I was wondering when you were going to tell us what the fish could do… and breaking the dam is the perfect analogy. Maybe the monkeys climbing the tree were trying to see far and wide what the problem was, but we’re not able to see under the water where the true problem was. Interesting how water is also mythologically used as chaos, creativity, and potential. Keep breaking dams so the water flows clear!
Right. We need diversity and that’s something the right gets wrong. And, in a good 3 stooges way, when I poke Mo in the eye, I then did the same to Curly.
The left equally ruins diversity because they only want the superficial + groupthink in my expereince. The issue I had at work wasn’t from the ‘right’ political spectrum, it was from the ‘left.’ This is what the right critisizes as ‘token’ which is true.
The right, though, also doesn’t want that diversity of thought. That’s why they keep talking about assimililation. They want homogeneity in the end (the melting pot) But that doesn’t allow growth either.
Diversity of thought is so tough to reconcile in a group, but once you break through that barrier, you have something truly incredible. I've gotten a ton better at welcoming and accepting this, but boy does it take a lot to get there.
I'm frequently the "dad" in whatever group I'm in. I try to make this happen, and it causes a lot of friction (and paints me out as the bad guy like half the time since I'm willing to have these sorts of conversations). Still mastering that part.
I’m new to the term polymathic. But I do appreciate your analysis of diversity. In my own teaching & coaching, I’ve found that folks are hard to convince with #s. Personal experience is required. Have you see this too?
Absolutely it's a blend on data and experience. The challenge is that different personalities require different mixes of the two. And Polymathy is an aspiration. In a world that values experts and specialization, it's a boon and a bane.
Ahh...Michael....I know you are secretly a shapeshifting fish....You can't fool me...that way you can relate better to people and understand them better by getting in touch with your inner monkey, by seeing where their gifts are (even if they do not know yet), what they do vs what they say, how to empower...that is not just a fish...You can't figure out how to empower a diverse group of people in a high functioning way without a few bruises and the curse of not fitting in. Yes, thanks for the post. I relate to the attacks. I have had more than the normal amount myself..and never understood why for many years.
Shape-shifting is certainly a skill but you can’t change the core of who you are. Let’s just say, the image of the fish with hands is apropos. 😆
It’s not even that we are super unique… just different. We understand this with personality proclivities but then seem to think everyone should act the same. Such a weird situation.
OMG Michael, I could relate to every bit of this. I’m definitely a fish too. I’m pretty sure a few of my former bosses would’ve preferred a fish fry over dealing with me constantly raising my hand like, ‘Wait a minute, but what about…
Mmmm, great quotes (turns of phrases)in this article. I'm also very much a fish in most scenarios I've been in.
I do, however, from experience, note that too high a degree of diversity is very counter productive. Esp with a White -black mix.We really are too divergent on too many metrics. Diversity in this domain reliably introduce social conflict and loss of trust.
Great article Woot, I’ve been to a couple of those fish fries with you. I definitely agree that real diversity, diversity in thought is not usually welcome in Corporate America.
I was wondering when you were going to tell us what the fish could do… and breaking the dam is the perfect analogy. Maybe the monkeys climbing the tree were trying to see far and wide what the problem was, but we’re not able to see under the water where the true problem was. Interesting how water is also mythologically used as chaos, creativity, and potential. Keep breaking dams so the water flows clear!
Is a fish my spirit animal like the wolf is yours? 🤣👊🏼
Nailed it!
I liked to have people who thought differently and pushed back. We had great conversations and you and your team were highly successful.
Haha. You're one of the few who saw me for the fish I was and appreciated that. You were an amazing manager and mentor and I thank you for that!
This is great because it makes criticisms of diversity from the right look very fragile.
Right. We need diversity and that’s something the right gets wrong. And, in a good 3 stooges way, when I poke Mo in the eye, I then did the same to Curly.
The left equally ruins diversity because they only want the superficial + groupthink in my expereince. The issue I had at work wasn’t from the ‘right’ political spectrum, it was from the ‘left.’ This is what the right critisizes as ‘token’ which is true.
The right, though, also doesn’t want that diversity of thought. That’s why they keep talking about assimililation. They want homogeneity in the end (the melting pot) But that doesn’t allow growth either.
Diversity of thought is so tough to reconcile in a group, but once you break through that barrier, you have something truly incredible. I've gotten a ton better at welcoming and accepting this, but boy does it take a lot to get there.
Good stuff today!
It certainly does take a lot and most teams never actually get there which is sad.
I'm frequently the "dad" in whatever group I'm in. I try to make this happen, and it causes a lot of friction (and paints me out as the bad guy like half the time since I'm willing to have these sorts of conversations). Still mastering that part.
Haha. I’m learning not to make as many waves. A benefit is my current role needed a fish and respects me for being one.
I’m new to the term polymathic. But I do appreciate your analysis of diversity. In my own teaching & coaching, I’ve found that folks are hard to convince with #s. Personal experience is required. Have you see this too?
Absolutely it's a blend on data and experience. The challenge is that different personalities require different mixes of the two. And Polymathy is an aspiration. In a world that values experts and specialization, it's a boon and a bane.
Ahh...Michael....I know you are secretly a shapeshifting fish....You can't fool me...that way you can relate better to people and understand them better by getting in touch with your inner monkey, by seeing where their gifts are (even if they do not know yet), what they do vs what they say, how to empower...that is not just a fish...You can't figure out how to empower a diverse group of people in a high functioning way without a few bruises and the curse of not fitting in. Yes, thanks for the post. I relate to the attacks. I have had more than the normal amount myself..and never understood why for many years.
Shape-shifting is certainly a skill but you can’t change the core of who you are. Let’s just say, the image of the fish with hands is apropos. 😆
It’s not even that we are super unique… just different. We understand this with personality proclivities but then seem to think everyone should act the same. Such a weird situation.
I have seen fish climbing trees. The fish were mudskippers and the trees were mangroves!
I mean, we can do it.... It's just not typically normal! 😆
Oof relatable. I've been in trouble too many times in corporate America for this.
Nice. The divergent thinkers of the world!
Long before I retired from Corporate American, this fish recognized that 'thinking outside the box' is highly prized but usually punished.
That said, some jobs do require the ability to climb trees.
We absolutely need monkeys. And I agree. Prizes and punished.
OMG Michael, I could relate to every bit of this. I’m definitely a fish too. I’m pretty sure a few of my former bosses would’ve preferred a fish fry over dealing with me constantly raising my hand like, ‘Wait a minute, but what about…
We are out there! But yeah, Fish Fry's are my fear! 🤣👊🏼
Correct—not an Einstein quote—vintage Taylor Swift.
Quote inspector is my favorite!
Mmmm, great quotes (turns of phrases)in this article. I'm also very much a fish in most scenarios I've been in.
I do, however, from experience, note that too high a degree of diversity is very counter productive. Esp with a White -black mix.We really are too divergent on too many metrics. Diversity in this domain reliably introduce social conflict and loss of trust.
Thanks, I'd not ever say no to diversity but it is something that needs to be handled well. If it's not, then it'll never work out.
Great analogy.
Thanks. Stoics are certainly, if not a fish, certainly still not a monkey! 😀
Great article Woot, I’ve been to a couple of those fish fries with you. I definitely agree that real diversity, diversity in thought is not usually welcome in Corporate America.
Awesome! And you certainly know who that manager was!!