Through the Gates: A Friendly Warning Before You Visit the Zoo

Before we begin — a gentle word of warning.

This zoo doesn’t have ticket booths or turnstiles. No popcorn stands. No tiny trains. And definitely no signs that say “Do Not Feed the Leadership.”

But once you step through the gates, something might start to feel… familiar.

Because The Zoo at Work isn’t a collection of wild animals. It’s a reflection — of us.
Yes, us. The Slack-senders. The meeting-havers. The deliverable-chasers.
We who roam the open plains of shared drives and retreat planning committees.

Over the next 30 days, you’ll meet two animals at a time. Not from National Geographic — but from your last team meeting. The overtalking Macaw. The silent-but-sentient Bat. The majestic Lion who showed up just in time for the photo. The exhausted Ant who’s been holding up the project since Tuesday of last year.

These pairings are meant to highlight contrasts — not to label people, but to spark recognition.
Because the truth is: we’re not one animal.
We’re all of them, at different times. Depending on the task. The pressure. The phase of the moon.
One day you’re the Coordinated Wolfpack.
The next? Lone Leopard energy, with no explanation.

This isn’t a test. There’s no badge at the end.
Just 30 small stories designed to make you pause, laugh, squint at your own reflection… and maybe shift something — just a little — in how you lead, follow, speak, support, or stay silent.

So wander through the zoo.
Take your time.
And remember: the wildest behaviours aren’t in the jungle.
They’re in the office.
With name badges.
And an inbox full of unread wisdom.