The Complete Man

“The Complete Man” used to be the advertisement tag line of the famous brand, Raymonds Suiting. This tag line probably reaffirms the Tamil Proverb, ஆள்பாதி, ஆடைபாதி (Aal Paadhi, Aadai Paadhi), which means that no matter what we are inside, the world determines our quality based on how well we dress. Similarly, whether we like it or not, people around us are constantly judging us, based on various parameters, such as how effectively we are performing our various roles.

Performance Appraisalis a regular activity that happens in almost all the companies, in order to rate the employee’s performance and thereby offering the right types of financial rewards, incentives and promotions that help a person to grow in the organisation hierarchy. One of the concepts that is gaining prominence in top Corporate circles and MNC’s is called the 360° performance appraisal, which means an employee is not only rated by the boss or people in the higher position, but by everyone in the workplace, that  the employee comes in contact with. This includes, his colleagues, his subordinates, his vendors, his clients and all the other stake holders.So, it is no more of just being able to please the boss and get ahead in the career, but being an all rounder who is able to satisfy the expectations of every person he is in contact with.

This sounds like a difficult task, but if we look at it, it is a more ideal and holistic way of appraising a person. From the viewpoint of the person who is being apprised, he needs an open mind for this sort of an appraisal. But once he is ready, the benefits are many, because through feedback he gets an opportunity to develop himself in different aspects.

Now, let us see if we can enlarge this picture to all walks of life. Just like how we perform different roles within an organisation, like a boss, subordinate or colleague, we also play manydifferent roles in family, such as parent, spouse, child or sibling. And again in the society we may play many roles like being a group leader, office bearer or member of a few social organisations.

So, are we doing justice to all the roles we are playing? Are we able to handle all our roles well? Are we neglecting one for the sake of the other? Are we able to balance our time around all the roles we undertake? If not, why do we take up so many roles?

We need to understand that roles are not just positions or fancy designations, which we use in visiting cards or letter heads, but a set of responsibilities. We need to be aware that every role comes with a set of responsibilities. Only when we are fully aware of the responsibilities each role demands, will we be able to perform that role properly. This involves planning our time, energy and resources accordingly.

A complete man is a well balanced, all rounder, being able to perform his various roles properly. Though, it may not be possible to have a formal 360° performance appraisal, like we have in organisations, we can periodically do a self check to see how we are faring in each role of life. Our conscience undoubtedly, is the best judge and if we can give an honest answer, we will know which roles need more attention and which roles are taking too much of our time. By becoming aware, we can try to manage our priorities to live a more balanced and holistic life. This I think, is the mark of a Complete Man.

 D. Senthil Kannan,

  Managing Trustee, PALMS, Tuticorin.

  Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

  Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com