Leadership affects everyone. It’s a known fact that a leadership is an influential enabler that can leverage an organization to great position among the stakeholders. That said, there is no denying the fact that leadership is most seriously studied in the context of goals to achieve, whether they be organizational or societal.
Indian leaders, management gurus, coaches and other prominent thought leaders always take inspiration from our country’s rich culture and apply it in various practices and aspects of their lives. One of the biggest sources of inspiration that exists is The Bhagavad Gita. It contains many leadership lessons that are similar to contemporary leadership theories and practices.
It covers a holistic view on philosophy, theology, literature, leadership, flexibility and most importantly, the drive to do what is right in the face of extreme adversity. Leaders of the world swear by the Bhagavad Gita and use it in various situations and life changing decisions.
Along with practical advice that made successful leaders through the ages, management lessons from the Bhagavad Gita focus on guidance combined with passion, empathy and compassion.
Management thinkers and Bhagwat Gita practitioners say that the key takeaways from the scripture teaches generations of every facet of life and how to resolve complex issues and make it a win - win situation for everyone.
Social strategist and life coach- C.K Prahlad, Ram Charan - advisor to top company CEOs including GE, EMC, 3M, Verizon, Tata Group, RBS etc and Vijay Govindarajan, distinguished professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business all swear by the Bhagavad Gita and its teachings. They leverage the learnings and offerings from Gita and implement across clients, sectors and multi-million dollar decision making processes.
During one of the Tata’s annual conclave an IIM- Director made a presentation and pointed out the relevance of Bhagavad Gita. The result was that multiple copies of Timeless Leadership: 18 leadership sutras from Bhagavad Gita was distributed across the Tata Group as a move of inspiration.
A leader must be a role model and lead by example. They have unique combination of passion and humility.A Leader must have concern for his team and people and must be selfless and work for the betterment of their team. They also embrace things around them rather than avoid formidable challenges because they bring out the leaders’ greatest strengths. Leaders should be resilient in their actions and should not be influenced by pains and pleasures.
One of the major parameters of great interest as well as concern in Business Organizations, Government and the Society is that of leadership. There is continuous interest in organizations to understand how great leaders are identified, created and nurtured.
Leaders derive their credibility, respect and power from their unwavering commitment to walking the talk. This is because, if the leaders do not practice what they preach, the followers will not take the leader very seriously.
No great leadership is possible without developing a sense of equanimity. The issue of developing equanimity is very critical to be a great leader. This is simply because great things are not achieved through excitement. Developing a sense of level-headedness enables an individual to master the art of handling the world around us by managing the world within very well.
Maruti Suzuki, one of India’s largest auto manufacturers is known for its training and development. Maruti every year conducts a two-day course module on time and self- management for its senior executives.
The Bhagwad- Gita course seeks to improve efficiency, effectiveness and effortlessness.
Leadership is at its best only when it becomes inspirational. Inspirational leadership has several attributes, the most crucial one being a positive influence on those around you and motivating others towards success.
In a 21st century world that has changed significantly more and more corporates are finding meaning in Indian teachings and particularly that of the Bhagavad Gita. From larger groups such as Infosys, Amazon, TCS, GE to top tier- Business schools such as Wharton, Dartmouth and Kelloggs Business School everyone have taken inspiration from Indian values, culture and the Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagvad Gita is a treasure of immense leadership wisdom and when analysed and understood in context, each of these verses can lead to a lot of practical, applicable wisdom. The leadership lessons of Krishna, as described in the Bhagavad Gita, attest that the subject of leadership was profound in the ancient East and its principles are still applicable to business and organizations today.
