Adopting a Higher Work Ethic for Faster Career Growth

 “Hi, Krishna! How come you are at home gardening on a working day? Hope all’s well?” asked Ram Krishna’s friend. 

“All’s well except for the pain in the neck, the monstrous boss.”

“The same one you complained about? The one who, last year, robbed you of your legitimate claim for a promotion?”

“Yes, the same devil has now transferred me from the Manufacturing Division with 2000 workers to Production Planning with 25 engineers, half of them dumped by other departments. It’s an exile island.”

“You are really upset and so must be everyone in your family. Do you want to talk about it?”

Krishna nodded and they sat on a nearby bench. Both were quiet for a while, waiting for the other to start the conversation.

“Krishna, you need to sort this out. Let’s have a serious discussion,” said Ram.

“ Yes, Mr. manager-cum professor, thriving and happy on both fronts, tell me which management guru’s sermon are you going to off-load on me now?”

“I want to discuss work ethics with you. And I know of your allergy to management gurus and theories, so I will not mention any, even obliquely.”

“ Ok. I am always open to pragmatic thinking and talk.”

“So, what have you given as the reason for your absence today?”

“I’ve taken a day’s sick leave.”

“Now, this is in the most practical domain of ‘work ethics’. I hope you won’t be allergic to this most pragmatic idea. And particularly because it is from the Bhagwat Geeta, that is from Lord Krishna, after whom you are named.”

“My name is Krishna but I have not read the Geeta. But do tell me how is Bhagwan connected to my situation with my monstrous boss?”

“You and your boss have many ‘likes’ in the world, the issue is not unique, it is universal.”

Ram continued, “I’ll start with an interesting fact. Charles Wilson, an officer of the East India Company, translated the Geeta into English in 1874. And Lord Warren Hastings, the then Governor-General (who was much hated both in India and England for his ruthlessness), wrote an introduction to that edition. 

Hastings said, “Geeta -----always unequalled and a single exception among all the known religions of mankind-------writing will survive when British dominion in India shall have long ceased to exist.” 

“Now listen carefully what  Bhagwan Krishna says about work ethics : 

“Nityam kuru karma tvam

Karma jayo hyakarmanaha

Sharir-yatrapi cha te na

Prasiddhyed akarmanah”

“What does that mean? I don’t know Sanskrit.”

“Your first default in work ethics. Work can be done and improved with curiosity and learning.  Krishna, you could have got familiar with the immortal Geeta of Lord Krishna out of curiosity, like Wilson and Hastings. Here is what it means:

“You should thus always perform your prescribed duties since the action is superior to inaction. By ceasing activity even your bodily maintenance will not be possible.”

“Lord Krishna also said, “Yogaha karmasu kaushalam” which means that (any) work must be done like yoga - with dedication, skill, and expertise.”

“Against this background, your taking 'sick' leave is a serious violation of the command of ‘integrity' of work ethics.  And pardon me, practically the 'lie' will be known to your so-called enemies.

“Now let us talk about your main problem. You have been transferred and assigned different duties. If you had gone to your factory instead of taking leave by feigning illness you would have met your friends, talked to them and your worries would have been lightened. 

“Here you are, carrying the burden, possibly skipping domestic duties and going through daily activities reluctantly. You and your family members will be in a disturbed mood, you may eat mechanically which will worsen the bloating problem from which you are suffering for a long time. So, your skipping the factory work will further make it difficult to ‘maintain your bodily functions.”

“You are stretching it too far,” Krishna said. “I did not know that besides a manager-cum-professor, you are also a Baba. Still, I admit there is some sense in what you have explained. But I am not a sanyasi and my spontaneous reaction to the shocking news from the monster was natural. I am thinking of resigning.”

“That will create complications and maybe even new problems. You have a big home loan to repay and funds are required for your children’s education. You know the jobs at your level are far and few. And almost none now, under the current chaotic conditions due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the pandemic. Also, companies look for work ethics aspects like balanced thinking, dedication, professionalism, progressive outlook, accountability, relationships, and the like. Moreover, before taking anyone onboard companies run confidential checks and even informally consult current/former employers.”

“What do you suggest I do?” Krishna asked.

‘Nothing would work better than seeking an informal meeting with ‘that monster’ and build some bridges by suggesting that you would like to get training in new production technologies like automation, AI, and 3D printing. Or, you can involve one of his ‘punters’, as you call them, and seek a meeting to understand his expectations for your performance in the new role. People at senior levels are rarely vindictive and do not deny the opportunity for rapprochement with employees who have a long service record.”

“Let me think over it.”

“Do not think, act! Use ‘Krishna Shistai’ or ‘Krishna Diplomacy’ right away.”

Krishna smiled and nodded.

“That’s not all. As your classmate and close friend, I am aware that there are many Gordian knots you have to untangle to grow faster in your career. But more of that in the next sessions with manager-cum-professor-cum-Baba.”

Follow these upcoming sessions to understand how the executive in you can turn into a mighty wizard to outwit any monsters in your life.