The other day, during a Coaching session, a suggestion came up that Yogic concepts could easily be translated into daily Corporate Life. Of course they can. For example, one of the most basic yogic concepts is that of the three Gunas – Sattvik, Rajasic, Tamasic. If we were to translate this into the institution of our Boss – Manager – Supervisor, this is what they would look like (the genders have been used for convenience … these concepts equally applicable for males and females)

A SATTVIK BOSS is a dream come true. She is light and open and transparent. She brings a honesty and purity to every interaction. She is fundamentally good and watches out for me. A fabulous listener, she guides me with a deft but easy touch. She has a calmness and serenity as she goes about her job. She has courteous and harmonious relationships with everyone. Every interaction with her inspires me.

A RAJASIC BOSS is a bundle of hyper energy. I am always on edge with him around. He has multiple things happening all the time. He is mercurial and is prone to extreme behaviour, including outbursts of ecstasy or temper tantrums. He is always moving and expects others to move. He embodies commitment, intensity and passion. He is focussed on material achievement and getting things done. His ego is highly developed. Every interaction with him sets my mind racing and occasionally drains me.

A TAMASIC BOSS is your worst nightmare. He is lazy and slow and disorganised and selfish. He spends most of his time gossiping and or on his personal work. Does the bare minimum required to save his job. He sits on work and then dumps them on me with unreasonable deadline. He’s the quintessential ass-licking boss manager and he thrives on flattery – giving it to those above him and receiving it from those below him. Every interaction with him makes me run to my linkedin profile to check out job postings.

While all bosses have some combination of these 3 Gunas, one of these is predominant in each person. But I have three questions for you ?

1. What kind of boss do you have ?
2. What kind of boss are you ?
3. What will you do to maximise your Sattva and Positive Rajas and minimise your Tamas and Negative Rajas ?

Hmmmmm ?