Today is Janmashtami, the day when we celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth. Lord Krishna is known is one of the most popular amongst all the Hindu Gods, as a lot of foreigners also know about Lord Krishna. A lot of his fame can be attributed to his teachings given by him in the Bhagavad Gita, which are also considered to be lessons in management and leadership.
Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the results. In management, this translates to focusing on your responsibilities and ethical obligations rather than just the outcomes. He teaches the value of maintaining a balanced mind in success and failure. For managers, this means staying calm and composed during challenges and celebrating successes without becoming complacent. This balance fosters a stable work environment which is long lasting and challenges one to push their own limits as well as their team members’.
Lord Krishna had a clear vision and was a great strategist. His guidance to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra emphasized the importance of knowing one’s duty (dharma) and staying committed to the larger purpose. Krishna encouraged Arjuna to focus on his responsibilities as a warrior rather than being overwhelmed by doubts and fears. Likewise effective managers should develop a clear vision for their organization and create strategic plans that align with that vision, ensuring that all team members understand and work towards common goals.
However, although an astute leader, Krishna was known for his deep understanding of human emotions and motivations. He guided the Pandavas but allowed them to make decisions and lead the battle. He played the role of a mentor, empowering them to fulfill their destinies. As such good managers should practice empathy, understanding their team members’ perspectives and challenges, which can lead to better communication and collaboration.
Lord Krishna demonstrated the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether in battle or in guiding Arjuna. In management, being flexible and open to change is crucial for navigating the dynamic business environment.
Having empowered Arjuna to make his own decisions, guiding him rather than dictating actions, Lord Krishna showed that managers should empower their teams by providing guidance and support while allowing them the autonomy to make decisions. He himself made some tough decisions during the Mahabharata, such as advising Arjuna to fight against his own kin for the sake of righteousness. Leaders must be willing to make difficult decisions when necessary. At the same time, Lord Krishna emphasized the importance of working together for a common purpose. In a management context, fostering a collaborative culture can lead to greater innovation and problem-solving.
Lastly, I would like to say that the biggest learning from Lord Krishna’s teachings is that good leaders should encourage self-reflection and learning. At Symbiosis we follow this as we promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning within teams, encouraging each one to seek knowledge and develop their skills.
Therefore, on the auspicious day of Janmashtami let us bring Lord Krishna into our lives by integrating these lessons into management practices, and create a more effective, ethical, and harmonious workplace.