See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
Mahatma Gandhi’s famous mantra of the three, often depicted by three monkeys, is applicable to many aspects of life, and the HR world is no different.
In an industry where one has to work closely with people, the three Noes can help HR elevate the work experience of all. The moral implications of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles can help you encourage ethical awareness, conscious behaviour, and integrity.
Understanding Mahatma Gandhi’s Three No
Mahatma Gandhi’s three Noes can have a variety of meanings depending on the context. For an HR professional, this can translate in the following ways:
- See No Evil: Do not engage in or overlook unethical practices.
- Hear No Evil: Filter out gossip, bias, and harmful narratives to focus on core issues.
- Speak No Evil: Use words to build, not break. Encourage constructive and respectful communication.
Application in HR Professional Life
Practising the three Noes as an HR professional is not easy. While the practices may sound easy on paper, it becomes hard to hold oneself accountable to these standards without knowing their true meaning.
However, none of the three edicts is truly as complicated as one might imagine. In the end, they are but simple practices that often carry with them a deeper meaning
See No Evil
For HR professionals, each day provides a unique set of challenges and situations. While some may be mundane, others may seem more complicated and daunting. However, it is the late cases in which Mahatma Gandhi’s “See No Evil” philosophy truly comes into play.
To truly embody this principle, HR professionals must:
- Not turn a blind eye to discrimination, harassment, or unfair practices.
- Stay alert to subtle workplace toxicity, like incidents of favouritism or exclusion
By promptly addressing harassment complaints and exclusion incidents, instead of brushing them aside, HR professionals highlight their commitment to creating a safe workplace for all.
Hear No Evil
Words can often be the most piercing weapon in a workplace. As an HR professional, you need to pay due attention to what is being said around the office. Keeping an ear out for the words floating in the workplace helps in providing a safe space for all.
To truly embody the Hear No Evil edict, HR professionals must:
- Curb workplace gossip, rumours, and negative talk that erodes trust.
- Train managers and employees to listen actively without bias.
- Listen to understand, not to judge.
Encouraging positive communication over negative words is crucial to building trust and integrity. This can be done by setting up open forums or townhalls where employee voices are heard respectfully.
As an HR professional and even as an employer, it is important that you hear what your employees have to say and encourage positive ideas over negative attitudes.
Speak No Evil
What and how a company’s HR says something is a direct reflection of the company’s own culture and values. This makes it imperative that HR professionals Speak No Evil.
To encourage the usage of positive words, you must:
- Ensure transparent and respectful communication across levels.
- Avoid using manipulative language in policies or when interacting with employees.
- Encourage leaders and teams to provide constructive feedback.
Speaking no evil can be especially hard when HR has to be a bearer of bad news. With the increasing number of layoffs, this has become even harder. However, communicating layoffs or performance feedback with dignity and sensitivity allows HR to remain true to their moral code as well as that of the company, even when they are in the middle of an undesirable situation.
What the Three Noes Can Do
The application of these three noes is not just about moral accountability. They help in fostering a positive work environment and creating trust between employees and HR.
When employees feel that their concerns and ideas will be received in a positive manner and that the negativity within the workplace will be addressed diligently, it can help in creating stronger bonds and a communicative environment.
Such changes can transform the company from within and without. They help encourage diversity, create a progressive workplace, and a thriving professional atmosphere. For those outside the company, it makes a positive employer brand, highlighting just what the company holds dear in its way of work.
In the End…
Mahatma Gandhi’s Three Noes are ultimately a timeless piece of advice that HR professionals should adhere to with a firm stance. Those who see fairly, listen wisely, and speak truthfully help create an environment that any employee would value being a part of.
Even small but consistent actions inspired by this philosophy can create lasting cultural changes. These principles, while imperative for HR professionals, should also be a part of every working person’s professional mantra to create a lasting positive impact.
