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Productivity and Foie Gras

by Marelisa · 31 comments

productivityFoie gras–French for fat liver–is a delicacy made of duck or goose liver that has been especially fattened. This fattening is typically achieved through gavage, which is the process of force-feeding the birds with corn in order to deposit large amounts of fat in the liver, thereby achieving the buttery consistency of foie gras.

Today there is much public outcry over the alleged cruelty involved in gavage-based foie gras (it was outlawed in Chicago for awhile); the feed is administered using a funnel fitted with a long tube, which forces the feed into the animal’s esophagus. Specific complaints include diseased livers swollen to many times their normal size, expansion of the abdomen making it difficult for birds to walk, and scarring of the throat and esophagus.

At this point you’re probably asking yourself: “So, what does this have to do with my productivity?”  In the quest for doing more–which we often mistake for productivity–we often apply the rough equivalent of gavage to our own work methods.  We work insanely long hours, skip meals, fail to get any exercise, stop by a fast food joint on the way home from work and get a burger and fries because we’re too tired to shop for healthy food and cook, and so on.

Continuing With Our Foie Gras Analogy

There’s an alternative to gavage-based foie gras which uses natural voluntary feeding.  Award-winning Spanish producer “Patería de Sousa” produces foie gras by taking advantage of the natural instinct of geese to gorge on food in preparation for migration.  The woodlands in Extremadura, Spain– where the geese are raised and allowed to roam freely– are a source of high-quality food: figs, legumes, acorns, olives, and natural cereals.

Dan Barber, named “Best Chef of New York” in 2006, had this to say about the Patería de Sousa foie gras:

“I’ve tasted the best liver pâté of my life. My best culinary experience.”

In fact, Dan gave a TED Talk in which he describes the process used by Eduardo Sousa in making foie gras.  Dan visited the farm in Extremadura and throughout their meeting Eduardo kept repeating: “My life’s work is to give the geese what they want”.  Dan even refers to him as “the goose whisperer”.

Eduardo’s biggest obstacle was the market place which demands bright yellow foie gras. In fact, chefs are trained that the best quality foie gras is bright yellow. However, because Eduardo’s geese are not force fed, the liver his farm was producing was gray. He then found a wild yellow plant called the Lupin bush, and he planted it on his 30 acres.

The geese started eating the seed of the Lupin bush and the result was bright yellow foie gras.  Dan remarks during his TED talk that Eduardo seemed to have an answer for everything, and it was always rooted in nature; he kept insisting it was about working with his landscape.

Dan continues to narrate that as he spoke to Eduardo he heard a clapping noise in the distance and, upon looking up at the sky, he saw a flock of wild geese flying over the farm.  Eduardo’s geese started calling out to the wild geese, which began to circle over the farm a few times and finally landed.  Dan then looked incredulously over at Eduardo and asked: “You’re telling me that your geese call out to the wild geese to stop by for a visit?”  And Eduardo answered: “No, they come to stay”.

At this point Dan tried to explain to Eduardo that this just couldn’t be because the DNA of a goose is to fly South for the winter.  And Eduardo answered: “No, their DNA is to find the conditions that are conducive to life; to happiness. And they find it here.” The wild geese stop, they mate with the “domesticated” geese, and Eduardo’s flock continues to grow.  And Eduardo can continue to produce the foie gras that won him the coveted Coup de Coeur in 2006, basically, the gastronomical equivalent to the Olympics.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Ask yourself the following questions to make sure that you’ve found conditions conducive to life and to happiness in your work life:

  • Is there a better way to do this?
  • Am I leading an unhealthy lifestyle in the chase for the promotion or higher profits?
  • Is my work rhythm sustainable?
  • Does working this way make me happy?
  • Am I getting enough sleep?
  • Do I eat well?
  • Do I exercise?
  • Do I take breaks?
  • Do I use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, massages, and walks in nature?

Try applying the term “whisperer” to your work.  A “word whisperer” has a very different connotation than a “freelance writer”, or whatever occupation you apply it to.  It’s about finding the right relationship or natural balance with your work, where you give it what it needs and your work in turns gives you what you need.

photo credit: antonellomusina

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{ 29 comments }

Bamboo Forest December 14, 2008 at 8:41 pm

Very interesting metaphor. Great ending too.

The force-feeding in your first example sounds inhumane. The second example sounds much better.

Whether we enjoy our work – it should not have a hold on us where it depletes us of our health, so we must be tactful about how we go about it.

Bamboo Forests last blog post..How to Prevent Being Struck by Your Mind’s Immobilizing Arrows

Lance December 14, 2008 at 9:31 pm

I love the “whisperer” idea Mare! It really does connote a different feel to whatever we’re applying it to – and, I think, in a good way. It gives me a feel of being more “in tune”, more focused on the depths of the task at hand. More so, than just looking at something from the surface.

I enjoyed the story of the geese – aren’t we all trying to find conditions that are conducive to life, and to happiness…

So, I’m taking one of these questions, to start – “Does working this way make me happy?” – and I’m going to concentrate on what this really, deeply means to me…

Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day

Kiki December 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm

Fantastic analogy – especially this time of year, when even more is piled on our metaphorical and physical plates. I’ll be linking to this in my Fizz Fix post this week!

Kikis last blog post..1001/101: Evolution of a Project

Nathalie Lussier December 14, 2008 at 11:39 pm

Wow, I had no idea what was going on in the fois-gras industry. My University campus was filled with geese, but none of them were used for fois gras. Mainly, they served to slow down traffic and make people go “aww”.

I love the analogy and think we can all find better ways to take care of ourselves to increase our productivity!

Nathalie Lussiers last blog post..7 Reasons Why Trusting Yourself Will Improve Your Health

Vered - MomGrind December 14, 2008 at 11:46 pm

These are all excellent questions, Mare. I am happy to report I can reply “yes” to most of them, but by no means to all of them. Specifically, I could definitely be better about incorporating relaxation technique into my daily routine.

Davina December 15, 2008 at 2:21 am

Hi Marelisa. That was interesting what Eduardo did by planting Lupin bush to aid the production of bright yellow foie gras. I cannot answer a complete yes to all of these, but I can compromise and say yes to all of them (except for the first one) on a scale of about 70% in each category *smile*. #1 would get a 100% yes.

Davinas last blog post..Future Self Meditation Invites Guidance

Melissa Donovan December 15, 2008 at 3:49 am

As an animal welfare advocate, I find the standard foie gras process horrifying. But I’m not here to get political ;) I do want to say that Eduardo is right. A lot of times we can find our answers in nature and usually nature provides a cleaner, safer way of doing things. For example, if you have ants, you can use mint or cinnamon instead of that nasty ant poison or bug spray. Makes you think about the commercialized products they’re selling us all the time…

I love “word whisperer.” Can I put that on my business card?

Melissa Donovans last blog post..Where to Find Inspiration for Creative Writing (Art Begets Art)

Elaine B. December 15, 2008 at 7:13 am

This is a great analogy! I believe in working smarter not harder and this is a great check list to see if you are doing just that. Great masterpiece!

Elaine B.s last blog post..Keepin` it Green-8 Ways to Reduce Your Light Bill

Al at 7P December 15, 2008 at 8:49 am

I really liked this story. The best results come naturally, not forced. We need to put ourselves in situations conducive for success and not simply rely on willpower alone.

Al at 7Ps last blog post..533,000 Is Too Much

Tom Volkar / Delightful Work December 15, 2008 at 9:27 am

“No, their DNA is to find the conditions that are conducive to life; to happiness.”

I love this quote, the post and the whole story. Especially I’m inspired by your suggestion that we seek sustainable rhythm for our work and life. Stumbled!

Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..Pump Up Your Personal Power

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome December 15, 2008 at 9:37 am

Wow! What an amazing story! I love it.

And I’m definitely going to apply that to my own life. The line from Eduardo “No, their DNA is to find the conditions that are conducive to life; to happiness. And they find it here.” is especially good.

Thanks for sharing this one!

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndromes last blog post..It’s Your Life So Take Control of It: Joanna Young Interview

TheDutchSchoolKid December 15, 2008 at 11:46 am

Wow.
That is a fantastic metaphor. How bad do you want to improve your productivity.

TheDutchSchoolKids last blog post..iPod Studying

Cath Lawson December 15, 2008 at 2:07 pm

LOL Mare – Only you could manage to come up with a story to compare the way we work to the production of foie gras.

I don’t like the stuff – I only tried it once. A waiter at Andrew Fairlie said they use foie gras which is produced ethically and in the end I gave in and tried a little to please him – but I really didn’t like the taste and texture. I liked everything else there tho – it is even better than Gordon Ramsey in Claridges.

Cath Lawsons last blog post..I’m Not A Bloody Fortune Teller But….

Mindful MImi December 15, 2008 at 3:07 pm

Mare,
Where do you find these analogies? Great story about the goose guy. Currently I do not eat well, I have not been exercising much. At least I am on holidays now for the rest of the year. But I could use some Lupin bush…
Mimi

Mindful MImis last blog post..10 ideas, 10 convictions – part 2

Ivory December 15, 2008 at 4:49 pm

Amazing story. Thank you for sharing it!

Ivorys last blog post..Menu Plan Monday

Mare December 15, 2008 at 4:55 pm

Hi Bamboo: Thank you. I read that a lot of people lose their health pursuing health, and then they would gladly give up all of their money to get their health back. We need to understand that pursuing our goals doesn’t mean we need to destroy our health in the process by working ourselves into the ground.

Mare December 15, 2008 at 5:05 pm

Hi Lance: I think it makes us feel more connected to our life’s work instead of just checking another task off our to-do list. Think of the difference between Eduardo Souza and the owner of one of the factories that applies gavage. I would rather be Eduardo Souza, I know you would too. I’m glad you enjoyed it :-)

Hi Kiki: Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, yet for many it’s the most stressful. I think that should give us a clue that we’re doing something very wrong. Thank you :-)

Hi Natalie: Before I saw the video on Ted.com I didn’t know that was going with the foie gras industry either. I thought the story about Eduardo Souza was fascinating. Thank you, I’m glad you liked the analogy.

Hi Vered: When I lived in the US I had a bathtub and I would take a bath every single day (yes, every single day). I don’t have one here in Panama, and I really wish I had one. Maybe Santa will bring me a bathtub . . .

Mare December 15, 2008 at 5:11 pm

Hi Davina: I think there’s a creative solution to any problem, if we take the time to look for it. 70% is a good score, while still leaving some room for improvement :-)

Hi Melissa: Nature usually does provide the best alternatives. Take “word whisperer” it’s yours :-)

Hi Elaine: I’m a big believer in working smarter and not harder too. Thank you :-)

Hi Al: Ride the wave :-)

Hunter Nuttall December 15, 2008 at 5:17 pm

That force feeding sounds really awful. But wow, what an alternative! And good questions to ask ourselves. I think I’ll take a break soon. :)

Mare December 15, 2008 at 5:17 pm

Hi Tom: I think we also have that in our DNA but we keep overriding it with our intellect. Thanks for the stumble :-)

Hi Alex: I’m glad you liked it, I loved that line too. Is Extremadura near where you live (50 miles from Sevilla near the border with Portugal)?

Hi TheDutchSchoolKid: I think that what a lot of people don’t understand is that relaxation is an important part of productivity.

Hi Cath: You know, I was a little worried that maybe I had stretched the metaphor a little too far, so I’m glad that everyone seems to like it :-) I like foie gras, but then again my parents started feeding it to me since I was small so maybe it’s an acquired taste.

Mare December 15, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Hi Mimi: Well, I found the video of Eduardo Souza on Ted.com and then I came up with the analogy. The flower of the Lupin bush is bright yellow, it does look good :-)

Hi Ivory: I’m glad you liked it. You’re very welcome.

Hi Hunter: I’m taking a break soon too :-)

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome December 15, 2008 at 9:05 pm

Extremadura is the other side of the country. I’m up in the North on the coast by the French border and Extremadura is down just north of Andalucia:

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndromes last blog post..It’s Your Life So Take Control of It: Joanna Young Interview

Mare December 15, 2008 at 10:05 pm

You get the best of both worlds: live in Spain and visit France whenever you want. That map function is really cool.

Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters December 16, 2008 at 9:12 am

I love that he didn’t force the issue in how he feed his geese. There is always a better way then using force. Geese are just trying to find the best way to live.

You right Mare, we need to constantly be asking ourselves is this the best way or can we find a better solution. The more we ask the better we will get at finding the right answers.

Karl Staib – Your Work Happiness Matterss last blog post..Creating A Project Ritual to Encourage Happiness

Ross December 16, 2008 at 10:04 am

My favourite part would have to be the reference to the ‘goose whisperer’… nice!

Rosss last blog post..You see in your own life what you believe

Mare December 16, 2008 at 8:18 pm

Hi Karl: I think a lot of people facing a negative situation simply think to themselves: “Well, this is just how things are”. However, we should always be asking ourselves how we can improve things.

Hi Ross: I liked that part too :-)

Mitch December 17, 2008 at 12:28 am

You always write these posts that make me think, Marelisa, and one of those things this one is making me think about is just how few of them I actually do. The only one I can answer “yes” to is the second one, and “yes” isn’t supposed to be the right answer there. Of course, I’d tell you it’s harder for me because I work for myself, as an independent consultant, and therefore I have to continually hustle because otherwise I don’t get paid, and I have myself and my wife to work on taking care of. That doesn’t necessarily mean there may not be another way, but it’s the way I know right now.

Mitchs last blog post..When Others Call For You To Leave

Natural December 18, 2008 at 1:20 pm

VERY interesting read Mare great analogy! Based on your questions, I have work to do, probably always will, it’s just a matter of finding the right balance. I answered no to most of the questions..as far as work I don’t think I will find too much happiness there until I start doing work that I love. unfortuantely what I’m doing now is not it.

Naturals last blog post..You’re So Vain You Probably Think This Post Is About You

Marianna December 19, 2008 at 5:10 pm

This is a beautifully written lesson, Marelisa. Looking forward to reading more of your work.

I’d add one more question to your comprehensive list: Am I working from my heart or my head?

Work from the heart, change your heart signals and your brain function improves.

Mariannas last blog post..Happy Birthday To Me!

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