The ability to communicate effectively is something all of us crave for. We want to impress our stakeholders, Boss, lover, family and almost everyone who talks to us. It has become more than important in the corporate world where every one has their own priorities and very less time to listen to others. Despite all the preparation, we are seldom successful in reaching our objectives.
Lets go back in time to learn from Lord Hanuman, who is portrayed as a very efficient communicator in Ramayana.
Picture credits: MantraOnNet.com
Ravana had abducted Seeta during Vanavasa and flew away with her to Lanka. Later when Rama went in search of Seeta, Rama wanted some one to make sure Seeta is in Lanka and he wanted to provide her condolence by letting her know that he is coming for rescue. When all other soldiers were scared and admitted that they were not capable enough, Hanuman came forward.
Hanuman flew a hundred yojana (Thousand miles or more of sea) to reach Lanka. When Hanuman entered Lanka it was dead night; and naturally all Rakshashas (a kind of generation known for destroying the peace and harmony of the society for the self centered motives) were indulging into sensual pleasures. They were all in their bedrooms with their wives, half nude, nude, heavily drunk and intoxicated! Epic says that Hanuman moved palace-to-palace; door-to-door; person-to-person but least perturbed or disturbed with emotions or with commotions. He was perfectly balanced in his mind. Though he moved in darkness in midst of unpleasant scenes, his mind was single pointedly focused in search of Seeta, only. So Sri Hanuman is known as a man with mastery over mind… “Manojavam”, he who has conquered his mind and so he was free from lust, greed or anger.
He over came the doubt of Seetha, that he is not another form of Maya by showing her the Ring of Rama. His speech followed after that non-verbal gesture.
When Rama, sitting on the shores saw Hanuman flying back from Lanka, his mind was filled with many thoughts and anxieties. “Whether Hanuman met Seeta or not? How is Seetha in Lanka?” When Hanuman landed on the shores, his first words were “ I Saw ”
Rama was immediately relieved of most of his anxiety. Then he handed over Seetha’s Choodamani ( a hair Ornament) to Rama, and then explained the status of Seetha and her longing for Rama. He could patiently listen to Hanuman, because his mind and heart were settled.
Hanuman never explained all his pain in crossing the sea, all the inconvenience he had to go through at Lanka to Rama. The priority was to convey the information to Rama.
When our manager/teacher asks about our work status, we often reply in this manner. “ Actually i had to take so many efforts to complete this. There were many problems i had to solve and circumvent to finish this work on time. The team members didn’t cooperate much with me” By this time, the manager’s/teacher’s interest is lost.
Though many mangers/teachers today are not as understanding as Rama, we have to first tell them what they want, and then convey what we intended to. That is very important to have a successful communication.
hey i liked dis the best of all .... till now ....the analogy to the real world ....and the flaw in the current communication system (might even be boasting) was so awesomely penned down .... keep going !! :)
ReplyDeleteWe see it so frequently in our day to day lives. People often forget that the audience is not his gal frnd/boy frnd to listen to his/her might in solving the issue.We live in a funny world.
ReplyDeletenice one ... never had this insight into ramayana and the lessons we can take into our real lives.
ReplyDeletebut i cudn't understand ( forgive my dull brain) "....People often forget that the audience is not his gal frnd/boy frnd to listen to his/her might in solving the issue....."
And thanks for praising so much about my blog .thank you very much.
@ Pinastro :
ReplyDeleteLet me give you an example
I have observed some of my friends updating their daily routine to their gal friends over a phone call. The calls last for a very long time and the boy has so much to tell her, topping the class test, appreciations from the professor, the senior who ragged him,difficulty with his team members in course project, the politics in his department and so on... The list is endless.
It is acceptable near his love, because she is interested in the conversation.
The problem crops up when the person,expects similar interest and response from his friends and colleagues. He gets used to being pampered by his gal friend during the phone calls and takes his success/pain stories to everyone he talks to.
He ends up talking too much, and fails in communicating the objective to his stakeholder. In my statement "....People often forget that the audience is not his gal frnd/boy frnd to listen to his/her might in solving the issue....." i meant that one should know where to talk what.
At work, a stakeholder is not interested in your sucess/pain story as much as he is interested in his gain (Remember WIIFM - What's In It For Me?)
I understand that no one is perfect. The post is only a gentle suggestion that wishes to inspire the reader towards brief and clear communication.
I love the way you write your blog posts, with creative examples. Keep going !