Being Hungry and Unaware!

No, this is not the "hungry" in "Stay hungry, Stay foolish".

This is the hunger that falls in the first (lowest) section (Physiological needs) of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

A friend was narrating an incident that has taken place between him and his boss the other day.

The boss, in his words, is one of the finest man and a great leader, who believes in sharing the privilege of thoughts, ideas and decisions.

The friend also, as I know from his past projects and career graph, is a leader who is an innovator, committed to meeting business objectives while taking others along.

He was upset about the altercation that took place between him and his boss (both C-suite leaders).

He was also amused at both - his boss’s approach to certain things and his reaction to the suggestions / discussions..

When we got talking to figure out what went wrong, one stark observation stood out: they’d both been in meetings and crisis situations since morning, skipped breakfast and lunch, and had only had some tea or coffee. In hindsight, he realized that he was unknowingly unsettled and had responded in ways he wouldn’t have otherwise.

Wow, what a realization. If you’re hungry, it can be hard to manage your emotions. Anything can trigger frustration, and your ability to stay composed or make thoughtful decisions can easily slip. Meals become more than just nourishment; they’re vital for emotional balance and clear thinking. Hunger—simple as it sounds—can cloud your judgment and affect how you handle stress or conflict.

In this case, both my friend and his boss—seasoned leaders—found themselves in a heated altercation, not because of any deep disagreement, but because their basic needs were unmet. Skipping meals led to irritability, impatience, and impulsive reactions.

The takeaway?

Being aware of how our physical state impacts our emotions and decisions is crucial, especially in high-pressure environments. Sometimes, the solution to a conflict isn’t in the words we exchange, but in realizing that a quick meal—or even just a moment of self-awareness—can help us reset and approach situations with a clearer, more balanced mindset.

This lesson goes beyond the boardroom—it’s about taking care of ourselves, understanding our needs, and using that awareness to connect with others more thoughtfully.

At the end of the day, we’re all part of the same human family—‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—and understanding our shared human experience helps us navigate the world with more compassion and grace.

Are You hungry? Are you aware?

So the next time you find yourself feeling irritable or out of sorts, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you hungry? Are you tired? Are your physiological states governing your emotional responses?

Do share your thoughts ..experiences..!