Alligator vs. Bunny!

Last week at work, the CEO came into our bi-weekly division meeting and handed us required reading on communication skills. A quick glance around the room revealed just how offended some people were while giving him their best phony smiles.

Anyway, our CEO summarized one of the book's prevalent themes, which espoused that even in the face of genuinely constructive criticism, people react in one of two ways. The road most often taken is the reptile's response, where our reptilian brain compels us to respond with basic instincts. For instance, when a bunny ventures too close to the pond, a resident alligator will invariably snap forward for a light snack. In contrast, the more rationale reaction prevails when we choose to suppress that inner alligator in favor of actions based on neural activity from our cerebral cortex.

Unfortunately, there are a fair share of alligators swimming around in our R&D pond. At least, there are some humbler engineers at Verathon, and it's been vitally refreshing to learn from them. I can also turn to the refuge of other projects whenever I tire of those obstinate power-plays.

Hey, maybe the bunny does have a shot after all.