What is your Domination Strategy?

 

I remember an old Tamil movie titled, “Saraswathi Sabatham” wherein there is a competition between the 3 Hindu Goddesses – Goddess Saraswathi (Knowledge), Goddess Mahalakshmi (Wealth), and Goddess Shakthi (Valour), wherein each one of them tries to prove that their domain is more important.  It is an interesting argument, which finally boils down to the conclusion, that all three aspects are equally important for personal growth and success.

This sort of debate seems to continue, even today. It stems from our intrinsic human nature, to prove, that we are better than others in some way or other. We all want to make a mark. We want to do something that sets us apart from the rest.  We all seek power in some form or other. To do that, each one of us chooses some method or strategy.

We often talk about survival of the fittest. This means when there is an elimination taking place in the natural world, the stronger or more resilient species survive. Even to survive, we need to dominate in some way. So, to win in life, it becomes even more relevant.

To understand what our domination strategy is, we can ask ourselves a few questions, which will help us to find the answer.

1. How do we stand out from the crowd? 

 2. When there is a conflict or when there is a problem, what tool do we use to solve it?

Here are a few tools of domination, I can think of.

Money – Many people think money can buy anything. Whenever there is a problem, they try to solve it through money. For them, money is a means to achieve what they want. They will be willing to throw money to get things done in their favour. It could be in the form of bribe, donation, lavish gifts, exhibiting grandeur, buying out people in power to bend rules, and so on. They will use money in whatever way they can, to prove their prowess and exercise their domination.

Intelligence/Talent – These are the people who thrive on knowledge power. They are well-read, well-versed, and so thorough in their subject, that they are able to find a solution for even the most difficult questions.  They are feared by others, because of their knowledge supremacy, that no one dares to challenge them. It could be a highly intelligent lawyer, a teacher, a scientist, an IAS officer, or a talented musician. They will command the respect of knowledge seekers and will be seen as a Guru or Mentor.

Persona – Some people are naturally born beautiful or handsome. Some people groom themselves in a way, to look attractive and appealing to others. They get their work accomplished, using their charisma. People will be easily attracted to them, and they may have a big fan following. Cine stars and media celebrities, come under this category. It is difficult for anyone to refuse their request and will instantly oblige, even without knowing.

Physical Strength/ Valour – These people depend on their innate muscle power. They are strong, bold, and courageous. These are the people who do daring things. This would include sportsmen and athletes or people in the armed forces. On the negative side of the spectrum, it also includes notorious people, such as thugs and gangsters, who dare to do anything, to make others fear.

Power/Position – The strength of these people, is based on the positions they hold. They could be politicians or bureaucrats, who could use the power bestowed upon them to get things done, that they wish. They toil hard to reach here, to enjoy this domination strategy.

Referral/Network: These people are popular networkers. They are quick to make friends and also know how to make use of these acquaintances, at the right time, to get things done. They are the most sought-after people, when someone needs help, because of their ability to access the power of their network to get anything done.

Love: These are people who believe any change can be made in the world, through love. They use their love and compassion to win people’s hearts. They leave an indelible mark in the minds of people by their acts of kindness. This makes them powerful. People tend to reciprocate their love, by accepting to do things they expect or wish. This can come in the form of parents, teachers, friends or spiritual masters.

These are just a few of the many domination strategies, people adopt consciously or unconsciously, to win in life. It is time for you to ponder, “What is my go-to choice?”

   D. Senthil Kannan,

   CEO, PALMS Training & Consulting (P) Ltd., Tuticorin.

   Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

   Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com