PANCHATANTRA -COMMUNICATION -CONTINUED [FROM EARLIER BLOG]
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The students assembled around Vishnu Sarma in the evening and posed their query of the day….

Sir! . You gave us an example on how to sell an idea to Higher-ups .We realize that there could be several dimensions to communication and are keen to know more on that.

Vishnu Sarma replied –

Good, let me give you an example on the art of communication by selection of a good extract from classics on how to put forward your views. Though, it is not desirable to resort to flattery, genuine praise wherever due is necessary.

It is a common practice that in case of emergencies and such cases, the senior executives or even the chief to come to facilitate the work, help in coordination with all agencies required and leave the scene after the task is accomplished. You are genuinely happy and would like to convey your feelings. Here is a classic example from ‘Maha Bharat’

Lord Krishna stayed with Pandavas during their war with Kauravas and after the victory prepares to leave. Kunti, mother of Pandavas tells the Lord ‘Oh! Krishna! How, I wish we have more troubled times, so that you remain with us that longer! You had been a great source of help and inspiration to us during this torrid period.’

Now by narrating this incident to your chief, you would be comparing him with the Lord without mentioning it. Normally it should make him happy.

If you get the impression, that only well-versed and educated people can do this type of talk, let me give an example from an old uneducated village vendor.

One of your predecessors went to a vegetable market and as is the practice went around doing rounds of various shops to have a look at the availability and prices. One old woman vendor seeing him made repeated pleas ‘Oh! Ramachandra! There is a good collection here. Please have a look’. You know that it is a practice of  vendors to address the customers by such illustrious  names in general  to please the customers &  to attract them to their shop. After this was repeated a few times, he got little annoyed and wanted to get rid of her. So he told her ‘ Why are you sitting here and calling Ramachandra repeatedly. Where is Sita? She should be here and she should be the one to call me and not you’

He thought, he got rid of her, but no! Listen to what she said! ‘why are you testing me Ramachandra prabho! You only exiled her and should know best where she is!’

Well our friend was dumb founded. Had he been a rich king as in the past he would have given her a gold coin for each word or letter even! But he did what he can…bought all his needs from her at whatever price she told!

So one need not be a Harvard educated to communicate in that fashion. What all it needs is a little worldly wisdom and experience.

Just two more examples in a modern day Air travel...

Once sitting in an Aisle seat , a passenger was struck by the hand of a good looking Air Hostess , walking through the passage..As is the normal practice , she immediately apolozised saying SORRY...Well can you guess the response from our quick witted Passenger...He said ....I AM HAPPY !!! ..She blushed & just imagine what a treatment he got during that journey!

Now contrast  this with what we hear of many tantrums thrown in by some of our Politicians during their Air Travel.

The other one happened when one of my old colleagues , a retired 80 year old person was trying to go to Bombay from Hyderabad .He stood in the check in line & when his turn came up , the air lines official saw the ticket & told him ..." We are very sorry Sir! The flight is running full & your ticket is wait listed ..So there is no chance we can take you in to day "

At this my colleague expressed surprise & said how can you say that ? My on ward reservation is confirmed & so I should get priority allotment in this flight!

The air line official had a re-look at the ticket & said "Sorry Sir ..You are probably mistaken..This ticket is from Hyderabad to Bombay only & there is no on ward journey plan or confirmation "..

PAT came the reply from my colleague " My dear boy Can't you see me ? I am 80 years old " ...Pointing his finger up wards , he said " My onward journey is already confirmed by HIM ..So I have to finish all these earthly journeys before that "...

The Air lines official took some time to realise the meaning & unable to control his smile or appreciation IMMEDIATELY CONFIRMED THE TICKET & GAVE HIM A SEAT !!!

There lies the power of communication ....OK!  GOT IT ?  

It was getting dark and the students got up to go to their homes pondering over the moral.