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.

Mr. P’s enthusiasm is infectious, and everyone in the company gets excited, shouting, "Yessss, this IS brilliant, let's do it!" So, things really seem to rock for a while, as the colorful show continues. However, after a period of time, procrastination sets in, and the daily grind of business begins to ruffle everyone’s feathers. The air of excitement begins to dissipate and, before you know it, things are back to normal; the plan to systemize, in order to eliminate the company’s chaos, is on the backburner. The "Peacock moment" is gone and "Mr. P" is back to being frustrated—again, he’s unable to leave the building without chaos breaking out.

But, take heart, dear ones, because if you stick around long enough, "Mr. P" will attend another seminar or read another business or motivational book, and yes, he'll be back; the brilliant iridescent feathers, the strut, all of it, BACK. Another Peacock moment! But, how long will THIS display last?

Then there’s Business Owner #2 ("Mr. W"), who also reads a book, attends a seminar, or reads an article, i.e., how to organize a business in a systematic way. Like Mr. P, "W" also becomes inspired and motivated. However, something happens differently at this stage from the way "Mr. P" approached the inspiration. "Mr. W" has been doing a little extra research, and has learned from PIworld’s Systemic Success blogs, that it takes time to implement an idea, one that will work consistently day after day—you know, tap, tap, tap? "Mr. W" knows that consistent, rhythmic tapping will only take place when the right SYSTEM is implemented, to guarantee the tapping continues.

So, at this point, "Mr. W" bows his head and begins tapping out a designed system, to ensure his new idea will be added to all the other ideas that are now consistently operating in his business—to grow and organize it, so he doesn't have to be onsite; so he can do the things he has always wanted to do, but never had the time.

"W" has been quietly tap, tap, tapping on his systems for a long time, and it’s enabling him to achieve his goals. He’s not interested in putting on a show, just removing the things that bug him. He now has a totally cooperative team that works the system with him toward the same positive goals—you know: birds of a feather...and all that!

"Mr. W" will be heard long before you see him; his systems still tap, tap, tapping away, even as he’s able to fly away on holiday, or south for the winter, to enjoy the beach, golf, or fishing. Maybe bird watching?

Did I mention? Great systems work!