Fungus gnat – HR Maestro

The fungus gnat is a group of small, dark, insects of the genus Arachnocampa. This group of insects is known to have very short life. Some species of the insects of the above genus known to glow or illuminate in their larval stage or in other word, have luminescent larval stage. If we study the glowing larva of the fungus gnat, we will be surprised to see that they follow one of the finest and the most sophisticated management principles that they follow during their larval stage.

Every one knows that the insects in general get attracted towards light. Being an insect by itself, the fungus gnat should know this. Not only the insect is appeared to know the above information, it also seems to know how to exploit the above knowledge to its advantage especially to trap its prey. The larva of the fungus gnat preys upon other small insects.

The larva spins a sticky thread like web and hangs down in the caves. The larva patiently waits for the prey (insects) to come and fall in the sticky web. To attract the insect, they glow brilliantly. The interesting thing about the fungus gnat larva is that only the hungry larva glows the best and not the one that had its meal. Naturally the hungry larva when glows can attracts the prey.

Imagine, if all larvae those had their meal also if glow, the chance of the hungry one finding its food become difficult. May be to avoid such possibility only, the hungry one alone glows the most and not the one it had its meal.

There are four important dimensions of management the glowing larva of fungus gnat conveys to the corporate viz.,

1. Knowledge is essential for success (they know that the insects in general gets attracted towards light)
2. The knowledge is not ‘just’ knowing, one should translate the knowledge into action (they glow well and attract the prey by knowing the weakness of other insects for light)
3. The knowledge also should help the needy and not just ‘serve’ everyone in the group (the larva that had its meal glow less whereas the hungry one glow the most and this enhances their chance to attract the insects towards them)

What an amazing management wisdom they carry and follow. From knowing to doing and from doing to ensuring success of everyone in the group is what they profess and follow. The modern corporate must learn this management message.

Many people in the corporate have knowledge. The knowledgeable people unfortunately never put their knowledge in their work. Further, their knowledge also never allows them to support and help others. This is how the people in most corporate function these days. Learn about the fungus gnat, reflect and correct if you feel like.

Dr S Ranganathan