HR Should Understand Why Some Employees Mimic Young Komodo Dragons

May 1
05:10

2024

Ranganathan

Ranganathan

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In the corporate jungle, understanding the behavior of young Komodo dragons can provide valuable insights into employee dynamics. Just as these juvenile reptiles climb trees to escape threats, some employees adopt similar strategies in the workplace to avoid conflicts or perceived dangers. This metaphor highlights the importance of a supportive and safe corporate environment where all team members can thrive without fear.

The Arboreal Life of Young Komodo Dragons: A Survival Strategy

Komodo dragons,HR Should Understand Why Some Employees Mimic Young Komodo Dragons Articles native to Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Padar, exhibit fascinating behaviors that can be paralleled to human organizational behaviors. Juvenile Komodo dragons spend their early years living arboreally (in trees) to escape predation—not from other species, but from their own kind. Adult Komodo dragons pose the greatest threat to their young, often leading to juvenile dragons seeking refuge in the heights where their heavier predators cannot follow. This behavior is crucial for their survival during their vulnerable early years.

Key Points:

  • Habitat: Komodo dragons are indigenous to several Indonesian islands.
  • Survival Strategy: Juvenile dragons live in trees to escape predation by adults.
  • Predation: Adult Komodo dragons may prey on the young.

Workplace Implications: Understanding "Tree-Top" Employees

In many corporate settings, employees might display what can be termed as "tree-top" behavior, where they feel the need to stay out of sight or isolate themselves from certain colleagues, including supervisors. This behavior could stem from various factors such as fear of conflict, lack of trust, or perceived threats from higher-ups or even peers. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors can lead to a healthier, more open workplace environment.

Factors Influencing "Tree-Top" Behavior:

  • Fear of Conflict: Avoiding confrontational situations.
  • Lack of Trust: Feeling unsafe with colleagues or supervisors.
  • Perceived Threats: Concerns about being undermined or harmed by others.

Strategies for HR Leaders: Fostering a Safe Corporate Environment

HR professionals play a crucial role in mitigating workplace behaviors that mimic the young Komodo dragons' survival tactics. By fostering a culture of trust and safety, organizations can encourage open communication and collaboration among all employees.

Recommendations for HR:

  1. Promote Open Communication: Encourage a culture where feedback and concerns can be raised without fear of retribution.
  2. Build Trust: Implement team-building activities and transparency to foster trust among team members.
  3. Address Conflicts Promptly: Develop clear policies for conflict resolution to ensure that issues are handled fairly and swiftly.

Conclusion: Lessons from Nature for Corporate Leadership

The arboreal life of young Komodo dragons offers a compelling metaphor for understanding certain protective behaviors in the workplace. By drawing parallels from nature, corporate leaders can gain insights into the underlying causes of such behaviors and implement strategies to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Just as juvenile Komodo dragons eventually descend from their arboreal refuges, employees who feel safe and valued will also step down from their metaphorical trees, fully engaging with their teams and contributing to their organization’s success.

For further reading on management lessons from nature, consider exploring "Jungle Wisdom for Corporate Management – Lessons from the University of Nature" by Swami Sukhabodhananda and Dr. S. Ranganathan, and "Nature – The Entrepreneur" also by Dr. S. Ranganathan. These texts delve deeper into how natural behaviors can translate into effective corporate strategies.

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