Letting go: – the art of arts

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative way of perceiving the constant state of flux in today’s workplaces, and help encourage managers as well as non-managerial employees, who find themselves in transitional situations, to perceive these as a natural progression of life.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a reflective paper based on observations and experiences with Buddhist psychological techniques leading to enhanced personal awareness and how these can enhance the quality of life at work.

Findings

Workforce shifts could be perceived as abhorrent, and require mourning and psychological guidance, but they can also be seen as elements of the natural process of arising and passing, thus the impermanence, of everything. When considered that way, letting go gets elevated from a challenge into a well-mastered art.

Practical implications

This paper aims to provide food for thought to those who are members of the workforce, and regularly struggle with the shifts in personnel compilations based on changing needs.

Social implications

The paper strives to instill deeper awareness within those who are part of the work environment, to achieve greater wakefulness, resulting in better understanding, acceptance, and inner-calm.

Originality/value

The invitation for a paradigm shift in this paper is not a traditional one in Western thinking, but may be a very helpful one, as we continue to experience accelerated paces of change in work circumstances.

Citation

Marques, J. (2021), "Letting go: – the art of arts", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 35 No. 1, pp. 4-6. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-09-2019-0221