Shiva, constitutes a part of the powerful
triad within the cosmos of the Hindu mythology, often associated
with destruction, or bringing balance.
A Manager on the
other hand is defined by various Management Gurus in various ways – The one who
manages, The one who plans, organizes, leads, controls and coordinates etc.
In
this article, I briefly bring my thoughts on -
How can we draw parallels between the God of Destruction and a Manager?
How can we draw parallels between the God of Destruction and a Manager?
Shiva, when translated from Sanskrit means the Pure or Auspicious one. This shows that apart from having a complex family, ( which is described in my previous article) He has also been given a complex name and depicts various forms with Managerial Qualities encrypted in essence of each form.
1. The Dakshina Murthy
Dakshinamurthy – Hindu Calender Art
Dakshina Murthy is the form of Shiva who is known to be the
personification of knowledge and is revered as the cosmic teacher. It is said that Shiva, in this form taught the
sons of Brahma (Sanathkumaras) the essence of Vedas, in
silence! Such is the power of Shiva's Aura described in the scriptures.
In the corporate, the team members are Sanathkumaras. They look up to their manager for knowledge, training and awareness and this becomes an important attribute of manager, mentoring his/ her team. Thus, first form of Shiva is found in our Managers.
In the corporate, the team members are Sanathkumaras. They look up to their manager for knowledge, training and awareness and this becomes an important attribute of manager, mentoring his/ her team. Thus, first form of Shiva is found in our Managers.
2. The Aadi Bhikshu
Annapurna and Shiva – by Raja Ravi
Varma
Shiva is called the Gangadhara
(one who holds Ganges in his locks) and Neelakanta
(who has a Blue throat - this is because he swallowed the poison - 'Halaa-hala'). These two names symbolize
that He has won over hunger and thirst and yet is described as Aadi Bhikshu (or
the first beggar), who asks his consort Annapurna
for food.
Similarly, most managers have a wonderful team and they themselves
hold a pinnacle of knowledge. But, asking for help shows the ego-free nature
and an attitude which proves him/ her to be open for change.
3. The Aadi Yogi
Shiva in Meditation by – Community
Artists Group
Shiva is often portrayed to be in deep meditation. He is in eternal peace irrespective of what
happens in the universe. He is not attracted to Kama (desire) or not affected by Maya
(illusion).
The corporate always has surprises hidden, in various forms. A manager on a daily basis combats all or few of these - Attrition, Under-performance of Reportees, Pressure of Deadlines, Unmotivated teams etc. But, the effectiveness of managers is seen in the way they maintain inner peace, not letting external circumstances affect the internal state of mind and keep the spirit of the team high. Hence, we can notice most of our managers being Aadi Yogis.
The corporate always has surprises hidden, in various forms. A manager on a daily basis combats all or few of these - Attrition, Under-performance of Reportees, Pressure of Deadlines, Unmotivated teams etc. But, the effectiveness of managers is seen in the way they maintain inner peace, not letting external circumstances affect the internal state of mind and keep the spirit of the team high. Hence, we can notice most of our managers being Aadi Yogis.
4. The Nataraja
Nataraja – By Avik Chakraborthy
Nataraja is
the form of Shiva who is a Cosmic Dancer, performing the Ananda Tandava, the
Dance of Bliss. He is an epitome of Cosmic Energy, Celebration and Destruction
of Ignorance.
A Manager not
just mentors his team, but also celebrates with his
team just like Nataraja whose cosmic energy flows and energizes the whole
Universe.
5. The Bhairava
Bhairava – By Avinab Mukherjee
Shiva’s
fiercest form is Bhairava. The form of Shiva which is actually associated with
destruction. Giving this form a thought clearly shows that anger in
certain situations is necessary to bring balance. In corporate scenario this
can be related with maintaining the quality of the project. Thus, Anger, for a
manager is surely an important quality where needed and in the right amount.
As an end
note, I would humbly say that Shiva is Vast and has only been explored in fragments down
the centuries by various people. He still has various Forms to show in our surroundings, for those who have Eyes to
see it.
I am not the Mind nor Intelligence, I am not the Ego nor the faculty of recollections.
I am not the faculties of Hearing, nor that
of Tasting, Smelling or Seeing.
I am not the Sky, nor the Earth, Neither the
Fire nor the Air
I am the Ever Pure Blissful Consciousness; I
am Shiva, I am Shiva,
The Ever Pure Blissful Consciousness.
The Ever Pure Blissful Consciousness.
-
Adi
Shankaracharya, Nirvana Ashtakam (Stanza-1)
