When you hear the term UNICORN, what do you think of? Do you think of a mystical and enchanting creature that is highly desirable, but difficult to find? Do you think of a child’s favorite toy? Do you think of the world of make-believe? Do you think of a legendary or mystical creature? Do you think of a rapidly growing unique startup company?
What does it mean when someone calls you a “unicorn”? Well I was recently called one, so I put some thought into how I felt about it?
The word unicorn comes from latin and means “one-horned”. Unus means one and Cornu means horn. In mythology a unicorn is said to have mystical and feminine powers. In the realm of myth and legend, few creatures captivate the imagination quite like the unicorn. These ethereal beings, adorned with a single spiraled horn, are renowned for their beauty, grace, and mystical qualities. Unicorns are not just rare; they are elusive, almost impossible to find, and imbued with an aura of magic that sets them apart from any other mythical creature.
The unicorn’s horn, often referred to as an alicorn, is said to possess extraordinary powers. It is believed to purify water, heal the sick, and protect against evil. This precious horn has been sought after for centuries by those who dream of harnessing its power, but the quest is fraught with difficulty. The unicorn, aware of its own value and the dangers of being hunted, remains hidden in the deepest forests and the most enchanted glades, far from human reach.
The unicorn’s coat is another marvel. It is described as a shimmering white, as pure as freshly fallen snow, reflecting light in a way that makes the creature seem almost otherworldly. This coat is not just beautiful; it is said to be impervious to dirt and grime, symbolizing the unicorn’s inherent purity and goodness.
Unicorns are also known for their profound intelligence and gentle nature. They are deeply empathetic creatures, capable of sensing the emotions and intentions of those around them. This empathy makes them incredibly difficult to approach, as they can detect malice or greed from a great distance. Only those with the purest hearts and the noblest intentions can hope to encounter a unicorn. Despite their rarity and the challenges in finding them, the allure of unicorns remains undiminished. They symbolize hope, purity, and the unending pursuit of something greater than ourselves. The quest to find a unicorn is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one, demanding purity of heart, integrity, and unwavering belief in the extraordinary.
In the business world a unicorn is considered a rapidly growing unique startup company with unlimited potential and growth. This typically requires innovative ideas, a strong business model, an exceptional team, solid funding, a good product-to-market fit, rapid growth, strong brand presence, strategic partnerships, and resilience.
When we were kids we felt peer pressure to wear the right clothes, have the most popular hair cut, and pretty much follow what all of the popular kids were doing. But as we mature, we start to understand that often what is the greatest is being different. Original thoughts, actions, and opinions drives growth. In leadership we must challenge the norm, present new ideas, and dare to be different. Original thoughts allow our team to grow and learn. Their unique set of qualities make them rare and valuable.
For a leader to become a unicorn they need to exhibit exceptional qualities and behaviors that drive their business and their team. Some traits a leader might demonstrate to be a unicorn include compassion, trust, good character, resilience, vision and innovation, strong strategic planning, teamwork, competency, adaptability, strong partnerships, and resilience.
After further consideration, I truly believe I am a unicorn and I consider it a great compliment. As a matter of fact, I am pretty proud of it. I am one of a kind and mythical in many ways. I believe my unique blend of qualities, interests, talents, behaviors, beliefs and accomplishments have promoted original and authentic achievements everyday. I think everyone must be a unicorn in some ways, since we are all unique. But the difference is that to be a unicorn you must be comfortable being unique and authentic, just remember true unicorns are rare and difficult to find.
So how might you become a unicorn? I think you need to dare to be different and authentic. Being different or even having a unique, original, authentic opinion often is uncomfortable and risky. It is sometimes easer to do what everyone else is doing, or what everyone else wants you to do. So be brave, strong, unique, elusive and one of a kind; BE A UNICORN.