Are the lessons of Ramayana applicable to our workplace?

The ouster of Cyrus Mistry from the TATA group and the festivities this year coincided. As I’m keen to learn how this mystery unfolds and becomes a case study, the HR professional within me reminded me of how our  Vedas, scriptures talk about how we should lead our lives. I realized a lot of teachings are applicable to our workplaces as well. I should not have been surprised at this realization as after all, all organizations are nothing but an extension of how people live their lives outside of their homes. Though this write up may not throw light on the Mistry exit, I’m taking this opportunity to share a few of the behaviors below in context to Ramayana which definitely have an impact on an organization and it’s people.

Peace @ Work!

Of late, during my long journeys on metro, I realized that almost everyone is complaining about stress at work. The best part is they know the reasons for that as well – loads of emails, work and peer pressure, supervisor’s behavior, low salary etc.

Here is my take on their problems..

 

• While at work, most of us get an email every few minutes and some of the lucky ones, like me (pun intended), get a few emails every minute. What makes it even interesting is that the 5 inch blinking device ensures that one does not get respite from mail even when you are answering the call of nature. It was once said that the three most exciting words that charge you are ‘You’ve got mail’. But today it becomes stressful. Being marked a CC on emails that have nothing to do with you just add to the pressure of unread mails. But just because you’ve got mail, it does not mean that you have to leave everything you do and be in a hurry to read or respond to it right away. Finish the work you are doing in peace. If it is urgent, the sender will call you.

• In a challenging corporate environment that we call work, we all strive to do our best. At times, to prove that we get into irrelevant arguments. We should remember emotions are not for workplace and all battles are not to be won at the moment. The other person may have merit in what he / she is saying. Give the person and their thoughts the respect. You will not only win them but also add value to yourself.

• A lot of us have friends who crib about work pressure, ‘bossy’ boss or a low salary. If you notice the person in front of them these people crib have no power to change anything. Then why waste your time and energy and feel bad about yourself.. better pick up a cup of coffee and chat with your friends for a while. It will refresh you.. Also, Cribbing for low salary and boss work pressure is unreasonable, since taking up a particular job and quantum of salary is employee’s own choice. What employee should look at is ways improve his capability and grow.

Here is wishing you stress free working…