Business Bonsai!

AIMNG for a big garden where your talents and skills can fully bloom? What happens if there isn't a green patch big enough? Will you bury your dreams and lie therein to wilt? Move indoors...!

Your enthusiasm, patience and perseverance in the right direction can still yield `beautiful' results. Emerge through the external constraints and strive despite limited opportunities.

Like a Bonsai for instance! Not one to be discouraged easily, bonsais flourish regardless of limitations in terms of soil and space.

Contrary to its stunted image, a bonsai in reality exemplifies individual growth and development despite environmental constraints. Although tiny, it is in no way inferior to its colossal cousins.

A few values worth emulating from this extraordinary lifeform.

Redefine growth:

Truth: Bonsais don't shoot up, but they don't cease to grow either! Dare: Often, success is associated with upward mobility. But remember, lateral growth is important. If you are stuck at a certain level probably you still have to assimilate a lot before you climb up.

Also, certain roles and responsibilities come with very little scope for vertical growth simply for the reason that there aren't too many levels. All the same strive for growth. A continuous build up of new skills adds to your competency. Sooner or later you will be an expert to reckon with in your domain area.

Concerted efforts:

Truth :It is not without logic that a bonsai is placed a little away from the central point in the container. Philosophically this denotes the point of concentration where elements of earth, water, air and heaven meet.

Dare: Harness your individual strengths and align them strategically for fruitful results. More importantly, utilise them at the opportune moment and in an optimal manner.

Displaced, yet firm:

Fact: Not all bonsai grow directly from seed. Some are plucked carefully and displaced from the parent soil after which they are planted in a container to grow. Dare :In your endeavour to grow and explore the myriad possibilities, do not get discouraged by major shifts and replacements.

Find and grow roots even in a new environment.

The ground may look shaky and uncertain but you must continuously persevere. Remember the sturdy roots of bonsai thrive in a shallow pot!

Beyond the ivory tower:

Truth: While the bonsai flourishes indoors, it is necessary to occasionally let it out in the sun.

Dare: Without getting too comfortable in your domain venture out into the open. Have a flexible attitude. Certain jolts though a little daunting are necessary. Interaction with a cross section of people will enable you to know your weaknesses as well as strengths.

Risk it occasionally:

Truth: Rarely do we come across a bonsai with a straight trunk. Needless to say, it always finds its way through a couple of attractive bends and stout nodes.

Dare: Allow yourself the occasional luxury of not following a perfect or neat path. A bend here and a bump there will give rise to a learning curve that will hold you in good stead for years to come. Go footloose and you will be glad that you went exploring.

Be valued:

Truth: Bonsais are not just meant for ornamental value. Oriental philosophy has it that they generate positive vibrations, harmonise surroundings and even boost energy levels.

Dare: Remember, however small your organisation and however limited your role, always deliver your best. Your presence should motivate others. Turn yourself into an asset irrespective of the kind of organisation you are in.

Whatever the boundaries, unleash your potential and soar high. All it needs is the right amount of hard work, untiring patience, care and devotion. Without feeling like a dwarf amidst limited opportunities, learn to grow like the bonsai. Small but Smart!

RL SAILAJA