The Spirit of the Squirrel

Over 10 years ago, Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles collaborated to write a short business book,  "Gung Ho", that promptly became a classic. The good thing about classics is that you can read them over and over again and still find takeaway gems.

The authors use the examples of three animals to instruct us in the attitudes and elements, that when properly realized and applied, can make employees "gung ho" for and about their work and turn lack-luster organizations into top performers. To be "gung ho", organizations must possess:
1. the Spirit of the Squirrel
2. the Way of the Beaver, and
3. the Gift of the Goose

In a nutshell, the Spirit of the Squirrel equates to "worthwhile work". A squirrels' work is collecting and hiding nuts and food for the winter. They are diligent in this task. And, it is certainly worthwhile work because it ensures food for the winter. To be "gung ho" about your work, the work has to be meaningful, worthwhile and important. Solving cancer is certainly worthwhile work but so can be driving a school bus because of the children's lives that have been entrusted to the bus driver. The importance is from the perspective of the people doing the work.

Worthwhile work has to have shared goals associated with it, where the people doing the work are committed to common goals. It has to be the "right" work.

And, worthwhile work has to be value-driven or value-based. As with hours of the work day, goals can be negotiated and changed.  Values are lived. Values are demonstrated by behavior. Values can not be negotiated or compromised.  Worthwhile work has to be consistent and aligned with one's values.

Are you exhibiting the Spirit of the Squirrel in your approach to work? Is your company on the path to being "Gung Ho"?

The Way of the Beaver and the Gift of the Goose will be outlined in future posts.