Why unicorns, you ask? Why not?!
This mythical creature symbolizes many things to many people. Despite my love of zebras (I could dress head to toe in zebra print for a week without repeating an outfit), to me, unicorns chiefly represent the unique, unrepeatable and “magical” facets that each of us bring to the workplace. In this sense, one’s magic is his/her unknown potential or conversely, his/her well-honed super powers – the mysterious qualities that make us special. Employees’ individuality, authenticity and wealth of experiences make them of outstanding value to organizations. The fact that companies employ unicorns merits not only acknowledgement in talent strategies – “our talent is our greatest asset,” but also celebration in deeply personal ways - leader-to-employee and teammate-to-teammate. Without unique and innately human talent, our companies would become robotic and impersonal. All employees have unicorn qualities if we look closely enough; this term is not simply applicable to HiPo’s (high potentials). Unicorns are not an endangered species rarely seen in their natural habitats; rather they surround us every day if only we (1) know how to recognize them and (2) create an environment in which they desire to stay.
Why Today's Unicorn Talent, the Blog?
So, what does this unicorn talent, herself, have to say? Why start this Talent and HR discussion forum? Quite simply, to celebrate the unique qualities and needs of today's talent. Unicorns live in our everyday lives, if only we open our eyes and embrace the full humanity of our neighbors. This blog's content seeks to reveal the mysteries and make sense of the legends of effective learning & development, team engagement, leadership development, talent management, corporate culture as well as "DIBs,” namely Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, with 'to the point' candor.
Why else should we view talent as unicorns? Why is this blog named after such a creature? I am glad you asked…
I am a big fan of Church art. At one point in time, unicorns were a common symbol. I distinctly remember visiting The Met Cloisters where an entire room is dedicated to "The Unicorn Tapestries" from the late Middle Ages. The guide told us unicorns were considered protectors of maidens. These animals were not depicted as Roman horses bearing gladiators were; rather they were graceful. Their portrayal underscores that strength comes from vulnerability. As HR professionals, we are called to protect, look out for and nurture our talent.
While unicorns’ popularity in religious art has faded, this mythical creature has planted its hooves firmly in pop culture. I believe we find this animal so attractive because of its creativity and vibrance. Hiding a horn and often rainbow mane is no small feat; unicorns show up as they are and do so unapologetically. Wouldn’t the world of work be better if we all did that?
This animal’s name was borrowed in recent years to distinguish disruptor technologies, particularly in the tech space. New entrants that rose to fame and became valued at or above $1 billion were dubbed “unicorns.” If organizations can earn this title, what about the people behind the success? We need to recognize that our talent’s skills create positive “disruptions.” People are the innovators, coaches, specialists and leaders that change the world.
Those who know me can attest metaphors are a hallmark of my “unicorn superpowers.”
The unicorn’s horn is a reminder to me to “get to the point.” A healthy challenge…and the reason I do not have Twitter.
Call to Action
In the comments below, share with us:
What is your unicorn superpower?
My fellow HR professionals, how do you protect your unicorns, help them thrive and create an environment in which they choose to stay?
Interested in learning more?
Fortune. (2017). The unicorn list. Retrieved from http://fortune.com/unicorns/
Kessler, S., & Analyst, E. (April 2016). Industry survey: Software. In Industry Surveys: January
2017 (Vol. 2). S&P Global Market Intelligence (Ed.).
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