Spirituality is explained in dictionaries as being in a state of, “being spiritual”
Spirituality is explained in dictionaries as being in a state of, “being spiritual” and that means being one who is highly refined in thought and feeling. It relates to a principle of thought – actuating emotion, disposition and frame of mind. In the introductory chapter of his book, “The art of spiritual living”, John-Roger, writes, even when confronted with adversity, the classic warrior (read manager here for the purpose of this piece) holds fast to his values and principles. But while most warriors march off to subdue a perceived enemy, spiritual warriors follow a different path, marching into their own innermost centre. They strive to perfect the internal discipline that will keep them attuned to God (or Spirit, if you prefer that term) as they journey through this world.
A thought that can get provoked in my reader’s mind could be, “Is there any co-relationship between spirituality and current day management concepts and techniques?”. The simple answer is “yes”. Let me elaborate.
Each human is blessed with divinity within. Depending on an individual’s orientation and training, the divinity could be awakened and pronounced or it could be latent and in sleep mode. This divinity is the spiritual force. It is a highly potential feeling of having unimaginable strength to deal with each and every challenge that we as individuals and managers face on a day to day basis. Recognition of the presence of this amazing energy is the first step towards its proper use for solution to problems.
The need for ‘giving’ and the possession of trait of ‘humility’ are essential ingredients that lead to the recognition of the power of spirituality. God-fearing individuals and God-fearing institutions care about the element of happiness in the human capital that is under their care and responsibility.
The state of happiness is always encosted within the state of spirituality. Happiness relates to that non-definable, non-identifiable and non-measurable state of human condition, where feelings (energy) flow freely without fear of any existent or perceived threats. Since happiness and spirituality relate to the existence of a Supreme Being, a sincere manager will draw upon it, in his role as a supervisor. This connection with potent energy will enable the manager to find acceptable solutions to business issues. In Nico median ethics, Aristotle remarks, “Happiness is an expression of soul in considered actions”.
Is happiness critical to better and enhanced productivity. Indeed, yes it is. A happy team produces far better products services and results than a depressed and demotivated team. A manager who recognises the fact that happiness is an indisputable right of every individual co-worker will ensure that happiness is not dependent on the exterior but that every managerial action or re-action would lead to stability and durability of the state of happiness. In short, happiness can’t be brief or short lived, experience on the shop floor. There should be no moments for any co-worker to ask himself if he/she is a happy person – because that itself is an act leading to unhappiness. I have seen many a colleague because they were too concerned about others in a negative way and consequently lacked that spiritual force and strength, thus making themselves a part of the “unhappy” workforce. It is the manager’s responsibility to explain to all members under his command that happiness should never be built upon the unhappiness of others. If any colleague can’t find time to be miserable, then that person ought to be a happy person.
Happiness and spirituality in my view, are inter-twined. Every human being is blessed with an unlimited reservoir of thought and power, that can help surmount a challenge, an issue or the most complex of situations. Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none by the same route. Each manager has to discover spirituality and happiness in his own way and over a period of time it will convert into a mature habit.
Tranquil is the disposition of a manager who recognises the spirituality that resides within him. The establishment of relationship with the creator in the management of affairs of people, organisations and even nations leads to pristine thought and even nobler actions that affect the future course of all the entities.
Spirituality or spiritual approach enables managers to not let things lapse. If one unit, person, division is not performing upto the desired level, one doesn’t have to immediately rush to become the hatchet manager, with an ever-ready axe, coupled with an equally uncalled for impulsive sense of judgement. Examine – it is likely that the job / organisation is evolving while the person, unit or division is failing to do so. It could be your (manager’s) mistake of putting a wrong person or wrongly giving the launch of a new business initiative to an untrained, incompetent or not fully geared division of the company.
A manager blessed and possessed of some sense of spirituality would always be able to finely distinguish between incompetence and incompatibility. More often than not you would find the manager to have made the wrong move or choice.
To achieve ‘spirituality and happiness’ no manager has to become a Corporate Buddha. The person merely needs to recognise that there is always a “greater” energy to draw upon. George Bernard Shaw wrote, “We have no more right to consume happiness without producing it than to consume wealth without producing it.” It is the managers responsibility to create godliness in any organisation. Money does provide a universal passport to go to any place, except heaven and it can buy anything, except happiness.
A spiritual leader is a trainer and coach, not a “boss”. And remember people only leave good organisations because of bad bosses.
Drawing upon John-Roger’s thought about ‘Spiritual Warriors’, I would like to amend and re-paraphrase, that for any manager to be “spiritual and happy”, he must do as a matter of faith and practice the following: “accept all things, co-operate with all things, understand all things, have enthusiasm for all things and have empathy for all things”. In an integrated manner all these factors will manifest in a managers decision, his own state of spirituality and happiness.
God, is within us. Listen to inner voice when making critical decisions, it will never fail you. The significant thing to note is that experience must allow you to do a just and honest self-evaluation and reflection.
The writer is a senior banker
