, formulate your own check-list of correlations between the fable's narrative (in Part One) and your own organization. All organizations have core values. What are yours? All organizations function in terms of certain basic premises and assumptions. What are yours? Is there stereotyping in your organization? If so (probably so), what are the pigeon holes to which customers as well as employees are assigned? Take a look in the proverbial "mirror" and ask yourself: What are my own core values? What are my own basic assumptions and premises about myself? About the people I associate with?

You may not be pleased by the all of the answers (if they are honest answers) but they will certainly help you to reduce (if not eliminate) stereotyping from your perspectives on yourself as well as on others. Also, you will be better prepared to recognize -- and cope with -- others' stereotyping. Once you complete this process, re-read Part Two. Then review and fine-tune your conclusions with the authors' assistance.

One word of caution about those conclusions: Over time, they could become assumptions and premises which encourage (or at least permit) some more stereotyping. You're not living in the Land of Penguins but there are lessons to be learned from it. As I think Hateley and Schmidt would concur, the ultimate value of those lessons will be determined by what you learn from them...and then what you do as a result of what you have learned.