Management Lessons From Mahabharata
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Transcript of Management Lessons From Mahabharata
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Management Lessons from Mahabharata
Mahabharata is considered as the largest epic of the world. It's said that whatever is not there in
Mahabharata is not anywhere else. So, we will try to find out some intricate management messages that
are relevant even today. Our main focus would be the Great War that changed the course of the Third
Age of Man.
Objective
The war is a kind of target that you have to achieve. So, there are many things that will need planning.
You need to plan the execution process, limitations, team members and leaders, etc.
1)Preparing for the target
Karna went to subdue other kings so that he could get their wealth. On the other hand, Arjuna, Bheema
and Yudhisthra set out to acquire Divyastras, strength and strategic wisdom.
Lesson:Try to tap new opportunities instead of simply focusing on killing your competition. If your
competition dies, there is only a smaller growth in your business because there would be another one in
a short while. Instead, if you go for newer opportunities, you may have added strength to your business
2) Allies
Kaurvas had a few allies; while Pandavas, worked to garner more allies so that they can gain more
support. They established various relationships through marriages.
Lesson: While working on a big project, it is good to extend to other people who can contribute inwhatever way or portion. The more allies you have working for the achievement of your target, the
more chances you have.
3) Leadership
Kauravas had a one-man leadership hierarchy. The whole of the army was under one person's
command. On the other hand, Pandavas had different generals directing the operations.
Lesson:Share your responsibilities when you have a huge target. It is good to have different people
looking after different departments and answerable for their own tasks. If you have only one person
making all the decision, things could turn messy.
4)Team Spirit
This is where Kauravas lacked a great deal. All the great generals of Kauravas including Bheesma, Drona,
Karna, Shalya, etc. were fighting individual fights. However, Pandavas had only one team bound by one
goal. All participated in decision making process and contributed their skills.
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Lesson:It's important to have a good team that gels nicely. More importantly, all the team members
should be given due consideration while making decisions. Individual goals are good but team goals can
be met if everybody contribute his/her lot.
5) Individual Motives:
Kauravas had individual motives but they could not help the group motive. Only Duryodhna wanted the
war. While Pandavas had their individual vows and oaths to keep, they worked towards the common
goal.
Lesson:Align individual goals and skills to the group. It will help you get maximum output because every
individual is pumped to fulfill his/her personal goal, which in turn is fulfilling the common goal.
6) Commitment :
Commitment is very important. Kauravas were short on this. Almost every one of them had personal
bias and points where they said they would not be committed to the war. While Pandavas were
committed wholeheartedly and were willing to do anything to achieve the common goal even if it means
laying aside personal agendas.
Lesson: If the people in the team are not committed to lay aside personal preferences, the team won't
work. Make sure the common goal is achieved even if it means keeping the personal goals pending.
7) Right Managers:
Pandavas were very good in this. They knew how to inspire, how to take benefits from faltering
enemies, how to expose their weakness and whenever needed seek guidance from others.
Lesson: Put right people at right places. If the managers or team leaders are not able to inspire or
provide directions, the team won't function effectively. This is surely one of the most important aspect
of any management team.
8) Women Empowerment
Kauravas were all patriarchal structure. Gandhari was not heard and there was no participation of
women in decision making. On the other hand, Pandavas relied heavily on this--Kunti, Draupadi, and the
mothers of other warriors like Hidimba (Bheema's wife) and Subhadra (Arjuna' wife).
Lesson:It's important to tap the potential of your better half. Masculine traits of aggression and
dominance should be balanced with harmony and sustenance.
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9) So, it's good to build teams, have right kind of managers, group goals over individual goals, women
participation, inspiration, ackowledgement.
The war is a kind of target that you have to achieve. So, there are many things that will need
planning. You need to plan the execution process, limitations, team members and leaders, etc. war
is a kind of target that you have to achieve. So, there are many things that will need planning. You
need to plan the execution process, limitations, team members and leaders, etc. The war is a kind of
target that you have to achieve. So, there are many things that will need planning. You need to plan
the execution process, limitations, team members and leaders, etc.