Woodpeckers and Peacocks

Podcasters have taken over my 40-plus-minute drive time most weekday mornings over the past few months. I especially enjoy listening to those who interview authors of business books.

Last week, a certain guest author was speaking about his former boss who often shared his approach to marketing using the analogy of the habits of woodpeckers and peacocks.

I found that more than a little interesting, thinking of management styles in business, as I reminisced about the many "Peacocks," but how few "Woodpeckers" I've met over the years.

Mr. Peacock is a very proud bird. When motivated, he's known for putting on quite a show. He struts around pridefully, while those around him are captivated and inspired; so long as he’s able to fan his best, most colorful attributes. Always a "Wow" moment! However, soon the law of gravity comes into play and Mr. Peacock tires of his effort to keep his plumage up, and all his brilliant, iridescent feathers assume their former position; actually dragging on the ground. But, stick around and there will be another "Peacock moment."

On the other hand, Mr. Woodpecker is normally heard working with a steady tap, tap, tapping, LONG before you ever see him. When you do see him, his head is down, as he’s focused on the business at hand—always tap, tap, tapping. It’s not very inspiring or entertaining; in fact, it can be downright annoying—but his efforts, nonetheless, are purposely consistent.

Nice, that the podcaster’s guest allowed me a brilliant analogy for how to approach TURN-KEYING a business—one that runs WITHOUT the owner's constant onsite OVER-sight of operations.

Here’s the deal—as I see it, it can be approached in two ways:

Business Owner #1 ("Mr. P") reads a book, attends a seminar, or reads an article on, i.e., how to organize a business in a systematic way. He becomes inspired and motivated. "Mr. P" is excited, brimming from ear to ear—and, for those around, he seems larger than life; at least, larger than normal. He wants everyone in the company to be a part of the show and hear from him about the book or seminar that has inspired him so.