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

1. Concede to the reality would never alter ones personality, identity or leadership
quality or definition is the loudest management message the Palm nut vulture
conveys to the corporate world. All vultures in general are either scavengers or bird
of prey, collectively called as raptors. In other sense, vultures are endemic non
vegetarians predominantly scavenge the dead animals. Contrary to the food habits
of all vultures so far known, the Palm nut vultures are predominantly vegetarians,
eating nuts and fruits of oil palms and Raphia.
It lives near water body where oil palm trees are grown abundantly. The Palm nut
vultures are known to be sedentary during fruiting season as they have plenty of
food to eat. They do eat fish, crab and some small mammals.
The question is why the appearance, majestic gesture and fearsome look of Palm nut
vulture has not changed despite its vegetarianism, which is quite unknown among
raptors.
If we change our actions or style of doing things due to some prevailing situational
reasons and we continue to do the same, it need not affect the identity, personality
or leadership style of ‘true leaders’. The Palm nut vulture take advantage of the
abundant oil palm and Raphia fruits during certain seasons by shifting to vegetarian
diet. Such shift it does only for its success and not just for survival. Such behaviour
is extremely rare among raptors. But still the bird retains its identity as bird of prey.
Changing ones instinctive behaviour need not be treated as loosing ones identity.
Only when one succumb to pressure or favour and change ones behaviour and
without sinking with the reality and or without taking advantage, only then one is
likely to loose ones identity, character and leadership quality.
Being rigid is not wise. Being flexible is also equally not wise. One must understand
the reality and must go in consonance with the reality to maximize the profit and
minimize the threat or loss. The palm nut vultures have understood perfectly the
above principle of management and that is how they still remain as raptors
irrespective of their vegetarian diet preference.
Success and advantage and not risk or exploitation one should see in dealing
situations. One should not get caught in the definition of rigidity or flexibility but
success, overall welfare and advantage should be the basic instinct. This
management principle only nature sends to the corporate through its creation of
palm nut vulture.
Be open to newer opportunities and vistas. Accepting a new opportunity will not
make you an ‘opportunist’ or being ‘characterless’ and such style will not also deem
you of the status of a firm leader. One should consider and account only the overall
welfare and success. Actions should be welfare centric and not to protect or retain
certain ‘identities’ or ‘definitions’.

2. Dr S Ranganathan, ClinRise Derma Pvt., Lt.d., Chennai
Dream, Desire and Destination – Social Entrepreneur Forum