Thoughts on Whale, Wisdom, Workplace

After every workshop I deliver, I have a ritual: walking along the beach with my feet in the sand and the sound of waves as my companion. This simple yet powerful routine helps me pause and reflect on what went well, what I could improve, and how I connected with the group.?

And my habit recently took even a deeper meaning.

For those of you who had the chance to wander on the beautiful coasts of Gold Coast, you might know that we can often see big sprays and splashes in the ocean, signifying the presence of its most majestic inhabitants: whales.

I regularly see them, observing their migration from afar. Until recently, I didn’t know what to really make of it apart from being somewhat letting my inner child smile in awe.?

Then, I learnt more about their fascinating nature and was shocked to find out that these remarkable creatures can teach us a lot about teamwork, behaviour, and organisational culture.

Whales exemplify the power of collaboration.?

For instance, humpback whales use a fascinating hunting technique called bubble-net feeding. In this coordinated effort, a group works together to corral fish into tight clusters, making them easier to catch. Each whale has a specific role, from creating bubbles (forming a natural fish net) to directing the fish in the center of the bubble net.?

This mirrors the dynamics of high-performing teams in organisations.?

How often have you been in meetings wondering what you (and many others there) were supposed to do there? How about these massive projects where it is unclear who is responsible for what and when; you probably have been there, right?

Now imagine a project team with clearly defined roles: one person handles data analysis, another focuses on client presentations, and another ensures communication and synchronisation with other stakeholders. Everything flows naturally. When this happens, when everyone's roles align with the team's shared objective, the outcomes can be extraordinary - like catching plenty of fish with bubbles.??

Whales also demonstrate the importance of learning from each other.?

Behavioural traits, like specific hunting techniques or songs, are passed down through generations. Roger Payne, in his TEDxBeaconStreet talk, highlights how culture in whales is pivotal for survival, much like how organisations rely on mentorship and example to sustain their values and practices.?

Think about onboarding a new team member: how often do we consciously pass on not just the "how" but the "why" of what we do? Encouraging mentorship programs or creating a culture of open feedback ensures that valuable lessons and behaviours are shared, setting the stage for the next wave of leaders.?

Lastly, rituals play a crucial role in whale communities.?

Behaviours like breaching, tail slapping, or synchronised swimming serve to communicate, strengthen bonds, and assert identity. In organisations, rituals, from daily stand-ups to annual retreats, foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.?

Successful companies often have rituals too, like celebrating small wins during a weekly team meeting to motivate and connect team members or sharing coffee breaks mixing teams to spark innovative ideas. These rituals may seem small, but they lay the foundation for a strong and cohesive culture.

One of the most striking aspects of whale culture is how it is passed on through imitation and learning. Dialects and behaviours are not products of the physical environment but are learned from other pod members.?

Similarly, in organisations, storytelling, training, and leadership play a critical role in transmitting culture. By intentionally shaping these narratives—whether through team-building exercises, all-hands meetings, or peer recognition programs—leaders can ensure that organisational culture remains dynamic and inclusive, adapting to the evolving needs of the team and environment.

The ocean's wisdom is vast and humbling.?

My beach walks remind me to pause and reflect, much like the lessons we can draw from whales.

After all, if whales can do it, surely we can too!

To end this newsletter, let me invite you to one last reflection. I shared one of my rituals with you - my walks on the beach. As you navigate your personal and professional journey, what rituals ground you??

Do you have any in your team or organisation that helps foster a culture of high performance and growth? If yes, I would love to hear about them - and if not, maybe it is time to find out what they could be.

To your success,

Lison xXX

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