Dr S Ranganathan ClinRise Derma Pvt., Ltd., Chennai Desire, Dream and Destination - Social Entrepreneur Forum

1. Adaptation is inevitable for success and if so, how adaptation of people in corporate
such as sycophants, predators, snatchers, parasites, pathogens etc., can be called bad
and unhealthy? Should people remain unbending and rebellious? The question is
right and so is its logic. But unfortunately the correct meaning and the context is
missing in the above question.
Look at the cactus plants. They are called as xerophytes. They have adapted to live
in extremely dry soil devoid of water. They learn to accumulate water in their steam
and also have adapted not to loose water. This is at one level. They produce tasty
fruits and nectar rich flowers. The animals and plants that are adapted to such dry
environment receive the nectar and fruits of the cactus as reward/payment and in
return pollinate and disseminate the seeds of the cactus.
The point is not about what type of adaptation one chose. The adaptation of one to
‘what is’, in the given ecosystem is essential for success. So adaptation per se is not
bad or unhealthy. But after adapting in the given ecosystem, are they also
contributing to the ecosystem in some way is the important question, corporate
leaders must ask and understand. Nature has favoured every species/form of life to
adapt in the given ecosystem. Nature also supports the possibility of their
continuous adaptations to suites to the ever changing ecosystem. But nature also
ensures that all species ‘contributes’ to nature for mutual benefit and reward.
In corporate, most of the leaders limit their success and joy in having many
sycophants and ‘yes boss people’ around them. The bosses and leaders love to be in
the company of such people. The bosses also will offer hefty perks, salary hike,
promotion etc., to such people in order to continuously keep those people as
sycophants and ‘yes boss people’. Ironically if you are a sycophant of your ultimate
boss, you know the art of praising and pleasing them and make them happy by
saying exactly opposite of what they are, you need not do anything beyond that.
Because, according to your boss, already you have done enough to them by praising
and flattering their ego. Then what more you need to do. The most painful and
disgusting fact is that many corporate owners however false it may be, but still
wants and believes in people praising them.
The point is not about adaptation either are sycophant or become an ‘yes boss
people’, but the failure of the corporate and its leaders to audit the contributions of
such people beyond ‘praising, flattering and venerating them’. The bosses who wish
their subordinates to do a fantastic job for them by flattering them must ensure that
such people to do fantastic job for the corporate also. Unfortunately most bosses
miss this aspect. The organizations that are run directly by the owners by being in
the helm of affairs without having professionals and the organizations that are run
as family unit are the one generally suffers the worst from such possibility.
Corporate need people who can adapt to different situations because the corporate
demands are never unidirectional, defined and well doctored. The market is very

2. dynamic and hence people with quick reflexes and adaptability in sensing and doing
the right job is must.
Therefore adaptation is not bad or unhealthy. But never quote or define its meaning
out of context. Look at the beauty of nature. No management school on earth can
give you such wonderful management insight like what nature throws up to us.
Let people in corporate adapt and be the product of adaptation. Let us not define
what product they are as ‘sycophants, predators, climbers, parasites, pathogens etc.,
but ensure they contribute to the overall growth of the organization.
Dr S Ranganathan, ClinRise Derma Pvt., Ltd., Chennai
Desire, Dream and Destination – Social Entrepreneur Forum