11 HR LESSONS TO LEARN FROM LORD GANESHA

From: Mr. S. Iyer

Big Head of ‘Gajanana'. The God has a big head or Gajanana which means "Elephant Faced God" symbolizes to think big. As an HR & a representative of the Management we need to think differently, explore various options & come out with practical / viable solutions to every problem by analyzing the situations calmly.

Small Eyes of "Gajakarna". The small and sharp eyes of Ganesha symbolize to have concentration. The functions of HR requires focus & concentration and one needs to think of all possible consequences to resolve the situation amicably as we are dealing with creatures of emotions. The devils are in the details. Prioritize the work according to their importance to gain the visibility of the Management.

Large Ears of "Lambakarna". The large ears of "Lambakarna" which means "Large Eared Lord" and symbolizes to listen carefully and keep your ears open always. As an HR, you need to hear your people all the times. Listen by your mind and heart as unhappy, not so happy, happy people would like to pour their heart out on everything whether it is personal or official. Listen to them passionately, analyze / interpret and come out with concrete results.

Small Mouth of "Gajavaktra" At times it is said that actions speak better than words, but few wrong words may make bigger and a very wrong impression than your actions. Lord Ganesha's small mouth reminds that one should think before they speak anything. As an HR, your words portray your personality, you need to listen more and talk less while handling people and their problems. Always be solution oriented whenever you are confronted with problems.  

One Tusk of "Ekadanta" or "Ekadrishta"Ganesha's one tusk symbolizes that you should keep the good and throw the bad. As an HR, you need to practice the process / methodologies which are beneficial to the company by eliminating which are not so good. Initiate changes for better.

Trunk of "Vakratunda" Lord Ganesha's trunk conveys that one should be highly adaptable and efficient to their surroundings. Even in unfavorable situations one should be patient and should not panic. As an HR you need to engage the employees efficiently by getting the best out of them consistently. This is an acid test for the department of HR in terms of its functioning. This action of yours shall determine as to how valuable you are for the company.

Large Stomach of "Lambodara" Ganesha"s big stomach conveys that one should be able to digest all good and bad phases of all administrative / financial decisions. It is not always that the department of HR enjoys the good will of the company and its management. The department of HR will be remembered / recognized only when it diagnoses & dilutes problematic situations professionally within the laid down frame work of the company.   

Right foot over left foot. Ganesha keeps his right foot over left foot whenever he is seen in sitting posture. This posture symbolizes using knowledge and reason to overcome emotions. As a representative of HR, take action only after analyzing the situation / circumstances threadbare calmly, peacefully without any haste. Upgrade yourself regularly by reading Management books, enrolling for seminars & conferences and also interacting with successful HR Heads to get useful tips.

Axe. The lord of all Ganas (Gods), Ganesha holds an axe in one of his hands in order to shed off all the bonds and attachments. As an HR, perform your job professionally well. The decisions you take has to be devoid of all emotions and bonds. Being a Resource Manager, excel in handling men by putting in your expertise gathered in your Management Institutions.     

Mouse at Akhuratha's Feet. "Moshak" or mouse is considered as Ganesha's ride. Akhuratha means the lord who has mouse as his charioteer. In any organizational set up, the department of HR is given a great importance. This does not give the department and his men to ride high. You have to be grounded at all the times by keeping your employees satisfied, management appraised and functional heads briefed. In other words, the rules, regulations, policies, procedures drawn by the management have to be applied logically by reasoning and not by emotions.      

Modak and Prasada. Modak is ganesha's favorite sweet and it is served to the devotees as 'prasada'. This symbolizes that one who does hard work and is patient always gets good rewards. If the department of HR works selflessly, ethically and gains the confidence of the Management the rewards to them shall be in the form of a modak.

Thank you