What we can learn from new year rituals
While for some new year celebrations have passed, for others across Asia new year celebrations are still to come. The diversity of new year celebrations brings a variety of rituals that mirror key characteristics that employers look for.
Just because you are having a virtual job interview doesn't mean you should neglect what you wear. We all know the feeling we have when we put on our best business attire. It is that feeling we want to recreate. Also, it is incredibly important to consider the impression we create on camera - we want to show we care about ourselves and the impression we make.
For example the folding of the Mongolian Khadag promotes trust. There is no more powerful quality than a trusting work environment. With trust brings empowerment. Trusted staff do great work.
There are other rituals that bring benefits that any employee would appreciate.
This includes the Balinese New Year celebrations where lights, cars and work are forbidden. People spend time in silence to focus on self reflection. Taking time out for self reflection can be recharging and energizing. It is in times of solace such as this where great ideas are born, free from the distractions of life.
The Losar Festival for Tibetan New Year uses their prayer flags to promote peace, compassion and wisdom. These are character traits I see in good business leaders. Calm under pressure. Understanding. Wise.
The Korean New Year rituals also promote peace, in addition to good health. Importantly, and something valued strongly across many employees we have worked with, the rituals also promote respect. People do not enjoy working environments where they are disrespected. ITRS-Asia are proud of their reputation for only connecting employees with employers that will respect their needs.
There are many other cultural celbrations for new year. Some of which also include rituals to encourage good fortune and wellness. Good fortune and wellness are characteristics that employers and employees alike both value. Good fortune is not just about money, whilst important in business, good fortune is also about the opportunities you have. It is about being able to spend quality time with your family.
I like to consider that we attract businesses and employees with year round characteristics of trust, self reflection, peace, compassion, wisdom, respect, good fortune and welness.
For many a new year represents a time to set goals and identify what they want from the year ahead. Historically, I have set goals based around business needs and self development. Sometimes these have to be proactive, other times reactive.
In the next blog post I will share a little insight into some of my goals I have set for ITRS-Asia.
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