Have you ever noticed how ducks seem to look effortless when paddling along on the pond? They just seem to float along serenely but if you could see below the waterline you'd see their little feet paddling like hell to keep their momentum up.
So, today I used this analogy to describe my office, and more specifically, my department. An issue had arisen and unfortunately the team member allowed the client to become involved, to see (not physically see) my team member under duress and pressure and generally looking pretty unprofessional. After getting the situation under control and the dust settling I took the team member aside and explained why it is important to ensure that the stresses involved in conducting business on behalf of the client actually never actually reach the client; That's what they pay us for! To make their problems disappear. Image source
I'd used the duck analogy to punctuate my point. You know, let the client see an under control, smooth process even though we're paddling like mad behind the scenes to make it look effortless.
It's easy to create drama where there should be none these days right? Facebook is full of it for some reason and I think my team-guy got a little lost in the moment and rather than just get on with it allowed his frustrations to show in front of the client. I prefer quiet achievers to be honest; People who get the job done without fanfare and blaring trumpets. It makes us look more professional as an office and way more in control.
So, considering my duck analogy today I thought a little duck video would be good. I recorded this footage near my house and added the text to send to my niece 
