Leadership Model as explained by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.

There are many leadership models. Perhaps it is the hot topic always discussed. Still, the code for being a great leader is yet to be cracked. Lately when there is a leadership discussion or leadership course of top managers, I find few things like self awareness, mindfulness, spirituality content in that. However, though it is said a lot, it is very difficult to practice. I have seen leaders just speaking about empathy but not practicing it. Finally all those models are just to speak for others and not for themselves.

When we look back at our great ancient scripture, Bhagavad Gita, all dimensions of life are discussed in detail. The Gita teaches that leadership is not just about exerting authority and power, but it is also about being self-aware, practicing self-discipline, and leading with empathy and compassion. Here are some key principles of leadership based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Chapter 6, Verse 5

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् |

आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ॥5॥

"Let a man lift himself by his own self alone, let him not lower himself; for this self alone is the friend of oneself, and this self alone is the enemy of oneself."

Self-Awareness: A leader must be aware of his or her own strengths and limitations, and must strive to improve upon them.

Chapter 2, Verse 64

रागद्वेषवियुक्तैस्तु विषयानिन्द्रियैश्चरन् |

आत्मवश्यैर्विधेयात्मा प्रसादमधिगच्छति ॥64॥

"But a man who controls his senses by his mind and engages his active organs in works of devotion, without attachment, is by far superior. But by perceiving objects with the organs that are free from attraction and repulsion, and are under his own control, the self-controlled man attains serenity.”

Self-Control: A leader must be able to control his or her own thoughts, emotions, and actions, and must lead by example.

Chapter 13, Verse 8

अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |

आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: ॥8॥

"Humility, unpretentiousness, nonviolence, forbearance, uprightness, service to the teacher, purity, steadfastness, self-control."

Humility: A leader must be humble and avoid being arrogant or self-centered.

Chapter 3, Verse 25 - 

सक्ता: कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत |

कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसंग्रहम् ॥25॥

"As the ignorant perform their duties with attachment to results, O Bharata, so should the wise act without attachment, for the sake of leading people on the right path."

Vision: A leader must have a clear vision and be able to communicate it effectively to the team.

Chapter 6, Verse 23 

तं विद्याद् दु:खसंयोगवियोगं योगसञ्ज्ञितम् |

स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा ॥23॥

"The yogi whose mind is fixed on Me verily attains the highest perfection of transcendental happiness. He is beyond the mode of passion, he realizes his qualitative identity with the Supreme, and thus he is freed from all reactions to past deeds."

Determination: A leader must be determined and persistent in achieving the vision and goals.

Chapter 2, Verse 47 

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |

मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||

"You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."

Fairness: A leader must be fair and treat everyone equally, without showing favoritism or bias.

Chapter 5, Verse 18

विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि |

शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिता: समदर्शिन: ॥18॥

"The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcast]."

Compassion: A leader must be compassionate and empathetic towards team members and their needs.

Chapter 2, Verse 14

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदु: खदा: |

आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥14॥

"O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed."

Decisiveness: A leader must be able to make tough decisions in a timely manner, based on careful analysis and consideration.

Chapter 3, Verse 7

यस्त्विन्द्रियाणि मनसा नियम्यारभतेऽर्जुन |

कर्मेन्द्रियै: कर्मयोगमसक्त: स विशिष्यते ॥7॥

"But, O Arjuna, one who engages in Karma-yoga with the organs of action, controlling the organs with the mind and becoming unattached-that one excels. On the other hand, if a sincere person tries to control the active senses by the mind and begins karma-yoga [in Krishna consciousness] without attachment, he is by far superior."

Spirituality: A leader must have a spiritual outlook, and be grounded in values and principles that guide ethical behavior and decision-making.

So if you are looking for any leadership model for your organization, just follow this and built the behaviors around this model.

Please respond the survey, I am conducting, as a part of my research by clicking on >> Leadership Competencies required for managers while handling crisis situations. 

(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organizations, current or past) 

Author's books are available on Amazon, Flipkart, Pothi and BookGanga. You can buy the print copy of Vitality in Human Resources on amazon. Click >> Vitality in Human Resource: Adding human dimensions in HR processes   

Uplifting self and others

 ईश्वर: सर्वभूतानां हृद्देशेऽर्जुन तिष्ठति |

भ्रामयन्सर्वभूतानि यन्त्रारूढानि मायया ॥61॥

Tapan was living in a small society in urban Pune. Tapan was a hardworking and ambitious person, but he often felt unfulfilled and lacking in purpose. He was struggling in his life, not happy and always complaining. One day, Tapan decided to take a walk through the nearby place to clear his mind. As he walked, he saw many people who were struggling and in need of help. He saw a mother who was struggling to put food on the plate for her children, an elderly woman who was living alone and needed help with household chores, and a young girl who was struggling in school and needed extra tutoring. As Tapan walked, he felt a sense of purpose rising within him. He realized that he could use his skills and talents to help these people and make a difference in their lives. He decided that he would start by helping the mother feed her children, the elderly woman with his household chores, and the young girl with her schoolwork. He called his friend who was working as a supervisor with a facility & housekeeping company. He requested to find a job for that woman. She got it as a housekeeping staff member. He started visiting elderly woman once a week and helping her. And he started taking tuition for that girl without any expectations. Tapan worked tirelessly to help these people, and as he did, he saw their lives improve. The mother was able to put food on the plate and her children were healthier and happier. The elderly woman was able to live comfortably in her own home and the young girl was able to improve her grades. As Tapan helped these people, he also began to notice that his own life was improving. He felt a sense of fulfillment and purpose that he had never felt before. He also got many requests for tuition classes from other students and most of them were ready to pay. His financial situation also started improving. He realized that by lifting up others, he was also lifting himself up. Tapan's actions inspire others in his society to do the same. They saw the positive impact that Tapan was having on the lives of others and they wanted to do the same. They began to reach out and help their neighbors, friends and family. Society began to change for the better, and everyone felt a sense of community and belonging. Tapan's simple act of kindness had set off a chain reaction of upliftment in the society. He had not only helped others but also helped himself find the purpose and fulfillment he had been seeking. He taught the villagers the power of lifting up others, which in turn lifted themselves. From that day on, the village was known as a place of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Tapan's journey teaches us that when we uplift others, we uplift ourselves. It is a reminder that by helping others, we can not only improve their lives, but we can also improve our own lives. It's a reminder that when we give, we also receive. The thought of uplifting others and oneself is a powerful one that has been emphasized in Bhagavad Gita. God lives within us and every living being. If you serve those living things, you get a sense of fulfillment and when you do it selflessly, you get the fortune of love, compassion, empathy back resulting in your material development too. It is the idea that by helping others, we can not only improve their lives, but we can also improve our own lives. This is because when we give to others, we also receive. One of the most powerful ways to uplift others is through acts of kindness and generosity. Even small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone or buying a stranger a food, can have a big impact on both the giver and the receiver. Research has shown that performing acts of kindness can lead to increased feelings of happiness and well-being in the giver. It can also foster a sense of connection and community between the giver and receiver. Another way to uplift others is through mentorship and guidance. By sharing our knowledge, skills, and experiences with others, we can help them to grow and achieve their goals. This can be especially powerful for young people who are just starting out on their journey in life. By offering guidance and support, we can help them to navigate the challenges they will face and set them on a path towards success. In addition to uplifting others, it's also important to uplift oneself. Self-care and self-improvement are key to overall well-being and happiness. This can include taking care of one's physical and mental health, developing new skills and interests, and setting and achieving personal goals. By investing in ourselves, we can become stronger and more capable individuals, which in turn makes us better able to help and uplift others. So whenever you get the opportunity, do your deeds selflessly. Consider whatever you are doing, it is the supreme lord’s job.

Please respond the survey, I am conducting, as a part of my research by clicking on >> Leadership Competencies required for managers while handling crisis situations. 

(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organizations, current or past) 

Author's books are available on Amazon, Flipkart, Pothi and BookGanga. You can buy the print copy of Vitality in Human Resources on amazon. Click >> Vitality in Human Resource: Adding human dimensions in HR processes   

Butterfly effect- Small actions have bigger impact

 “For want of a nail the shoe was lost, 

For want of a shoe the horse was lost,

For want of a horse the rider was lost,

For want of a rider the battle was lost,

For want of a battle the kingdom was lost,

And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.”

Benjamin Franklin

“The notion that small changes in the past via time travel can cause disproportionately large and unforeseeable consequences in the present.” 

Image source: Google

The butterfly effect is a concept in chaos theory which suggests that small changes in initial conditions can result in vastly different outcomes in complex systems.  The name comes from the idea that the flap of a butterfly's wings in one part of the world could, through a chain of cause-and-effect reactions, eventually cause a tornado in another part of the world.

The idea behind the butterfly effect is that small changes can have big consequences in complex systems. This concept can be applied to many areas, such as weather patterns, the stock market, and human behavior. It suggests that even small actions, decisions, or events can have far-reaching effects that are difficult to predict.

The butterfly effect is often used as a metaphor to describe the interconnectedness of all things and the idea that everything is connected to everything else. It also highlights the importance of taking small actions towards positive change, as these actions can have a ripple effect and lead to larger positive outcomes. However, the idea of the butterfly effect can also be traced back to the laws of karma.

Karma is a concept that originates from Bhagavad Gita. It is based on the idea that every action has consequences, and that these consequences can affect both the present and future lives of individuals. The laws of karma state that every action, whether good or bad, will eventually come back to the individual who performed it.

The butterfly effect can be seen as a manifestation of the laws of karma. Just as a small action like a butterfly flapping its wings can have a significant impact on the weather, a seemingly small action performed by an individual can have far-reaching consequences. For example, a kind word or deed towards someone may seem insignificant at the time, but it could have a positive impact on that person's life and the lives of those around them. Similarly, a hurtful action or word could have negative consequences that ripple outwards and affect others.

The laws of karma also suggest that the consequences of our actions may not always be immediate or obvious. Just as it may take time for the effects of a butterfly flapping its wings to be felt, the consequences of our actions may not be apparent until later on. This is why it is important to be mindful of our actions and to strive to act in a way that is positive and beneficial for ourselves and those around us.

Please respond the survey, I am conducting, as a part of my research by clicking on >> Leadership Competencies required for managers while handling crisis situations. 

(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organizations, current or past) 

Author's books are available on Amazon, Flipkart, Pothi and BookGanga. You can buy the print copy of Vitality in Human Resources on amazon. Click >> Vitality in Human Resource: Adding human dimensions in HR processes   

Dilemma resolution

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |

मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||

"You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.

You should never engage in action for the sake of reward,

nor should you long for inaction."

"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us ways of living. Scripture is very practical. You will find answers for everything. Whenever I struggle for something, I refer to it.   Recently I encountered some questions related to dilemma and dilemma resolution. 

Arjuna was on the brink of a great battle, one that would decide the fate of his kingdom and his people. But as he looked out at the opposing army, he saw many of his own friends and family members among the ranks of his enemies. Overwhelmed with emotion, Arjuna turned to his charioteer, Lord Krishna, and confided in him his dilemma.

"How can I fight against my own kin, my own people?" Arjuna asked Krishna. "It is better to renounce this fight and live in peace."

Krishna, who is an incarnation of the god Vishnu, knew that Arjuna's dilemma was a difficult one. But he also knew that Arjuna had a duty to uphold as a warrior and as a prince.

"Arjuna, you are thinking about this battle in the wrong way," Krishna said. "You are not fighting against your own people, you are fighting for righteousness and justice. You have a duty to protect your people and your kingdom, and that duty requires you to fight."

Krishna went on to explain to Arjuna the principles of dharma, or righteousness, and how it was his duty as a warrior and a prince to uphold these principles. He reminded Arjuna that the soul was eternal and that death was simply a transition to another state of being.

"Know that which pervades the entire body is indestructible. No one is able to destroy the imperishable soul." Krishna said.

Arjuna listened to Krishna's words and his mind was cleared of all doubts. He picked up his bow and arrow and prepared to fight. With Krishna by his side, he entered the battle with courage and conviction. In the end, he emerged victorious, and his people were saved from the threat of invasion.

The story of Arjuna and Krishna's conversation is told in the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important texts of Hinduism. It is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of the most difficult dilemmas, there is always a way to find a resolution. By turning to wise and knowledgeable people and by understanding and upholding our duties, we can overcome any obstacle that life presents us.

"Bhagavad Gita provides the great framework for resolving dilemmas based on the principles of dharma, or righteous duty. The process can be broken down into several steps"

Identify the dilemma: The first step in resolving a dilemma is to clearly identify the problem or issue at hand. In the case of Arjuna, he was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to fight in a battle against his own people.

Seek guidance: The second step is to seek guidance from a wise and knowledgeable person. In Arjuna's case, he turned to Krishna, who was an incarnation of the god Vishnu.

Seek knowledge: The wise person will provide knowledge about the nature of reality and the principles of dharma (your personal value system)  that should guide one's actions. In Arjuna's case, Krishna taught him about the eternal nature of the soul, the importance of upholding dharma, and the concept of detachment from the fruits of one's actions. The knowledge can be from your mentor, coach, any books you read or even your and your parents and elder’s past experiences.

Choose a course of action: After receiving guidance and knowledge, the individual should choose a course of action that aligns with dharma and upholds their duty. In Arjuna's case, he chose to fight in the battle as a duty to protect his people and uphold dharma.

Take action with detachment: The final step is to take action with a sense of detachment from the fruits of one's actions. This means that the individual should focus on performing their duty and taking action that aligns with dharma, without being attached to the outcomes or results of their actions.

Through this process of seeking guidance and knowledge, choosing a course of action, and taking action with detachment, an individual can resolve a dilemma in a way that upholds their duty and aligns with the principles of dharma. 

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that by following this process, we can find peace and fulfillment in our lives, even in the face of difficult dilemmas.

In resolving a dilemma, it is important to consider not just one's own self-interest, but also the interests of others and the greater good. This requires an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and a recognition of our shared responsibility to uphold dharma and promote the welfare of all beings.

The Gita also teaches that dharma is not a fixed set of rules or principles, but is rather a dynamic and evolving concept that must be constantly re-evaluated in light of changing circumstances. This means that in resolving a dilemma, one must be flexible and adaptable, and willing to adjust their understanding of dharma as new information and perspectives emerge.

Ultimately, the Gita teaches that by following one's duty and upholding dharma, we can live a life of purpose and fulfillment, and contribute to the well-being of the world around us. Through this framework of ethical decision-making, we can navigate even the most difficult dilemmas with clarity and confidence, and find a path forward that is aligned with our deepest values and aspirations.

"However we should think about Karma before taking any action. Karma, which means "action" or "deed." It is often described as a wheel or cycle of cause and effect. Every action we take, whether good or bad, sets off a chain reaction that will eventually come back to us."

Please respond the survey, I am conducting, as a part of my research by clicking on >> Leadership Competencies required for managers while handling crisis situations. 

(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organizations, current or past) 

Author's books are available on Amazon, Flipkart, Pothi and BookGanga. You can buy the print copy of Vitality in Human Resources on amazon. Click >> Vitality in Human Resource: Adding human dimensions in HR processes