WELCOMING EX-WORKERS IF THEY WANT TO RETURN
–
(This weekly column will explore the relevance and application of Principles and Strategies of Chanakya as discussed in his 3rd Century BC treatise, Kautilyas Arthashastra, in Todays Corporate World)
Changing jobs frequently is a very common occurrence in todays corporate world. Gone are the days when a person retired from the same organisation which gave him his first salary.
The reasons for people to quit are many, but the most important reason is that they do not find growth possibilities, or that their immediate boss is not effective enough to retain or inspire them further.
But what if we face the exact opposite: When someone quits the organisation and wants to come back? Now this is a dilemma for the decision-maker.
Chanakya guides us on what to do:
One deserting because of the masters fault and returning because of his virtue, (or) deserting because of the enemys virtue and returning because of his fault, is one deserting and returning on good grounds, fit to be made peace with (7.6.24)
So you need to get a total perspective: Why did the person quit? Why has this person come back? And what are the benefits or loss that can happen?
Lets look at these parameters in detail:
WHY DID THE PERSON QUIT?
Be honest: Was it your fault as a leader that he left? In that case, he is worthy of a return if you have learnt your lesson and are already working on improving your leadership skills.
Was it in a fit of anger that you fired the person? Or was it some miscommunication? Did the person quit because he found something good in the new employer? In that case also, it is a leadership fault, because you did not have that quality which your competitor has.
In both the cases, the person should be welcomed back.
WAS THE PERSON RIGHT?
There are issues and situations that were not under control of the person quitting. For example, at that time, he required a pay scale (as a necessity) which you could not provide.
Or did the person realise that it was his mistake to quit as your organisation was really better and genuinely wants to come back and work productively? In this case too he could be welcomed back.
THE PERSONS VIRTUES
The final check point! What is the value-addition the person brings? Probably, the person has a skill or an art that only he possesses, and is already in demand in the industry as he is really good at the work he does. Even in this case, the person can be welcomed back.
Whether you do all these calculations or not, its finally your gut feel that matters. You have to take a decision and look ahead. Looking back at the past is good, but moving ahead is more important.
(The author is a management consultant and trainer. He is the director of ATMA DARSHAN, a company that conducts spiritual tours. He is available through e mail at radhakrishnan@atmadarshan.com)
Chanakyas 7 pillars for success in Business Management – A 7 day training program (evenings
For a management development training program Chankayas 7 Pillars for success in Management and Leadership in your organisation Check details on
http://www.atmadarshan.com/events/hr.htm
Enroll yourself for a management E-course on Kautilyas Arthashastra
52 easy lessons, each taking just 3 minutes of reading time with practical tips to make yourself more productive and efficient.
http://www.indiayogi.com/courses/sw/workshop4.asp
Buy over 4000 spiritual products online from books, CDs, pooja materials to meditation mats. Click
http://www.indiayogi.com/atmadarshan.asp
Spiritual Tours organised by ATMA DARSHAN to Kailash Mansarovar, Chardham etc
http://www.atmadarshan.com/tours/intro.htm