Conquer Your Workplace Demons, Together

Hey Tech Enthusiasts,

Welcome to the sixteenth edition of Keep Calm and Tech On! It’s Navaratri season, and while we celebrate Goddess Durga’s epic victories over demons, I thought—why not draw some parallels to the workplace demons we face every day? Whether it's that endless stream of Slack messages, tough deadlines, or just plain burnout, we’ve all got our own modern-day demons to tackle.

But hey, just like Durga had a plan for each of her battles, we can also beat these workplace challenges. Let’s break down the demons we face in our daily grind and, more importantly, how to slay them—without a sword.

?? Mahishasura: Ego and Arrogance

We all know that one person who thinks they have all the answers. Ego in the workplace can stop good ideas in their tracks, crush collaboration, and make projects feel like a solo act.

How to handle it: Keep it real. Check your ego at the door, stay open to feedback, and remember: the best ideas often come from teamwork. When you make room for others, you end up learning and growing, and let’s be honest, work is a lot more fun that way.

?? Shumbha and Nishumbha: Prioritizing the Wrong Things

Ever feel like you’re juggling 10 different things at once and none of them seem to be the right thing? Shumbha and Nishumbha are those conflicting priorities we all face, whether it's choosing between attending yet another meeting or making real progress on that project.

How to handle it: Focus on what moves the needle. Make a list of your top 3 priorities each day—things that’ll actually make a difference. The rest? Let it wait. Remember, not everything is an emergency.

?? Raktabija: Workplace Negativity

Negativity can spread faster than a Monday morning email chain. One person’s bad mood can bring the whole team down, just like Raktabija’s multiplying blood drops in battle.

How to handle it: Stop it before it spreads. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk it out before the frustration spreads. Encourage a team culture where it's okay to vent—but more importantly, where you find solutions together. And yeah, sometimes a coffee break helps.

?? Chanda and Munda: Fear of Taking Risks

Let’s be real—tech is all about innovation, but the fear of failure can stop even the most brilliant ideas from coming to life. Chanda and Munda? They’re the fear-based decisions that keep us playing it safe.

How to handle it: Take the leap. If you're not taking any risks, you’re not really growing. Start small—pitch that new idea or approach your manager with a suggestion. Worst case? You learn something. Best case? You change the game.

?? Bhandasura: Being Out of the Loop

Ever feel like the last to know what’s going on? Whether it's a change in direction or a new tool your team is using, not staying informed can lead to mistakes and confusion.

How to handle it: Stay curious. Keep asking questions. Block out some time each week to read up on the latest updates—whether it’s a company newsletter or an industry blog. Staying informed keeps you ahead of the game and ready for anything.

?? Madhu and Kaitabha: Power Trips

Nobody loves the person who’s all about control. Whether it’s micromanaging or fighting for power, this demon crushes creativity faster than you can say “status report.”

How to handle it: Collaborate more, control less. Encourage open collaboration and let people take ownership of their tasks. You don’t need to control every piece of the puzzle—just make sure all the pieces fit together.

?? Mahodara: Chasing Quick Wins

It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenaline rush of a quick success, whether it’s closing a deal or shipping a product. But if you’re only chasing the short-term, you’re missing out on the long game.

How to handle it: Balance today’s wins with tomorrow’s goals. Ask yourself: is this decision setting us up for long-term success? If the answer’s no, it’s time to reframe your strategy.

??♀? Durgama: Too Many Obstacles

Deadlines. Unplanned meetings. Technical issues. We’ve all had those days when it feels like the universe is throwing every obstacle in our way.

How to handle it: Breathe and break it down. Focus on tackling one thing at a time. Prioritize what’s most critical, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes, the toughest challenges are just stepping stones to something better.

?? Kaalratri: Fear of Failure

Tech moves fast, and sometimes that fear of failing can stop us from even trying. Kaalratri is that moment when you hesitate because you’re afraid to make a mistake.

How to handle it: Failure is part of the process. Think of it as a growth hack—if you’re not failing, you’re not pushing hard enough. Take risks, learn from the outcomes, and keep moving forward.

?? Brahmasura: Overconfidence

Overconfidence can make you miss the red flags. In the fast-paced tech world, overestimating your knowledge or abilities can lead to unnecessary mistakes.

How to handle it: Stay grounded. Ask for feedback. Always be learning. Remember, humility isn’t a weakness—it’s your secret weapon for long-term success.

?? Taaraka: Feeling Overwhelmed

Ever look at your to-do list and feel like you’re drowning? Taaraka embodies that feeling of helplessness when the challenges seem too big to handle.

How to handle it: Step back and simplify. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable parts and focus on one thing at a time. You’ll be surprised how much easier things feel when you tackle them bit by bit.

?? Shankhachuda: Tunnel Vision

Sometimes we get so caught up in a single project or goal that we miss other opportunities right in front of us. Shankhachuda represents that narrow focus that keeps us from seeing the bigger picture.

How to handle it: Stay flexible. Zoom out occasionally and ask yourself if you’re missing the forest for the trees. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to new solutions you hadn’t even considered.

?? Moh (Cloudiness): Lack of Clarity

Confused about what you’re supposed to be doing? Yeah, we’ve all been there. When there’s no clear direction or communication, things get chaotic fast.

How to handle it: Ask for clarity. Don’t be afraid to reach out for clear guidance if things are getting murky. And if you’re in charge, make sure your team knows the “why” behind their tasks. Clear goals lead to clear results.

Time to Slay Those Workplace Demons

Whether you’re dealing with distractions, burnout, or power struggles, the lessons from Durga’s battles can help us tackle our own workplace demons with confidence, balance, and humility. Let’s take these small but actionable steps every day to create a healthier, more productive work environment.

Here’s to slaying those workplace demons—one challenge at a time.

Cheers, Deepa