Butterflies and Cultural Revolution

There is a conscious revolution going on under the nose of corporate executives. They are a part of it, yet may or may not know their part.

The announcement of the extinction of the baiji dolphin of China yesterday marks the demise of a species that has lived on this planet for more than 20 million years. It has survived many of the ups and downs of earth's evolutionary life but when man came along, it could not reproduce fast enough to replace itself as its ecosystem was destroyed and its numbers reduced through fishing.

Contrast that to the butterflies tale. These butterflies are rare and live on the Samoan isalnds of Savaii and Upolu. In 2001, 1% were male. The Blue Moon or 'Great Eggfly' males were under attack by a bacterial parasite that wiped them out before they hatched. Lousy way to start.

By last year the species had developed a genetic mutation that suppressed the bacteria, giving males a chance. As one of the clear and rapid cases of evolution, we have a role model for what is required as homo sapiens.

The corporate equivalent surrounds the question of maintaining the old command and control style, or replacing it with an employee driven more organic culture. The signals are up close and personal. Executive and employee burn out, anxiety attacks, overwhelm, ethical breaches signal the warning signs. Turning attention to passion, purpose and regaining integrity are the signs of hope. The task must be to realign oneself with all aspects of ones identity in order to contribute the level of innovation and creative talent required to collectively lead to higher and better solutions....for the good of all.

What do you see?