Navigating Transitions with a Clean Slate Approach

Recently, I heard Zakir Hussain narrate an incident from when he was 19 and performed with the legendary sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar. Confident due to his familiarity with Pandit Ji’s music, and good understanding of the flow (beats and inverted mordents (Murki/ Taan). He made up his mind on how he will play when Pandit ji will play a specific piece or mordent etc however Zakir was taken aback when he went on the stage to perform and none of his expectations matched the performance.

Pandit Ji then advised him: “Do not expect me to play with you like I played with your father. That’s different. I am going to play with you with a clean slate; we have to create our conversation."

What remarkable advice! It is quite relevant for both personal and professional lives. For example, many times we take up relationships which our parents have built with their friends, colleagues, and assume it will be the same for us as well. However, it changes completely because every relationship is unique and based on personal bonding between two people. The new one requires bonds to be built again, if not from scratch, then from a very different level, and with personal touch.

In professional life, employees leave, and new employees join. Often, it is assumed that existing customers or employees will behave similarly, and new employees think they can start from where the others left off. However, both existing and new employees must rebuild relationships, both internally with team members and externally with customers. This mutual effort is crucial for establishing personal bonds and ensuring smooth transitions.

So, whether inside or outside the organization, it’s crucial not to assume relationships or take them for granted. Instead, focus on creating new bonds. Adapting to changes and starting fresh is essential for growth and effective collaboration.

What are your thoughts on this, dear readers? Would be great if you can share your experiences!