As I watched the latest episode of NATURE last on my local PBS station, (Deep Thinkers) I couldn’t help but think how we could learn so much from the Whales and the dolphins.
Times have been tough for many of us these past few years – recession, gas prices, war, protests and many personal struggles as well. Yet, most of us have also been resilient – finding innovative ways to stay the course or change direction when needed.
The balance between team and standing out has probably never been trickier – especially for those looking for work and small business owners trying to create sustainable operations. As I work a lot with veterans, I also notice how truly difficult this can be- promoting self with or even above team.
Then it hit me – the balance – the strategy is right in front of us – it is in nature and what nature can teach us.
In one segment a group of young male dolphins ganged up on a female hoping to court her – hoping to mate. Another group of senior male dolphins arrived. Almost immediately the two groups of males began battle. However there was no physical violence. They used synchronized sounds to demonstrate power. The senior males won. After it was over – no hard feelings and all were fine. It was a show of teamwork and also of communication. There was an understanding of sorts and no rebuttal happened.
Spotted Dolphins
It reminded me of another show I saw last week on NATURE (Giant Lives) where many whales tried to court one female – they actually began to fight – it was a bit harder to watch as one whale crammed into another like two cars on a freeway colliding. Yet in the end – when the ones left were not the winner – they actually caressed and comforted each other – almost as if to say, “I am sorry brother that we fought – I am sorry we did not win – let’s be friends again.” It was so beautiful to watch – they slowly calmed each other – the same whales that had initially fought – what could we learn from that? Ahh I digress – back to leadership lessons from last night:
Humback Whales Hunting
Part of last night’s episode covered a certain group of whales that have devised their own specialized process for hunting otherwise difficult food to find. It is a smooth, powerful and awe-inspiring series of moves that involve:
- Synchronized movements
- Clever attention to details
- Total team effort
- Leadership
- Patience.
While I cannot truly do it justice I will attempt to summarize:
- This group of whales begins communicating with each other when they are hungry.
- They then (all at once) perform a dance-like move that takes them under the water
- Using sound they herd a group of small fish and cause the fish to swim upwards
- The leader is above – creating a trap of bubbles
- The fish swim into the bubbles and when leader makes it know that it is time –
- All whales swim to the surface, open their mouths and inhale the fish.
Extraordinary to watch, but also amazing in that this was not known to be normal behavior for these whales. Still, in the area food is scarce – and these tiny fish that could be VERY hard for the gigantic whales to consume. With teamwork, leadership, patience and perseverance along with creativity – these whales have devised a superior plan.
Whales have been hunted for centuries. Whales face many obstacles. Whales are also resilient, able to strategize, become leaders and followers. We probably would not judge them for their actions. So the next time it feels a bit awkward to be the leader – but something tells you – it is needed – think of the whales. The next time you feel like you would prefer to stand out in a crowd – but strategy or insight tells you – better to be part of the group – think of the whales. There must be a reason they have survived and thrived for so long.
To watch the episode on your computer visit this link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/ocean-giants/full-episode-deep-thinkers/7643/
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