Most middle or senior managers in any average Indian company assume roles, responsibilities and powers that equate them with God for the people they manage.
As per vedic traditions, there are three types of God. Those that Create, those that sustain and those that destroy...Bharhma, Vishnu and Shiva.
In the execution of their day to day functions most such managers alternate between the three roles.
They need to create. Create ideas, roles for their staff, targets, jobs, solutions.
They need to sustain. Motivating and keeping the wheels turning smoothly day in and day out is the bulk of their work.
They need to destroy. Right sizing to optimise efficiencies is also something they need to do.
But the role they have to play most of the time is that of the sustainer.
So the middle and senior manager is for most parts Vishnu...the sustainer.
But being Vishnu is not easy.
The Vishnu Sahasranamam, the ancient Stotra contains a thousand names of Vishnu.
Each with a different meaning, each distinct and unique.
But the two contradictory names that have fascinated me are Bhayanashana and Bhayakrita.
Bhayanashana, the one who destroys fears and insecurities.
Bhayakrita, the one who creates fear.
In my observation these are two management styles.
There are managers who create fear and insecurity as they lord over their patch.
Fear ensures optimum productivity and efficiency. They may not win popularity contests but they are seen as effective. Insecurity among the people they manage ensures their leadership is never challenged or disputed.
This form of God does not command respect...but he is feared and revered.
And then there are managers who destroy the fears and insecurities of the people they manage and unleash their latent potential.
They may not be seen as effective in the short team...but they are very effective in building systems that ensure success in the long term.
They command respect and are team leaders who often lead by example.
So what type of God are you Mr. Manager ?
As per vedic traditions, there are three types of God. Those that Create, those that sustain and those that destroy...Bharhma, Vishnu and Shiva.
In the execution of their day to day functions most such managers alternate between the three roles.
They need to create. Create ideas, roles for their staff, targets, jobs, solutions.
They need to sustain. Motivating and keeping the wheels turning smoothly day in and day out is the bulk of their work.
They need to destroy. Right sizing to optimise efficiencies is also something they need to do.
But the role they have to play most of the time is that of the sustainer.
So the middle and senior manager is for most parts Vishnu...the sustainer.
But being Vishnu is not easy.
The Vishnu Sahasranamam, the ancient Stotra contains a thousand names of Vishnu.
Each with a different meaning, each distinct and unique.
But the two contradictory names that have fascinated me are Bhayanashana and Bhayakrita.
Bhayanashana, the one who destroys fears and insecurities.
Bhayakrita, the one who creates fear.
In my observation these are two management styles.
There are managers who create fear and insecurity as they lord over their patch.
Fear ensures optimum productivity and efficiency. They may not win popularity contests but they are seen as effective. Insecurity among the people they manage ensures their leadership is never challenged or disputed.
This form of God does not command respect...but he is feared and revered.
And then there are managers who destroy the fears and insecurities of the people they manage and unleash their latent potential.
They may not be seen as effective in the short team...but they are very effective in building systems that ensure success in the long term.
They command respect and are team leaders who often lead by example.
So what type of God are you Mr. Manager ?
