The battle of Mahabharata had ended. Dharmaraja Yudhishthira had become the emperor of the entire realm. With the consent of Lord Krishna, he, along with Queen Draupadi and his brothers, came to the battlefield to visit the noble Bhishma Pitamah, who was lying on a bed of arrows, awaiting death as he waited for the sun to move into the northern solstice.
Upon Yudhishthira’s questioning, Bhishma Pitamah was imparting teachings on various dharmas (duties) related to castes, ashrams, and the relationship between kings and subjects. During this discourse, Queen Draupadi started laughing.
“Why are you laughing, my daughter?” Bhishma Pitamah stopped his teachings and asked. Draupadi, feeling embarrassed, said, “I made a mistake. Pitamah, please forgive me.”
This was not enough to satisfy Pitamah. He said, “No virtuous woman of a good family laughs in front of her elders without a reason. You are virtuous and gentle. Your laughter cannot be without cause. Put aside your hesitation and tell me why you laughed.”
With folded hands, Draupadi replied, “Grandfather! This is a very improper matter, but since you command, I must say it. I cannot disobey your command. As you were teaching dharma, the thought occurred to me that ‘Today you are explaining dharma so excellently, but where was this knowledge of dharma when Dushasana tried to disrobe me in the Kauravas’ assembly? It seemed to me that you have learned this knowledge of dharma later.’ As soon as this thought came to my mind, I couldn’t help but laugh. Please forgive me.”
Bhishma Pitamah calmly explained, “Daughter, there is nothing to forgive here. I was aware of dharma at that time as well, but eating the unjust food of Duryodhana had clouded my judgment. This is why I was unable to make the correct dharma-based decision in that assembly. However, now all the impure blood in my body has been drained due to the arrows of Arjuna. Because the blood created from unjust food has been expelled from my body, my intellect has now been purified. Hence, at this time, I understand the essence of dharma correctly and am able to explain it.”
The corporate world, much like the battlefield of Mahabharata, is often rife with challenges and moral dilemmas. In such environments, toxic culture can severely impact even the most competent individuals, clouding their judgment and leading them to act contrary to their principles.
Consider Bhishma Pitamah, a paragon of wisdom and dharma, whose judgment was compromised by his association with Duryodhana’s toxic environment. Despite his deep understanding of right and wrong, the “unjust food” he consumed symbolized the corrupting influence of the toxic culture he was a part of. It wasn’t until he was physically purged of this influence that he could clearly articulate and uphold dharma.
In modern corporate settings, highly competent professionals can find themselves similarly ensnared. Toxic culture manifests as unethical practices, favoritism, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear and mistrust. When immersed in such environments, even the most capable and ethical individuals may struggle to make decisions aligned with their true values. Their ability to innovate, lead, and inspire is stifled, much like Bhishma’s judgment was clouded.
This toxic culture not only hampers individual performance but also undermines the organization’s overall health. Employees might engage in self-preservation tactics rather than collaborative efforts, and the collective potential of the workforce remains unrealized. The consequences are long-lasting, with decreased morale, increased turnover, and a tarnished reputation.
Just as Bhishma Pitamah’s intellect was purified only after the toxic blood was drained from his body, organizations must actively work to purge toxic elements from their culture. This involves promoting transparency, ethical behavior, and a supportive environment where employees can thrive without fear. By doing so, companies can ensure that their highly competent professionals are empowered to make decisions that reflect their true capabilities and uphold the organization’s core values.
In conclusion, the tale of Bhishma and Draupadi serves as a powerful metaphor for the impact of toxic culture in the corporate world. It underscores the importance of nurturing a healthy, ethical environment where the intellect and potential of highly competent individuals can flourish unimpeded.
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