Performance Appraisal

An excellent story by Devadut Patnaik, that relates to the appraisal system as seen in general. If I may add to this story, the reward system is also not fully understood. This story in Ramayana relates to post Rama Pattabhishekam (Rama's Coronation). Sita wanted to reward all those who helped Rama in the quest to search Sita and win over Ravana and his army. She distributed large amount of wealth to everyone. Since Hanuman was her favorite she wanted to give her a pearl necklace that she wore all the time. On receiving the necklace, Hanuman actually broke the strings of the pearl and examined every pearl and threw all the pearls as a indication of his dislike. Sita was furious and felt very bad about this action by Hanuman. It got revealed later that Hanuman was searching if Rama & Sita figured inside the pearl. Since he could not find in it he rejected them. Hanuman here represent a good number of employees who we take it for granted that they are working only for money. Hanuman was with Rama and Sita to seek their love not wealth. That is why even today is traditional bhajans, one sings in the end songs for Hanuman. One the line goes with meaning that where there is name of Rama, there would be Hanuman. How true good employees move not just for money as commonly believed. They move to search a place where their merit would be recognised and respected.

Most managers miss this point while performing appraisal.