As many of us know, Diwali is not just about a day. The festivities and the rituals begin right from Dhanteras, and go on for days till Bhai Dooj.
Now, here are some professional lessons to be learnt from the five days. Don’t worry, we are not asking you to work during the holiday season, but the following lessons can always be implemented after you come refreshed from a Diwali break.
Dhanteras:
This day, the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month Kartik, is associated with cleansing and purchasing.
The day gives us lessons about the importance of getting rid of chaos and old clutter , and thus make space for order, novelty and freshness.
In the office space, it is similarly necessary to get rid of old, obsolete technology, and be up to date with the emerging trends. Plus, it is a great idea to keep the work station clean, tidy and ordered. There is known to be a positive correlation between work efficiency and a well-lit, hygienic, peaceful work environment with minimal disturbances.
Chhoti Diwali:
The fourteenth day of the fortnight is associated with preparation of sweets using various ingredients like flour, semolina, dry fruits, milk solids, etc.
Remember how the various sweets are not simply “sweet”, but the taste of the main ingredient always lingers? Be it milk, cashews, almonds, pistachios, there is an instant recognition.
It would do us good if we keep this in mind: it is necessary to retain one’s essence to gain recognition.
For example, an HR manager of any company, would much prefer a candidate who is honest and transparent as opposed to someone who is showy (flamboyant) and ingratiating.
Sooner or later, the inner qualities of that candidate would be recognised, like the main ingredient of the “sweet.”
Diwali:
Here comes the festival of lights! There is sound, there is colour, there are feasts, there are Pujas performed, there is celebration everywhere! The young people visit and take blessing from the elders. Oh, and there are diyas, rangolis!
In the professional lingo, this teaches us the importance of good networking, bonding, the importance of mentors. It tells a lot about the power of one small diya. About the power of one single colour to add that missing touch in a rangoli. Sometimes, a rangoli remains incomplete without that one colour. Team work is the Key.
A line of diyas has the capability to light up an entire place. Collaboration, not competition is the way to go.
Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj:
Govardhan Puja is celebrated to mark the feat of Shri Krishna when he lifted up a mountain to save cowherds and farmers from incessant rains. Some regions celebrate this day as a New Year, and some as the Annakut, literally mountain of sweets. Some celebrate the bond between husband and wife.
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, here, the sister acting as a protector of the brother.
Anyhow, the two days teach us a lot about the importance of being supportive to our colleagues, especially in the time of crisis.
Taking responsibility, having empathy, handling interpersonal relationships effectively are some of the lessons we can take with us. It tells us about the importance to have Emotional Intelligence. In short, the importance of taking leadership in little things.
Emotional Intelligence could be used in handling meetings, negative feedback or appraisal, client relations, empowering your colleagues, etc.
Diwali festivities not only give us good times, but good lessons which could be applied in a professional setting.
Delving into meanings of festivals and traditions, could help us a great deal to understand the values and their timelessness.
Happy Diwali!