Followers

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Hanuman - Top class management skills

5 things all of us should learn from Lord Hanuman

1. Perseverance

The persistence to find Sita and to curb his 'Prabhu's' miserable state caused by the same, made Hanuman the hero Lord Rama needed the most during those trying times. Having dedicated his whole existence to finding Sita, Hanuman braved several hurdles to ultimately reach Lanka and find Sita. He offered to help her escape but she refused, saying Rama's honour is at stake and she wouldn't risk that at any cost. Hanuman then went back to Rama and eventually set Lanka on fire with his tail.

Lesson to learn: A certain Shah Rukh Khan once said in Om Shanti Om that if you really, really want and pursue something, the entire universe conspires to make it a reality. Perseverance. That's what Hanuman embodies and teaches by example.

2. Pragmatism

He shape-shifted, lifted mountains and used his tail to burn down Lanka. Hanuman's practicality and ability to focus on the task at hand might as well be a hero in itself. His war-winning tactics and tricks, more often than not, saved the lives and honour of many.

Lesson to learn: Well, learn to 'shape-shift'; by that we mean that you should learn to prioritise and adapt as per the need of the hour.

3. Strength

The physical and mental strength of Hanuman probably need no mention, but we'll take the liberty to talk about it anyway. When Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana was wounded during the course of a fight with Ravana's son, Indrajit, Hanuman was asked to fetch the Sanjeevani booti before sunrise. With time ticking, he decided to become several times bigger than his original size and stopped the sun from rising. Hanuman's inability to recognise the herb made him lift the entire mountain.

Lesson to learn: Strength of body and mind, anyone? Be it physical fitness or meditation to make the mind strong, do whatever it takes so you can be a ninja when it's needed the most.

4. Sense of humour

Even in the most testing of times, Hanuman made it a point to maintain his sense of humour. For example, the time when he got himself intentionally captured by Ravana's son, Indrajit, only to gauge the latter's strength. Or the time he was threatened with having his tail set on fire and he started to increase its length. Even in the TV adaptation of Ramayana, most of the comic-relief moments came via Hanuman.

Lesson to learn: Sulking in a tough situation is very convenient, but smiling and putting up a brave fight is the stuff real heroes are made of. Go on, do it. Feels great.

5. Selflessness, loyalty and humility

It won't be wrong to say that Hanuman was the embodiment of selflessness. He dedicated a major part of his youth to Lord Rama and Sita and went down in history as their most devout follower. He was fiercely loyal and accompanied Lord Rama throughout. Also, despite his physical prowess and supernatural abilities, he was quite humble and was always seen with folded hands. These qualities make Hanuman the most renowned of devotees to ever have existed.

Lesson to learn: You might know your strengths inside-out, but you're probably the only person who also knows your weaknesses inside-out. Always remember those and strike a balance. Be humble.

Five C's 

Competence,Courage,Communication,Commitment and compass are known 5 Cs of corporate leadership skills and requirements. In critical meetings with CEO for performance evaluation of senior mangers to identify ( marked class ) top class skilled personnel to be put on fast track for their promotions and identifying potential leaders for running the corporation,above five Cs are usually examined on a scale of one to ten and their ranks determined.

Competence is skills and qualifications and compass is integrity and the rest are straight forward.

Hanunman's 4 Cs are well known to all of us and let us look at his 5 th C, the communication skills.A scene from Ramayana.Rama and Lakshmana while walking in search of Sita meet Hanuman who is in the disguise of a Brahmin,for the first time in Kiskinda where he was living with Sugriva in exile.The moment he sets his eyes on Rama he identifies he is the only guy qualified to restore back the throne to my boss Sugriva and carefully addresses them and examines the brothers from Ayodhya.When he finishes his initial address Kambar says Rama asks Lakshmana Who is this master of words,embodiment of ( the wealth of )speaking skill ( a rough attempted translation of 'Yarhol ichh SOLLIN SELVAN ").Such was the wisdom of Maruthi's words Rama melted like a butter and was ready to sign any agreement even at the cost of his reputation as he realised Hanuman is the essential minister for the job at hand " locating and bringing back Sita".

Again another situation In Ramayana.Vibishana with four his trusted aides were waiting for an answer from Rama whether his surrender will be accepted. Rama calls for an emergency discussion with his top core group of Generals - Whether to take Vibhishina or not - Sugriva,Jambhavan and Neelan say "No" and justifies with valid and sound reasons for not taking him - Rama then looks at Pawana Putran,Vayu Kumaran,Bajrang Bali for his opinion and Veer Hanuman starts slowly analysing the situation.He says "Yes" - take him along and explains Why ?

I have not read any better spoken words anywhere in literature than Kambar's verses 388 to 407 in Yudha kantam attributed to Maruti negating other seniors opinion but taking the entire leadership with his wisdom and logic and is the best piece of oratory in Ramayan.Rama and others are spell bound when he finishes and Rama readily consents and endorses his desire to follow Hanuman's advice

There are many more examples of Hanuman's management skills ( The entire Sundra Kantam is of his exploits,courage,commitment and decision making skills and assessment skills) that includes a beautiful one man commission report to Rama on his return from Lanka.Hanuman gets 100% and easily tops the list on performance evaluation.