California Scrub-Jay, © Photo by Steve Kaye

Business Innovation | Aug 2018


Birds excel at business innovation because their survival depends upon it.

So here are three innovations (from birds) that you can use to improve your business.

Then I added a modern (human) interpretation followed by a suggested implementation.


California Scrub-Jay, © Photo by Steve Kaye

California Scrub-Jay


Innovation #1: Investments

Birds use three powerful investment strategies.

1) Protect principle. For example, birds never damage the trees that produce their food. Doing this would destroy their food supply, which could lead to bankruptcy. (Note: bankruptcy is not an option in Nature.)

2) Spend only the income from an investment. For example, the California Scrub-Jay collects nuts (income from trees). Then it either eats the nuts or hides (invests) them for later.

3) Reinvest to expand principle. For example, some of the nuts grow into trees that produce more nuts.

Modern Business: First, create principle. Second, operate within your income. And third, add value to the business by increasing principle.

To Do: Design your operation to increase the resources that underwrite its future.


Rock Pigeon, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Business Innovation by Birds

Rock Pigeon


Innovation #2: Organization

This photo shows that the Rock Pigeon understands leadership.

Note that, as in any organization chart, the CEO is at the top. Below are the vice-presidents. Next are the managers. And everyone else is out in the field working.

Actually, these birds will arrange themselves according to dominance. So the top bird (as you can see) sits on the top.

Modern Business: Leaders develop a vision of the future and then inspire people to create it.

To Do: Choose ethical leaders who build sustainable organizations that benefit all humanity.


Western Sandpiper, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Business Innovation by Birds

Least Sandpiper and Western Sandpiper


Innovation #3: Teamwork

Hundreds of birds will fly in a flock that bends and turns, rises and dives, as if it were a single bird.

It’s the ultimate example of precision teamwork.

Of course, these birds have an advantage: They can react within 0.01 second.

Now, imagine a team working with such perfection in a business.

Modern Business: Each team member strives to enhance the performance of others.

To Do: Design reward systems that encourage selfless teamwork.


Parting thought: Actually, these are not innovations. They’re the basic principles for building a successful business with a sustainable future.

So, how would these innovations help your business?

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Find More at:

Instead of Regulations

Birds Are Business Experts

What If Nature Was a Business


Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are three organizations that excel at doing this.

1) American Bird Conservancy

2) The Nature Conservancy

3) The Trust for Public Land

Please visit their web sites to learn about the work they do.

Here’s an excellent book: The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation


You can help – Please share this blog with others.
Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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3 Comments
  • Brigitte Noel
    Posted at 16:04h, 28 August

    Fun post. Points well taken!

  • Donna Sanford
    Posted at 23:54h, 29 August

    Simple and Sensible examples employed by our feathered friends, communicated through and by a friend.
    Thank you. It seems that observation is a rare commodity as is applying simple and sensible. So refreshing to be reminded..

  • joyce rouse
    Posted at 13:09h, 07 September

    Brilliant, beautiful, and a lovely bit of humor. Thanks for your wisdom!

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