Colour Elephant: HR secret of why elephant is in gray colour

Colour Elephant

Why an elephant is in grey colour? The question may appear funny and trivial to the corporate leaders if they were asked the above question, but the question has a great management message for them to learn and understand. If we look at the above question strictly from the evolutionary perspective (much before human intervention into the 'bio-geo-coenome') we can understand the fact that the elephants would have had evolved with no to least natural predator.

Since the elephants have no natural predators or enemies, the nature would have not given them the adaptation of colour camouflage as they do not require such adaptation. Further, when an animal that does not have any natural predator means, other animals only need to see the elephant easily and visibly hence they are made in grey colour. Imagine, if any camouflage advantage is given, it will be like demeaning the strength and respect of the elephant.

The unfortunate point is that many corporate bosses would compete even with some of the junior most subordinates and would tends to display high level of camouflage to safe guard/protect 'own' interest. They carry more fear, vulnerability, threat than any meritorious leadership quality. A boss means it is always assumed that they have the power, authority, wisdom, competency and experience to lead and guide people and also to take appropriate decisions. But unfortunately instead of leading the team confidently, most bosses cause and create confusion, fear and uncertainty in the minds of the subordinates and tend to fish in the muddled water.

Look at the beauty of nature. It has created protective adaptation only to those who needed the most and not to all. Nature also has another possible reason to make elephants in grey colour. Elephant being the biggest land animal, the grey colour will certainly offer sun protection to them as they need sun protection because of the wide body surface area.

Look at the finest selection of nature while creating different species of flora and fauna. Nature has clearly understood the immediate, long term and contemporary needs of each species and accordingly only all life forms are all created.

The corporate bosses must operate from the domain of confidence as they have to set example to their subordinates. They should not adopt silly means to protect own interest than the interest of corporate at large. Just by gazing at an elephant, the corporate leaders can learn a big management lesson. Be benevolent towards some limited tricks of the subordinates.

From creation of bacteria to blue whale, one can find perfection, completion and fulfillment. But unfortunately most people like see what is not there than what is already there. If we learn to see what is there, we can find answers to our pine, anxiety and anguish.

Learn from nature and be a committed student of nature.

Dr S Ranganathan