“Research over the past several decades has shown that a multi-tasking approach seldom yields significant results,” someone remarked during a discussion about kitchen work in the ashram. She mentioned that she would like to visit Gurukulam more often, but since I prefer to cook myself and don’t allow others to cook, she feels uncomfortable and doesn’t want to trouble me. She added, “Left alone, I can manage the entire cooking single-handedly. I don’t like having others around me in the kitchen while I cook. I prefer to handle all the work alone.”
In response, I expressed that this reflects poor leadership quality. It is important to learn how to share responsibilities with others. Those who insist on doing everything alone may face significant challenges in the future, especially as they age and are not accustomed to working with others. The theory of ‘division of labor’ (as introduced by Adam Smith, which I recall from my economics studies) demonstrates that delegating tasks can lead to better results. I never refuse anyone who offers to help with kitchen work. In fact, I often delegate more tasks to others while still receiving the credit for cooking.
We briefly discussed this topic before they left. One point that arose was the risk of relying too much on others to complete tasks, as they may not perform to our expectations. I pointed out that idealism in any area of life rarely translates into reality. For instance, many wives are disappointed by their husbands’ idealism about ‘good-tasting food,’ and many mother-in-laws are let down by their daughters-in-law’s idealism about a ‘clean and neat kitchen,’ especially the refrigerator. Similarly, husbands often fail to meet their wives’ expectations for the ‘best purchases,’ such as bringing home vegetables that are sometimes subpar. A boss’s or team leader’s idealism about their subordinates often falls short as well. To achieve our ideals, we must understand that taking over others’ responsibilities can lead to failure in other areas.
Effective leadership involves knowing how to get work done with a minimum of expectation from one’s subordinates. Even if a subordinate performs better than the leader, their efforts may not always be recognized or appreciated. Aside from parents and sincere gurus, few people enjoy seeing their subordinates excel beyond them. Even when subordinates surpass expectations, a leader may harbor a hidden sense of jealousy. It is often said in India that a fine art guru will not share all their secrets with a student, as they do not wish to see them surpass the teacher. Even when students excel, the guru might say, “You did well, but you could have done it better.”
In Tamil, we have a saying: “Instead of straining the lips, it is better to strain the feet” (உதடு தேயறதவிட உள்ளங்கால் தேயலாம்), meaning it is better to do the work yourself rather than instruct others on how to do it. However, I believe this principle is flawed. I have observed that some parents, in an attempt to avoid conflict, do not train their children in various household tasks. They find it easier to do the work themselves rather than argue, plead, or reprimand their children. This may provide temporary relief but fails to prepare children for future responsibilities. Children need to learn and make mistakes in a supportive environment, such as at home with their parents.
I think there is a misunderstanding between ‘multi-tasking’ and ‘division of labor.’ Preparing food is a single task where the principle of ‘division of labor’ applies. Without a clear understanding of this, we risk overburdening ourselves and becoming too exhausted to perform any task effectively.
— Db. 4-11-2013, Gurukulam
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