Team Management: The First Principle

In Hindu epic Ramayana, lord Rama wanted his army to cross over ocean to go to Lanka. He worshipped Varuna, the lord of ocean to give them the way. It didn’t work as Varuna was not pleased. Rama became furious, lifted his bow and aimed at sea with his divine weapons with powers enough to dry up the ocean. Then Varuna appeared and told lord Rama that his act will destroy the sea-life and its ecosystem. He told Rama, that a vaanara (monkey) in his army with name Nala (who was son of Vishwakarma, the architects of gods) has expertise to build the bridge. Finally, with the help of Nala, the fabled Ram-Setu (bridge) was build.

The above snippet from Ramayana seems a known story. Shift to the corporate world.

Can you recall, a classic interview question (even if it’s is not asked we are ready for it with answers) - What are your key strengths?

Times fly, candidate is part of our team, do we still remember his background, skills and strengths?

What about your subordinates in an organization who you get as legacy once you join it.

Remember…. you are not Lord Rama!

So, the first principle of team management - It is critical to know your team and their strengths first to get the best out of them. 

In case you got team in your new assignment, take your time, ask your human resources department  to give their resume and have an informal discussion with them to know them better.

As with mundane work-life later you may not even remember that you have Nala in your team….