The Rare Squirrel Principle: Where Uniqueness Can Lead to Executive Development

The other day, while out hunting and hiking I came across an albino squirrel. These are relatively rare, completely white except for their eyes, and are simply natural variations of gray squirrels. According to the article below, and confirmed by a quick search, they appear only about once in every hundred thousand squirrels. That rarity got me thinking about the importance of difference—not only in nature but in society and business as well.

Representing unique talent and

a unique squirrel. 

What’s a squirrel’s favorite kind of math?

Nut-matics!

There is nothing nuts about being different.

It's an opportunity.

Why was the squirrel’s house so messy?

He had too many nutty projects.

Nature is full of variation, and those differences exist for a reason. If every organism were identical, a single shift in the environment could wipe out an entire species. Variations help ensure adaptability. Perhaps the albino squirrel’s role is simply to be an outlier. And where there are outward differences like pigment, there may also be deeper differences within the squirrel population in eyesight, hearing, behavior, etc.(Meaning color migh be one but differen squirrels will have different attributes and some are likely to be outliers in other areas.).

From time to time, I meet a person who feels like a “rare bird”—or in this case, a “rare squirrel”—someone wired differently from others. They see the world differently, solve problems differently, and often live differently. While some might see this as a disadvantage, those differences can actually be strengths. How might one tap into those differences that are beneficial for things like grooming and executive development.

Consider gifted adults. Giftedness is not limited to any race, gender, or physical characteristic (other then skill formation). Many gifted individuals grow up in environments that never recognize or nurture their abilities. They die on the vine. Some quit or walk away simply because the environment isn’t right for them. Not able to reach their potential.

Executive development draws on a wide range of talents and abilities. One doesn’t need to be gifted to be an effective executive. In fact, non-gifted but highly intelligent individuals may often make better leaders in some circumstances. Yet the deeply interwoven nature of giftedness includes natural talents that can be further developed through executive education and have an opportunity to hit targets others can't even see.

Traits such as creative problem-solving, high curiosity, persistence, strong values, and intrinsic drive can form the foundation of exceptional leadership. When these traits are part of someone’s natural wiring, they represent potential that can be developed—whether through life experience or through education and training (best when there is both).

But let’s not forget our little furry friend. The albino squirrel was nearly identical to the gray squirrel it played alongside—except that it was far more visible and therefore more likely to be spotted and eaten. That risk is inherent in what it is (gifted peope stand out as well sometimes even though they try and blend with the environment.). Drop that same squirrel into a snowy environment, however, and it may outperform and outlive its gray cousins. Context and environment change everything.

What we see in others depends on our ability to recognize and understand their traits—the things that make them who they are. If you're grooming someone for an important role in a complex environment, you must understand the value of differences. Taking people with raw talent—regardless of background or socioeconomic status—and providing them with pathways for growth ensures that organizations cultivate those capable of leading them to new heights.

The analogy may seem silly, but it holds: uniqueness can be a disadvantage in one environment and a powerful advantage in another. If you want your organization to break norms and exceed bell-curve expectations, you need people who are unique enough to make that happen. (Balanced teams matter too—after all, untamed uniqueness with high ability can also create chaos.). Innovation and development requires new sets of eyes.

The moral of the story is that developing your own unique talents—and recognizing their value—is often a matter of environment and perspective. The only thing you need to do is be the best you can be. Let us not waste our human capital talent just because we don't understand.

Rare Squirrels

Gifted Underachievement

From Hidden Harm to Collective Renewal: The Benefits of Challenging Hate and Corruption

One might argue that societies in general should run as efficiently and smoothly as possible, grounded in shared norms that are often codified in charters, mission statements, constitutions, oaths, and similar guiding documents/statements. Despite these formal commitments and the professions that uphold them, there are times when norms are overturned for immoral reasons such as the tempting advantages of hate and corruption. The unwritten norms within certain circles may be one of the major reasons corruption can continue unchecked for years—despite widespread awareness of its existence, the harm it inflicts on society, and the victims it creates (You can never undo the harm of some's choices but you can try and protect others through positive persistence and norm setting. Intentionally harming others for bigotries and money while incentivising at their root wrongdoing and illegal behaviors is a value statement. Their exclusive values create risks for everyone else even if they don't admit it; they know deep down and that is why it is done. Intentional coordinated harm isn't an accident.). These informal rules essentially establish different standards for different people by giving rights to target and harm to gain while reducing human, civil, and the right to exist free (In some societies these are essential and underwrite every other law. Encouraging a higher standard often comes with risks for those who want to uphold the right thing and carry on our grandparents, great grandparents and great great grandparents values that are essential for societal long-term health. People must preserve and support what is sacred or they could someday be lost. You do that by thinking about them and encouraging others to think about them. Normalizing corruption and hate in one place or group means it could be normalized to others (It is not specific to any race, religion, politic or other.)

Representing reflecting
 positive norms and
are standing indivisible
against corruption and hate.

As we explore this hypothetical, philosophical, and theoretical learning thought experiment focused on a “complete justice default,” we examine the unwritten norms that allow hate and corruption to persist regardless of the damage they cause to so many others. In some cases openly bragging about corruption and actively incentivizing misbehaviors. Legal processes and institutional backstops can themselves become distorted into games that drift away from shared values and collective purpose (An issue with too many attorneys as lawmakers and not enough philosophers. The argument is philosophers are more concerned with the direction of laws but step over the details while attorney's focus on detailed gamemanship of law but neglect their purpose and direction. A balance is helpful for staying true north.). Yet eventually, perpetrators overreach—they make mistakes, act too aggressively, exceed their authority, create too many victims, openly support criminal behaviors or rely on clan-like justice. Their actions are challenged by a communities that want the best for themselves, for others, and for future generations (Remember that in our example there was clear preferences to encourage wrongdoing and foster further harm through misuse of a process to engaged in all types of behaviors that undermine trust and undermine the beneficial work good people and officials do everyday. Good officials, communities and people are the loosers when clan courts run by social networks and bigotries normalize misbehaviors.).

In these scenarios, the unwritten norms used by such groups to shield wrongdoing can become more powerful than the law or the intent behind the law. Individuals who revel in violating the freedoms of others—and who enrich friends and associates through ideological distortions unjustly projected onto victims—are unlikely to stop for moral reasons alone. It is not like you can just say over a cold one, "Hi, could you change your behavior and not project and exploit?" and they will reply, "Ok buddy, your right I should treat people like I would want to be treated." (Wouldn't it be nice if it was that simple?🥰 🤗) That is why checks and balances are essential: to ensure that such people and/or networks do not undermine the fundamental purposes and social contracts of society. “Quick to harm and slow to correct” is not a motto that should be fostered as it is reflective of indicision on justice's purpose and role.

Here is the good news: the vast majority of people genuinely try to do the right thing. Mistakes happen, and accidental errors are very different from intentional harm. Good officials, good officers, good citizens, good politicians and other pro-social actors understand the importance of aligning unwritten norms to the more official ones. Witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims play crucial roles in this process; they help society recognize, confront, and correct wrongdoing. We do not need rigid or distorted ideologies to understand the difference between right and wrong. The faster we recognize we are in the same ship together and can get people rowing in the same direction, the more competitive that ship becomes (It's common sense. Think of the meaning of common and sense.).

With persistence, corruption and hate can be reversed but only if others find it disdainful and unwanted. Those who feel entitled to act without accountability will be unlikely to feel good about change that helps everyone, but change occurs when new expectations and new norms take hold. If we, as a society, insist that those we entrust with authority must uphold the values we believe in, have sacrificed for, and have codified into law, then we can reduce corruption and hate (In reverse we must also reward and support those officers, officials, politicians, people, etc. who foster prosocial behaviors and remove wisely those who cause harm and undermine trust.) If harmful unwritten norms take root instead, problems multiply (If you read history you will understand why it is important to do the right thing on a deeply woven social exchange level. You can't fake it and skipping over it leads to increasing concerns of society that reduce institutional health and trust. To some not that important. ). Improving expectations—and therefore trust—requires addressing corruption when it surfaces, correcting wrongdoing when it occurs, and reinforcing positive values in ourselves and in our leaders. In history people have compromised and done the opposite as well. So far most are doing the right thing but not everyone.

Consider this piece, which discusses how corruption thrives on norms and how reshaping expectations can reduce it (See prior article on unwinding hate and corruption.). In our thought experiment, hate and corruption are intertwined through patterns of thinking and a lack of empathy where people are entitled to institutional resources and outcomes (i.e. consideration for others and society). While we can't change people's personality we can create the norms, create the checks-and-balances, and encourage the best and brightest to come forward to take their place in history; or not. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️We can also watch generations of hard work and sacrifices trip and fall. The choice is entirely ours and the answer to this philosophical question is in each of us.

How Norms Upstage the Law in Corruption

*As a philsophical exercise you can change around the elements, come to different conclusions, etc. It is for discussion purposes. 

September Job Report and Forecasting Job Changes Methods (Fortune Tellers and Crystal Balls)

The most recent job reports are interesting. Approximately 119,000 jobs were created, and the unemployment rate remains around 4.4%. Most of the gains occurred in health care services, social assistance, and individual and family services. Job losses were concentrated in warehousing, storage, and courier and messenger services. You can read all that in the November 20, 2025 BLS release.

One reason economists have been “all over the map” is that the economy is no longer behaving as traditional models would predict. As our world becomes increasingly digital, some economic assumptions and measurement tools may need to be updated to better capture modern activities. AI is likely to help in that aspect. Governments will continue relying on foundational data collection methods until new, validated approaches emerge, but scientific interpretation and modeling will inevitably evolve—as they do in every field when the environment changes. Economics is no exception.

Representing a forecaster.

Yes I see it now...
Its becoming clearer in my crystal ball,
the hazy clouds dissipating...
.......
here it is....

I should enjoy today
and have goals
to work on for tomorrow.
Probably going fishing.

A little piece on
Forecasting Labor and Skill Demand

What does all this mean? It’s hard to say with certainty, but it appears we’re entering a period where familiar indicators are shifting, suggesting deeper changes beneath the surface. Economies are always in flux, which is why continuously learning new skills is essential. Sometimes that’s as simple as getting a library card or watching instructional videos; other times it may require returning to school for formal education or training. The last few years have been something a little new and explanations have been all over the map. It follows normal patterns but not exactely so hold onto your hat.

Jobs change because markets change. Employment rises and falls as old roles become outdated and new ones emerge. People working within a field often adapt naturally as it evolves. Those who struggle usually face either rapid change that outpaces their ability to adjust or a failure to update their skills. Organizational trends toward “doing more with less” can also leave some workers behind. In other words, stay competitive—and seek out employers who value people beyond basic input-output metrics.

(btw,there are methods by which companies can prepare the workforce for tomorrow by understanding trends and their ability to meet those future needs. Understand the market, the resources, the plan, and the people.)

Now, let’s look into the crystal ball and see what we can discover…

"We've long felt that the only value of stock forecasters is to make fortune tellers look good." - Warren Buffett

I like this piece, 

119K Jobs Added CNBC Analysis

Rebuilding Local Food Systems for Better Health and a Stronger Economy

If the benefits of supporting local farmers, reducing calories, improving taste, and enjoying the peace of mind that comes from home-cooked meals weren’t already enough, you now have another compelling reason: new research shows that ultra-processed foods are causing a wide range of health issues. These problems span from general health concerns to excess calorie consumption—not to mention the chemicals commonly added to these products.

I had this idea once 
of buying 40 acres,
20 for hunting
20 for field and a
movable paddock livestock.
I can't get my potatos to
grow in my pot right. 
That idea might be out.
Maybe maybe not.
Thinking about for retirement
down the road but may
want to start soon.

The article referenced below also highlights the rapid growth of food industries and large distributors. One lesson we should have carried forward from COVID is the importance of maintaining local food sources. While this short piece isn’t focused on where to buy your food, it is worth considering how much of your diet could come from locally grown produce. Strengthening local farming could help small farmers return to the land and build direct relationships with customers—cutting out layers of industry profits that typically don’t benefit local communities.

Like many of you, I also struggle to find the time to cook. I’m getting better, though, and one thing I’ve realized is that cooking in bulk is a major time-saver. You don’t have to do everything at once, either. If I’m busy, I’ll mix a dough, let it rest in the refrigerator for a while, and come back later to finish it. It doesn’t always go perfectly, but it often works—and it saves me time.

When you shop, try to choose foods with the least amount of processing and the lowest number of “empty calories” that don’t contribute to your health. I’ve heard people note that fresh, healthy food is becoming more expensive while cheap, highly processed food seems to get even cheaper—which can feel discouraging when trying to make better choices. We might encourage our leaders to think about that before they vote on legislation.

Still, we should be thinking about ways to improve food quality, strengthen food resilience, and support our economy at the same time. Building a robust local farm system—and encouraging young people to return to farms abandoned during the mass consolidation of the 1970s—could play an important role.

As a licensed fitness and yoga trainer, I’ll also add this: if you need help getting started, feel free to reach out and I can set something up virtually. Going to the gym is great, and I’ve been switching up my own routine because adaptability and variety often lead to better overall performance. But we need to master our food choices, too, because research consistently shows that nutrition is a major contributor to overall fitness and long-term health.

Ultra Processed Foods

Breaking the Chain: Symbolism, Behavior, and the Quest for Social Unity When Thinking About Hate and Corruption

We can continue to explore this hypothetical, philosophical, and theoretical thought experiment story on The Clan aimed at understanding how to create as much indivisibility as possible to foster social and economic health. One major detractor any society face's is hate and corruption, which not only limit full participation and contribution but also drain resources badly needed to foster a stronger society. In our learning example a clan court protected wrongdoing and intentionally allowed harmful behaviors to out-group members to remove them and allow others to enrich themselves off hate and corruption. Negligence and lack of backstops allowed behaviors to continue on a long time and created new victims in both in and out-group members. To understand how these behavioral patterns emerge and how they shape society, we can turn to philosophy. The article included below is of symbolism so that would seem to be a fitting discussion for a rhetorical exercise. Keep in mind this can be any place, anywhere, any peoples and applies in general to the nature of humanity. The same problems in history since the beginning of civilization but these problems can be overcome with greater commitment to shared values and the minimization of hate and corruption. It is a philosophical discussion so there is no right or wrong way to look at a problem or question in so long as insight is created and that insight leads to knowledge and purposeful choices (i.e. awareness). 

This picture was meant to
be thought provoking. 
New truths create new
 perceptual symbolic realities.

This is a philosophical discussion so
we should consider
how knowledge leads to insight
and how insight creates new perceptions
and how new perceptions form
our subjective realities. 
Plato discussed being free from 
the chains of limited
knowledge and insight
in a way that allows one
to see things differently closer to
as they are. i.e. the sun
that burns their eyes
when leaving the cave.

Philosophically, can you reverse hate
by creating new shared perceptions
new symbolism
that tie people together? 
Maybe maybe not? 🤷

In this learning example, we find that hate and corruption rarely arise suddenly or from a single event involving a single victim. Instead, these behaviors are long-running and deeply embedded in the psychology of the perpetrators. Their precursors can range from feelings of superiority to overt mockery of other races or religions—behaviors meant to strengthen in-group identity by degrading out-groups (Same mechanics in bullying behaviors). This is not specific to any one demographic; any race, religion, region, or group can engage in such behaviors at different times in history. What is unique to every people's is whether they have built the moral conscious and structure to defend against such crimes against purpose and society.

Patterns of corruption often intermingle with patterns of hate because both stem from similar tendencies: a lack of empathy and a willingness to exploit others for personal gain. Hate exploits perceived differences, creating rigid boundaries that produce unequal social cues and uneven levels of engagement, performance, and opportunity. At times, societies may even reward or reinforce these poor behaviors financially or socially. The vast majority of the time unwittingly. Awareness brings opportunities for purposeful choice so moral stories carry with them generation to generation values.

How we interpret the world—individually or collectively—depends heavily on symbols and the meanings we assign to them. Keep in mind that language is based on symbols and our language can be a reflection of our internal perceptions (Language as Symbols and Stanford-Human Mind Shapes Reality). The more heuristic and automatic our interpretations become, especially when unexamined, the more likely we are to arrive at conclusions detached not based in logic or fact but unexamined beliefs. There is always a distinction between the physical properties of something and the symbolic meaning we attach to it so how we perceive our world can change. (Think of the interpretation of the Coke bottle so different from our own based on deep cultural understandings and symbolism. Gift of the Gods). 

Hate rarely has anything to do with the actual targets; it grows from distorted thinking and is reinforced by behaviors that rationalize harmful actions (In our example misbehaviors were incentivized and encouraged in some clan based circles and its influence on courts.). Ultimately, it is fear-based and reveals a lack of authentic inner confidence. Word choice, symbolism, microaggressions, and negative comments—when counterproductive or misaligned with the reality of the targets—say far more about how perpetrators see themselves and their world than about the people they aim to diminish. This is why many emphasize the value of individuals who can unite teams rather than those who spread toxicity as important consideration in leadership selection. The best and brightest of the from the coming of adult age generations should continue to move upward to create circulation of updated and realigned values and choices (We don't wan't to be in a situation where we make continuously poor choices, that are continously misaligned least we lose our competitiveness. ).

This brings us back to symbolism. Beliefs and values are often symbolic based in our cultures and language, and group-based symbolic behaviors may reveal underlying attitudes that can be activated under pressure—for better or worse (Mostly prosocial because it is most helpful but can sometimes go the other way.). Reducing hate and moving toward indivisibility may require understanding how symbolic cues contribute to harmful behaviors. One way to conceptualize this progression is: Symbolism → Micro-Aggression → Open Disdain → Acts of Hate. While difficult, it may also be possible to reverse this progression once hate has taken hold by redefining the underlying symbolism. Likely much easier if discovered and challenged early before open disdain by creating expectations aligned around core values (In theory).

According to the study below, symbolic displays are often precursors to actualized hate-based behaviors. This is an important insight. In our clan story not only were the unthinkable normalized but witnesses, victims and whistleblowers targeted to protect wrong doing and that went on for years and it changed when communities-society put pressure to change and began to remove those fostering hate and corruption. I also suspect that if we focused more on what unites us—shared values, shared commitments, shared purposes—we would better understand how to bridge differences and work toward goals that benefit communities and society at large. We all benefit when we are striving toward the same goals and outcomes. There are social engagement and there are quality of life enhancements and economic growth when when words and actions are aligned with shared values. As general advice: build strong communities of togetherness, forgive small trespasses, and collaborate to create a better world that allows each person the opportunity to contribute their best with purpose. In theory, we can re-solidify and re-anchor our symbolism and sense of togetherness through cooperation and mutual reliance. 

Symbolic and Realized Hate Aggression

*This is a philosophical, theoretical, hypothetical thought experiment for learning purposes only. One can agree, disagree, change around the elements etc. There is no right or wrong answer and each person will see something a little different. Philosophical dribble.

2024 Firefighter Fatalities: RIT Air Pack Equalization

Firefighting is serious work, and every year firefighters and civilians are injured or lost. Anything that improves those numbers matters, and technology can help reduce some of the inherent risks. As the climate becomes more volatile (depends on who you ask), we should expect more structure fires, wildfires, and large-scale incidents. There is already evidence that the size and intensity of fires are increasing, which only adds to the complexity. This is why rapid intervention team (RIT) training is so important—it strengthens the ability to rescue firefighters and civilians when things go wrong.

For example, if someone becomes trapped and is running out of air, rescuers may need to provide an emergency air supply to buy time for extrication. Learning how to equalize or transfer air between tanks becomes a critical skill in such situations. I was familiar with two methods, but the other two taught in the video were new to me, so it expanded my understanding (I have some diving experience so some of these seems sort of similar to underwater issues. Hopefully more diving this year.).

As a part-time firefighter, I try to keep up with training as much as I can. It took me several years to really understand how different systems and procedures fit together. Over time, exposure and repetition make things more intuitive. Then one day you realize you grasp the fundamentals, but also that under pressure—when seconds count—your speed, clarity, and decision-making must improve, because the real world rarely mirrors a textbook.

There is a growing need for firefighters today, so if you’re in a position to volunteer or go part-time (I'm sure if you are healthy and able a career might be a track), consider joining. If you can’t join, there are still ways to contribute—fundraising, administrative help, or community support. And consider donating to your local fire department; even small contributions help. If you’re a business, it’s also a meaningful way to support the community while gaining positive visibility. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation, feel free to reach out—I can connect you with departments that would put those funds to excellent use.

72 Firefighters died on the scene, 26 from fires, and 46 from cardiovascular events. 2024 Annual Firefighter Report

The Not-So-Great Fisherman’s Guide to Trying Anyway: Maybe I Should Have Took the Fish Tour

An idea for a floating 
fish tour and fish lunch 
business. People go fishing
for a few hours and have a fish
sandwhich or meal.

Maybe support local
stores and homes
with a native protein source
from the Great Lakes. 
Commercial fishing is in high
demand and can be explored
but we have to improve
the environment, fish stocks,
sustainable funding.
Perhaps tourism can help.

More free ideas! Stick it on a hook!

 Finding the best places to catch fish with the right rig is basically a never-ending science experiment—except my lab coat is a hoodie, and my research assistants are seagulls judging me from the shoreline. Catching fish is unlikely to make even the tiniest dent in my grocery bill, but it does give me time to catch up on the news and do a little reading while my bobber lazily floats around like it’s on vacation. Every now and then I reel it in, change the bait, and toss it back out like I actually know what I’m doing. If I get really ambitious, I’ll jig the line a little to see if motion attracts fish—or at least scares off the ones already laughing at me.

Ice fishing is coming, too, and since my success rate isn’t exactly threatening the local fish population, I figure I should read up on what fish like to do during the winter. Pretty soon the ice will form on my usual spots, and I’ll have to wait until it’s thick enough to stand on. Although, let’s be honest: if I’m perched on a dock or a deep edge, I might just chop a hole and drop a line in without actually stepping onto the ice. Call it “lazy man’s ice fishing”—safer, warmer, and demands zero bravery.

Either way, it’s just nice to be outside. You just have to dress warm enough to survive that wind, which has the personality of a grumpy old man yelling at you to go home. I usually throw on my insulated garage duck bibs—they slide on and off easy, which is important since I’m often on my way to the grocery store or running errands. This way, I can stop for a quick cast like a fisherman who refuses to let adult responsibilities steal all the fun.

We had snow last week that
melted fast. The cold
weather is coming.

I found two articles that break down fish behavior and the kinds of lures they supposedly can’t resist. I don’t pretend to be the world’s greatest fisherman—if anything, the fish are probably sharing tips about me—so I keep reading and trying to figure out how to convince them to hop on my hook. There are endless tricks, and I’m sure the seasoned anglers out there have some of the world's best kept secrets. 

Side note: it’d be great to see places in the U.P. and beyond consider setting up fish nurseries funded by hobby-level commercial fishing licenses (I'm not in that position to encourage someone to look into more fisheries or using tourism to fund them. I'm way down the chain....one of the little people). Kind of like recycling fishing and tourism revenue back into boosting native fish populations and supporting local ecology. It could help sustainability, tourism, recreation. Just an idea—might work, might not, but it’s worth chewing on. For now I'm just working on the right bait to catch the right fishes.

You can view the ice forming.

Ice Fishing the Upper Peninsula

5 Baits for Ice Fishing Yellow Perch