In my recent trip to Costa Rica I kept learning lessons. Therefore I have decided to do a "Leadership lessons from Costa Rica" series of blog posts. Here is what I learned about appearances from a caterpillar.
I have never liked caterpillars. It’s not that I fear them, or run away from them. I just don’t like them and keep a respectful distance from them. Now butterflies are another matter. I love to see them, take picture of them, and always marvel at their colors and agility.
One of my favorite butterflies is the blue morpho butterfly, which abounds in Costa Rica. Its characteristic blue wings are extremely beautiful to look at. Despite their stunning color, blue morphos are not true blue - that is, their wings are not colored blue. What's the deal? The illusion is due to microscopic scales on the top side of the butterfly's wings that reflect blue light. Underneath the scales, the wings are transparent.
In contrast, the undersides of the blue morpho’s wings have a dull brown shade dotted with many eyespots, visible when the butterflies are at rest and their wings are folded up.
This contrast in appearance gives them double protection. First, When the blue morpho flies, the alternating of the blue and brown of the top and bottom of the wings makes it look like it is disappearing and reappearing. This serves to confuse birds or other animals that might try to eat it. When an enemy approaches the butterfly uses the top of its wings to flash bright light in their eyes. This temporary blindness confuses the enemy causing them to flee.
When it’s at rest with its wings folded, the dull brown blends into its surroundings, while the "eyes" make them look like a predator, scaring their enemies away.
So, what’s the story with the caterpillar?
While visiting a butterfly farm (and no, I would NOT have visited a caterpillar farm!), our guide not only pointed at and identified different varieties of butterflies, but also reminded us of the cycle of life and transformation this beautiful creatures go through. He informed us that at this time of year many of the butterflies were in their caterpillar phase.
Unexpectedly, he upturned a leaf, and there was a blue morpho caterpillar. It was red-brown with patches of lime-green on the back area and tufts of bright red and yellow hair. This gave it the appearance as if it had a body armor, with sharp spikes. Our guide challenged us to gently touch it.
Now, never in my life would I have thought of touching the creature. But all of a sudden I though, why not? After all, I’m always telling my clients about the importance of accepting new challenges, overcoming fears, and being open to the new.
Therefore, hesitantly I extended my finger and ran it over its back. To my surprise, it felt like velvet under my finger, and the “spikes” were only soft silky hairs.
Lessons from a caterpillar
Here is what I learned about appearances from my (dare I say it?) beautiful caterpillar:
- Some people that might seem hard and tough can be kind and understanding if you dare approach them.
- People don’t stay the same forever. Leadership development can transform someone apparently common into an extraordinary leader.
- If you don’t accept new challenges, you might miss a great experience.
- You can’t judge someone by their present appearance.
Remember. . .
Appearances can be deceptive. Look twice. Give the benefit of the doubt. Don’t let yourself be blinded by brilliance, or drabness. Test everything, and retain the best.
Photos by: LogosNoesis, Izzy LeCours, and ahisgett