Dhamma is a pali word which borders around the Sanskrit word Dharma. We are not talking about Dharma as any religion. We are just talking about Dharma as what needs to be done and the right way of doing things – a philosophy. Dhamma at workplace is just about taking up learnings from Dhamma, and deliberating on the same to see if they address the workplace needs in present day situations.
Interpreting Dhamma:
During my Vipassana course, we had a brief lecture on Dhamma. The dhamma as explained in this case was, as in Buddhist philosophy – cosmic laws and order. It also implies laws of nature. The conduct that nature expects from all comprising it, to ensure balance. As per Hindu philosophy, and for the time being, I am referring to Bhagwat Gita; while addressing Arjuna’s concerns – Krishna ensures that Dharma is understood by Arjuna as undertaking the rightful duty, which in that scenario was participating in the battle.
I am taking the liberty to simply interpret Dhamma (Dharma) as a balance of both the above and related philosophies – as the right way of doing things, and what needs to be done. These would include – ideal conduct, how to live your life, how you treat others, and how you face life situations.
- Ideal conduct – Do what you are supposed to do. Meet expectations on your duties. You can choose your battles, but once in a battle you have to deliver.
- How to live your life? Peacefully, purposefully, try to do things right, learn and improve.
- How you treat others? Treat them the way you would expect to be treated. With respect. Help and support those in need.
- How you face life situations? Don’t hold on to things, issues, grudges. Let go off attachments and affiliations that hold back your peace and purpose.
A reasonable understanding of the above, has the potential of helping address some of these at workplace:
- Performance and productivity.
- People issues, dissonance, ego.
- Culture – Diversity, inclusiveness, acceptance, respect.
Just like with everything else, there are lots of dimensions to life, life situations, our actions, conduct, etc. To keep things simple, we have kept more positive pointers in consideration. Complexities have been abandoned. We can easily make this a complex discussion, but then it leads us away from the purpose.
Give Dhamma at workplace a thought. You already may have the answers to your personal, teams and workplace issues.
Praveen is the Founder & Principal Consultant of KHEdge, a boutique HR & Business Process Advisory firm. Over last 15 years he has advised & worked with promoters, founders, business leaders, HR leaders in areas of - Business Strategy, HR Strategy, Organisation Design etc.