Cherishing Kinsmen
Podhunokkaan Vendhan Varisaiyaa Nokkin / Adhunokki Vaazhvaar Palar
Classical English couplet — “Where king regards not all alike, but each in his degree,'Neath such discerning rule many dwell happily”
What it says in plain words
“When a leader values each person’s strengths, people want to stay close and offer support.”
The classical Tamil reading
அரசன் எல்லாரையும் பொதுவகையாக நோக்காமல், அவரவர் சிறப்புக்கு ஏற்றவாறு நோக்கினால், அதை விரும்பி சுற்றமாக வாழ்கின்றவர் பலர் ஆவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
அனைத்து மக்களும் சமம் எனினும், அவரவர்க்குரிய ஆற்றலுக்கேற்ப அவர்களைப் பயன்படுத்திக் கொண்டால், அந்த அரசை அனைவரும் அரணாகச் சூழ்ந்து நிற்பர்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Everyone deserves respect, but people have different skills and strengths. A good leader takes time to see what each person brings. Giving people suitable roles helps them use their skills well. When their strengths are valued, people are more willing to support the leader.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You ask a friend who listens well for help with a worry.
- Workplace
- A manager gives careful checking tasks to someone who notices small mistakes.
- Family
- A parent shares household tasks according to each child’s abilities.
- Society
- A community group asks a skilled local cook to organize meals.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose people for tasks by looking at what they do well.
- Integrity
- Give credit for real contributions, not just close friendships.
- Communication
- Tell each person clearly what you value in their work.
- Leadership
- Give people roles that make good use of their strengths.
- Governance
- Choose people for public jobs based on the skills those jobs need.
For leaders and teams
Treat everyone with respect, and value each person’s strengths. Give people suitable roles so they can contribute well.
Something to sit with
“Whose strengths could you notice and make better use of today?”