What corporate can learn from Myna-bufallo relationship

Jun 6
06:09

2011

Ranganathan

Ranganathan

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When ego, arrogance and dominance prevail as in the case of big cats and other canines, one would be forced to derive pleasure from suffering and not freedom from suffering. .........

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Many would have seen,What corporate can learn from Myna-bufallo relationship Articles some birds picking up insects from cows and buffaloes in a pasture land.   The herbivores like cow, buffaloes and others harbor several insects in their skin.  These insects do cause great irritation and discomfort to the animal.  These animals have a challenge as how to eliminate the insect from their skin.  Knowing the need and knowing the opportunity to its advantage, certain birds have learned the art of be with these animals, pick up insects from their skin and eat.  The relationship is mutually beneficial as the bird gets food without any threat or competition and in turn the ungulates get the benefit of getting rid of the annoying insects from their skin. The bovines accommodate the birds even to enter inside the ear lobe to pick up the pests and parasites. 

Another possible explanation is that several insects thrive in the grasses and in the green plants.  The movements of ungulates disturb the insects and when the insects were disturbed, it would be easy for the birds to catch them.  Also, the bovines do not want insects to be in their food hence they need the help of these birds. 

Even the giant crocodiles accommodate/entertain certain birds to pick insects from their body. The birds even have the right to enter inside the mouth of crocodile and feed the dirt that is sticking onto its tooth.   Both parties benefit from such interaction and such relationship is called ‘mutualism’ or ‘commensalisms’ in biology.

The cow, buffalo and Rhinoceros are herbivores and the crocodile is a mega carnivore. When these animals enter into such mutualistic deal with some birds, why big cats like lion, tiger or leopard doesn’t allow such relationship with birds in nature.   These animals also equally suffer from insect infestation in their skin and body.  They also need someone to clean them up and give them some solace from the menace. 

How corporate employees can benefit from the above episode?  For mutualism to happen, both partners must develop some trust, some need and accommodating mental approach.  Besides that, both partners need to recognize the benefit they enjoy at the expense of the other.  When ego, arrogance and dominance prevail as in the case of big cats and other canines, one would be forced to derive pleasure from suffering and not freedom from suffering.

The leadership dimension is not all about establishing the dominance or strength but how to create a win-win situation where every one mutually benefit. It is not the size or the strength that determines success, the temperament and right attitude in accommodating the weakest and the smallest and knows how to profit even from them.  Buffaloes, cows and crocodiles have learned this art, let the corporate be aware of it.