HUMANIZING PROFESSIONALISM – 03

This series shall be predominantly in English Language. For those readers who prefer to read in English language, let me first offer the essence of last two Hindi Language pieces in the following paragraphs. Also, I request interested readers to share their views on this delicate proposition I have named Humanizing Professionalism!

The first piece is about different persons, in the same organization and same human resource department, holding different views when asked to visualize being Human and Professionalism together. No! It isn’t about the product line offered by Salman Khan in the name ‘BEING HUMAN’ – it is actually being human like while seriously implementing policies at work place. Readers were requested to look for Professionals who are being Human too at their workplace.

The second piece is about a recent episode of retrenchment at Tech Mahindra gone kaput. It seems the employee recorded the conversation in which HR person was asking for employee’s resignation on the spot under pretext of instructions from higher ups. And when this recording became viral, Anand Mahindra publically apologized on social media. He stated about being serious in practicing a core value – to uphold dignity of employees – an example of being human. Understandably Anand Mahindra’s action was prompted by damage control to preserve the value of Brand Mahindra. Thus there appears to be a direct link between ‘being human’ and brand value of the firm.

 I think, just like Happiness, men and women are born with traits which identify with ‘being human.’ As we grow up, the aberrations or difficulties arise out of our learned behavior. We observe inhuman or unfair behavior and begin to value the short term or spontaneous gains associated with such a practice. There are many of unfair practices common in society; the cabbie, three-wheeler driver, or fruit & vegetable vendor, even the politician you voted last time and more; all seem to get away & get ahead smilingly leaving you behind wondering about the value system you have subscribed to. Possibly, our temptations for ‘being-inhuman’ stem from that point or such thinking. And great service can be rendered to society by listening to the inner voice that is telling us to be human-like instead.

I am not suggesting that Humanizing Professionalism is another emerging profession; yet it is a cause that each Professional needs to serve as his or her calling.