Bringing about change — The Shelar Mama Technique
Before I delve into the topic, I think the title will need a bit of context as 90% of global readers, 70% of Indian readers & 30% of Maharashtrian readers may not get what it means. For the context we need a history lesson
In 17th Century India one of the greatest figures of Indian History Chatrapati(King) Shivaji Maharaj laid foundations of Hindavi Swaraj(Self Rule of Hindus).
One of the warrior King’s prominent commander’s was Tanaji. He was tasked with conquering the fort of Kondhana near Pune. He along with his soldiers climbed the walls of the fort with ropes in pitch darkness. A hand to hand sword fight ensued between Mughal & Shivaji’s soldiers. During this fight Tanaji was killed. When his soldiers saw this, they panicked , retreating & were about to flee the battle field. At this time as the legend goes maternal uncle of Tanaji , Shelar Mama (uncle) cut the ropes that these soldiers would have used to flee the battle field and gave two choices “ Either fight & die an honorable death or jump from the fort & die death of coward”. They fought valiantly and conquered Kondhana fort.
Cut to the present times. In many org change, org transformation scenarios in order to cause minimum disruption we take the path of gradual change. Usually that is the right approach. Yet in quiet a few scenarios one ends up with a bunch of people, those who’s interest is aligned to maintaining status quo refuse to give up hold habits, old way of doing things, old organizational structure & nostalgia of good old days. They increasingly become hindrance to progress, spread negativity & have detrimental effect on morale of the organization as a whole.
I have seen quiet a few transformations/changes fail because the leadership fails to act on such people. They are often mollycoddled, given safe hiding places or left alone. The effective way to handle such situations after having given them a chance to “join in the battle” is to give the message Shelar Mama gave.
“ All the ropes to the past have been cut off. You can either fight the fight or jump off the fort ( leave the organization)”.
Offering any 3rd option works neither for the organization nor for the individual in the longer run.
PS
An average yet informative movie on this story https://www.hotstar.com/in/movies/tanhaji/1260022117/watch
A better version of this story in Marathi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYfuT9-8BuY
