I was recently invited to speak at Godlywood Studio in India, a fascinating experience that prompted me to reflect deeply on the principles of management, not just in the corporate sphere, but within the very foundation of our lives: the family. As the Head of the International Division at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, I often dissect the complexities of organizational structures, yet I find that the most profound lessons in management are often learned in the intimate setting of our homes.

We began our conversation with a common scenario: the stressed breadwinner returning home, burdened by work and inadvertently unleashing his frustrations on his family. It's a poignant depiction of how we often compartmentalize our lives, treating our workplaces and homes with vastly different approaches. At work, we navigate diverse personalities with respect, allocate our time and energy judiciously, and maintain an inner strength to handle challenges. Why, then, do we abandon these principles the moment we step through our front door?

The answer, I believe, lies in our perception of family. We often take our loved ones for granted, viewing them as possessions rather than individuals deserving of the same respect and consideration we extend to our colleagues. We forget that each family member is a unique piece of a complex puzzle, requiring careful attention and understanding.

Think of your family as a small, manageable business unit. Would you tolerate the same level of frustration and laziness in your workplace? Would you dismiss the individual needs and contributions of your employees? The answer, undoubtedly, is no. We must bring the same tools of management into our homes, recognizing that fostering a harmonious family environment requires conscious effort and respect.

Often, we attribute our domestic outbursts to exhaustion, justifying our behavior with the excuse of a demanding workday. But how long can our families endure our emotional baggage? How long can they offer limitless patience and understanding? We must remember that their energy and resilience are not infinite.

This brings me to the topic of respect, a cornerstone of effective management. Just as we strive to create a respectful workplace, we must cultivate a culture of respect within our families. Treating our loved ones as individuals, not as an undifferentiated mass, is paramount. We must acknowledge their needs, appreciate their contributions, and refrain from taking them for granted.

The role of the woman in the family is another crucial aspect of this discussion. Historically, women have been expected to shoulder the majority of domestic responsibilities, often at the expense of their own well-being. However, the modern world demands a more equitable distribution of labor. Younger generations of women are increasingly pursuing careers and seeking a balance between professional and personal lives.

We must move away from the outdated notion of gender-specific roles and embrace a shared responsibility model. As I often ask gentlemen, "When you return home tired, do you look at the face of your wife? Isn't she tired too?" Raising children, maintaining a household, and managing a career are demanding tasks, and they should not fall solely on the shoulders of women.

Delegation is another essential management principle that applies to both the workplace and the home. Just as a good manager empowers their employees, family members should distribute responsibilities based on individual strengths and preferences. Nobody should be forced to perform tasks they dislike.

Furthermore, we must recognize that emotional well-being is as crucial as physical health. Unloading our emotional baggage onto family members who lack the expertise to handle it is unfair and detrimental. We must find healthy outlets for our frustrations and avoid poisoning our home environment with negativity.

In the face of adversity, such as caring for a terminally ill family member, we must remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a testament to our strength and resilience. We cannot bear the burden alone. We must reach out to others, recognizing that even the most supportive individuals have their limits.

Finally, as we navigate the complexities of modern life, we must adapt our management approaches to the changing dynamics of the workplace. The younger generation, with their emphasis on values and purpose, is challenging traditional management styles. Demanding and claiming are no longer effective strategies. Instead, we must create a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and shared purpose.

In conclusion, the principles of management are not confined to the boardroom. They are applicable to every aspect of our lives, from our families to our workplaces. By cultivating respect, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a culture of collaboration, we can create harmonious and fulfilling environments for ourselves and those around us.

 
Inga Koryagina
Brahma Kumaris, Russia
(Head of the International Division at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics)