| In the popular 40's song, "Swing'in on a Star," the lyrics | | | | of Needs, then materialize in ways that qualify us for |
| offer hope for those given to performance | | | | the work we do and the lives we lead. In the process |
| improvement. Since this column is devoted to the | | | | we first consider the needs of others, asking of |
| principles of this practice, the song naturally inclines | | | | ourselves how to help grow another's contribution |
| toward a model of it as revealed in both animals and | | | | while sensitive to his needs. Such needs might take the |
| people. The song reads as follows: | | | | form of recognition, leadership involvement, soldiers' |
| Would you like to swing on a star, | | | | work, continued growth, and so on. When we don't find |
| Carry moonbeams home in a jar, | | | | the opportunity to be ourselves we perish, at least in |
| And be better off than you are, | | | | some form. We exhibit fear, anxiety, rejection, |
| Or would you rather be a mule? | | | | disapproval, embarrassment, defensiveness, or |
| A mule is an animal with long funny ears. | | | | boredom, to name a few. Animals, too, respond in |
| He kicks up at anything he hears. | | | | similar ways. |
| His back is brawny and his brain is weak. | | | | Despite its imposing form - armor plated and battle |
| He's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak. | | | | ready - the Armadillo is an enigma with precocial |
| And by the way, if you hate to go to school, | | | | ways. Generous by nature, they share their burrows |
| You may grow up to be a mule. | | | | (often 25 feet long with several emergency exits) with |
| ...Or would you rather be a pig? | | | | most any creature that also prefers burrows as |
| A pig is an animal with dirt on his face, | | | | habitats. It is common to find skunks, rats, opossums, |
| His shoes are a terrible disgrace. | | | | rabbits, and snakes all living under the same roof, and |
| He ain't got no manners when he eats his food. | | | | often sharing food stores. In addition to their unique |
| He's fat and lazy and extremely rude. | | | | susceptibility to leprosy bacillus, heretofore only |
| But if you don't care a feather or a fig, | | | | available from infected humans (science has not been |
| You may grow up to be a pig. | | | | able to grow a culture of it), the immature Armadillo is |
| ... Or would you rather be a fish? | | | | adorable. |
| A fish wont do anything but swim in a brook, | | | | The Zebra, which has successfully resisted |
| He can't write his name or read a book, | | | | domestication, is a gifted defensemen. In captivity with |
| And to fool the people is his only thought. | | | | other animals, they will often attack the very same |
| Though he's slippery, he still gets caught. | | | | species they cohabitate with in the wild. Stallions, in |
| But then if that sort of life is what you wish, | | | | particular, are known to break the jaw of an attacking |
| You may grow up to be a fish. | | | | lion with a deft kick, and mothers and foals are so |
| And all the monkeys aren't in a zoo. | | | | bonded (for three years) that attacks from wild dogs |
| Every day you meet quite a few. | | | | and others in the night elicit childlike screaming from the |
| So you see it's all up to you. | | | | foals which quickly gathers mares in a knot around |
| You can be better than you are. | | | | them. One story has a mare and her foals galloping |
| You could be swinging on a star. | | | | off in a tight formation, skillfully repelling the attacking |
| A few of us may find the likeness rude, or just too | | | | dogs. In daylight Zebras are common among Hyenas', |
| close for comfort. However fun to find our guise in an | | | | giraffes, and lions. |
| animal's behavior, the bearing in them is revealing. | | | | When we study the characteristic behavior of animals |
| Organizations are formed of people who apply their | | | | we can easily see the human condition. Sometimes it's |
| skills and approaches to the work, purpose, ideas, and | | | | a poor reflection; but perhaps, meant to model the |
| ideals of the organization. Some call this a "signature | | | | benefit in the likeness to them. As you consider the |
| experience."When an organization has one it is usually | | | | question that follows, you may want to review the |
| better prepared to achieve its stated goals-the thing | | | | animal behavior above. Which are you: mule, pig, fish, |
| most are unable to accomplish. | | | | monkey, armadillo, or zebra? Choose wisely. |
| Our motivation may be rooted in Maslow's Hierarchy | | | | |