Kannan Nadar, Head of Programme (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) at UNICEF, has come up with his own concept for affectively leading teams with empathy and understanding: The 5 finger philosophy.
How fingers relate to teams
As explained in his LinkedIn post, Kannan Nadar pictures the hand as a metaphor for the team, with each finger representing a different trait or personality within the group. Just as the fingers on a hand are diverse in size, shape, and function, so are the members of the team. However, it’s the unity of these diverse elements that gives the hand its strength and usefulness. Similarly, the cohesion of diverse personalities within a team can lead to remarkable outcomes when united under a common purpose, Nader explains.
Nader finds that this classification aligns closely with the ancient Ayurvedic perspective on the five fingers, which symbolize the Pancha Bhuta or the five fundamental elements (air, water, fire, earth, and ether) constituting the universe. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balancing these elements for holistic well-being, encompassing both physical and mental health.
Leading in harmony: Understanding and fostering diversity
The maritime industry’s global character has resulted in it being highly diverse. Joining people from all over the world, from different backgrounds and races, is a stable in maritime operations. Additionally, apart from coming from different backgrounds, people are also inherently diverse with everyone boasting different strengths and needs.
Alas, just bringing people together is not enough. Fostering an environment, both onboard and onshore, where diversity is cherished rather than a barrier is crucial for smooth operations.
For instance, crew members who feel excluded and discriminated against are more likely to communicate less, be isolated and, resultingly, experience mental struggles. On the contrary, fostering an environment that promotes diversity and psychological safety has crew members feeling safe, appreciated, and part of the team, making them more satisfied with living and working onboard.
Bringing all these different voices into harmony requires the skills of a capable maestro. Same goes for a leader that can include every individual and place them in posts where their strengths are exploited, and their weaknesses minimized, bringing their team to harmoniously work together.
The five “fingers” of this philosophy:
The little finger (Pinky): Sincerity and hesitancy
The little finger symbolizes both sincerity and hesitancy. These team members may lack confidence or be hesitant to step out of their comfort zones.
In the context of Ayurveda, the pinky is seen to embody the qualities of the water element – exhibiting a gentle, adaptable nature that possesses hidden strength when circumstances demand.
As a leader, it’s essential to provide them with non-judgmental support and encouragement. By understanding their strengths and aspirations, and offering them opportunities to shine, a leader can help them grow and contribute more effectively to the team.
The ring Finger: Commitment and reliability
The ring finger represents commitment and reliability. These team members are steadfast and dependable, always willing to go the extra mile to achieve results.
As per Ayurvedic principles, the ring finger is associated with the Earth element, embodying characteristics of resilience, patience, and steadfastness, akin to the stable and enduring nature of the Earth.
As a leader, it’s crucial to empower them and recognize their contributions. Show kindness and ensure they take breaks to avoid burnout, as their dedication is a valuable asset to the team.
The middle finger: Rebellion and innovation
The middle finger symbolizes rebellion and innovation. These team members may challenge the status quo and question established norms.
The middle finger, often considered a gesture of rudeness or disrespect in various cultures, is also viewed in Ayurveda as representative of the element of “ether” or “space”.
While managing such individuals can be challenging, it’s essential to articulate a common vision for the team and demonstrate consistent leadership. With patience and guidance, they can become valuable allies in driving reforms and fostering innovation.
The index finger: Confidence and accountability
The index finger represents confidence and accountability. These team members may possess strong capabilities but also have a tendency to overshadow others or disrupt team harmony. In Ayurveda, the index finger symbolizes the element of “air”
As a leader, it’s essential to establish clear roles and responsibilities to minimize conflicts and encourage collaboration. Encourage them to mentor less experienced team members and leverage their skills for interdisciplinary projects.
The Thumb: Optimism and energy
The thumb symbolizes optimism and energy. These team members bring positivity and enthusiasm to the team, acting as a source of motivation for their colleagues.
The thumb, commonly employed to signal approval or agreement with a thumbs-up gesture across various cultures, symbolizes confidence and optimism. In the context of Ayurveda, it embodies the element of “fire,” which serves as the vital source of energy and enthusiasm.
As a leader, it’s important to harness their optimism and recognize their ability to uplift the team. Whether they’re trainees or volunteers, having optimistic individuals on the team can boost morale and drive success.
Overall, the five fingers philosophy advocates that recognizing and embracing the diversity of personalities within a team, can help a leader better navigate differences and leverage them to the team’s advantage.
