To Ponder: Lighting Up The Great Depths

I’m fascinated by the great unknowns of our Earth. One such area is the abyssal zone of our oceans, that is, those depths of the ocean that are 4km+ below. This is a grim and difficult area to live, and yet, many creatures do.

Among other difficulties down there (heat, pressure) – there is no ambient light. It’s complete, perpetual darkness. This darkness has led the creatures down there to develop a crucial trait: Bioluminescence.

Any guesses what they use it for?

Naturally, as we humans rely on our eyesight to interact with the world, it’s easy to assume that the best use of this bioluminescence would be to see and find food in that darkness.
…And it’s exactly that kind of thinking that would get you eaten.

So, if you guessed ‘to see’ earlier, then I challenge you to have a second go. How else would you use bioluminescence in the great depths of the oceans?

I won’t keep you in suspense – the 2 best and primary uses of light in the abyssal zone are:

1. As Bait – to attract your food.
2. As Protection – to distract others so you don’t become food.

And that’s the thing. It’s so natural for us to get caught in our own rhythms, thought patterns, and internal bias. Breaking outside of our own perspectives is so easy to talk about – yet so hard to actually do.

The good news is that there are a number of strategies to counter these ‘fast-thoughts’. Strategies like the one we just employed – i.e. have a second go. Thinking twice forces our brains to stop, take a moment and tackle the question from a new perspective.

As change leaders we so often venture into an unknown future (and ask others to join us!) But it’s so easy to get caught up in the business and distraction of the change itself and lose track of the true value – that is, the value to others.

How many perspectives are you considering?

#ChangeLeadership #ValuableChange