Corporate Management

Corporate Management - Leadership secrets from the Mahabharata

The mahabharata deals with eternal values and truths, making its message relevant today too. here is a collection of its lessons on what in modern parlance is called management strategy

          Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of all times, is not just the story of a fratricidal war or a fount of wisdom for philosophers, it is also a comprehensive manual on strategy. The analogy between kingship and leadership and the application of kingship to modern business practices, makes Vyasa’s epic poem a pertinent handbook on management

Western management practices failing to prop up their empires, management practices used in Mahabharata can come in handy. For corporate success, Mahabharata clearly stresses on the need of being aware of the dynamics of the market. "If a strategist is not aware of the market dynamics, he would meet the same fate as Abhimanyu," which is implied in "Strategic Management Lessons from the Mahabharata".

             It is well analyzed the moves of both the Pandavas and Kauravas to explain where strategic management fails and how business management can be made more effective.

               The epic has a suggestion for all organisations: Chart clear plans on how to advance in an uncertain future. This basic mantra can make an organization endure difficult times. The Kauravas did not have clear-cut plans and that is what resulted in their defeat. Competitive pressure forced the mission of the Kauravas and the only purpose of their lives was defeating the Pandavas.

The strategic analysis can be a key strength for any organisation. It proved to be the strength of the Pandavas, while the Kauravas always found it difficult to scrutinize the possible impediments to achieving the synergy or competitive advantage.In Mahabharata, the Pandavas were quick to spot the competitor's intentions. Because of this ability, they were able to plan and make a tunnel below the lac palace, which was set ablaze with an intention to kill them,. In the new world order, where competition is cutthroat, playing Pandavas can help. "An organisation must be quick to observe its competitors' strategic moves,"

The second longest epic of the world, Mahabharata is not just an epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War or a book of philosophy; rather it's a comprehensive manual on management strategy. Mahabharata encompasses many lessons on management which can potentially be applied to modern business practices. Take a look at some of the best practices from India's great epic of knowledge and inspiration

While calculating risks Krishna has acted as a greatest crisis manager showing how to take calculated risks at the time of crisis. Management is all about taking calculated risks. Shying away from challenges is not a sign of management, rather well-assessed decisions to on facing the challenges is the trademark of good management. The good management holds the responsibility of providing eco-friendly in their productivity.

Know the ground realities Pandavas spent one year in exile with the poor people and the years of exile helped them to reach out to people from various strata of the society while Kaurava's had no experience of the ground reality as they lived a royal life. Managers need to understand the realities to lead their team in the right direction. They need to break the barriers to get in touch with their subordinates to understand their problems and identify ways to make their work easier. it is the duty of management to make aware of green business to their employees and lead them in ethical path.

Learn the art of teamwork It was not a common war for Kauravas as they never showed the unity. But the way Pandavas fought is a lesson for managers as it highlights the significance of sticking on to the common goal while meeting the individual targets. The great story teaches the golden lesson that only a combined effort can bring in success. Similarly while all corporates join hands to ensure green initiatives , it creates a revolution in green management.

Share your responsibilities Efficiently sharing responsibilities is the mark of a good manager and the great Indian epic gives the best example for this. Pandavas fought the war as one team with one goal in mind while Kauravas lacked the team spirit and they all fought individual wars. It advises the managers not to make the decision-making process a dictatorial one, rather involve everyone so that the best of ideas will pop up.

Mahabharata says that it is knowledge and information that make an organisation successful. "Indian culture is showing the way to the West. Now it is the time for Indian ancient business practices, its epics and ethos to help the world deal with economic woes. Lessons from Mahabharata and ancient Indian wisdom can revive falling biz empires."

                                                                                                                               

-gayatri.s

                                                                                                                                     II-MBA