The Leadership Sutra: An Indian Approach to Power by Devdutt Pattanaik

The Leadership Sutra: An Indian Approach to Power by Devdutt Pattanaik

Durga is the goddess of power in Hinduism, as well as in Buddhism and Jainism. Her name is derived from the word ‘fortress’ (durg). She is the goddess of kings. We tend to tiptoe around the role of power in management and fail to openly acknowledge how the animal desire to dominate often destroys the best of organizations. Critics tend to see power as a negative thing. But power is a critical tool that affects the implementation of any idea. Any attempt to restrain it with rules results in domestication and resentment and fails to energize the organization. Leaders often equate themselves with lions and indulge their desire to dominate when, in fact, the point of leadership is to be secure enough to outgrow the lion within us and enable and empower those around us. But this is not easy, as anxiety overpowers the best of leaders.

We need to grow beyond our own mental image because nature does not care for it. We shouldn’t seek endorsement of our own mental image that our family and friends have helped create from our workplace. All human beings want to be identified by other around them, they want to feel valued. This is why we like to tell people about our achievements, so that others can recognize our worth and this is why people defend their position and achievements at any cost.  Meetings need to be handled in a manner similar to how devatas are handled: first with Haldi (relieving the tension in the room) and Kumkum (Complimenting people or highlighting their strengths) and then comes Rice (drawing attention to the agenda).

A successful leader should understand the value of praise, learn to look for value in each person. Everyone has something of value to offer. Introduce each member of your team has ‘an expert, ‘stalwart’ or ‘key member’ and acknowledge their achievements. We should not engage in office gossip or complaining because it serves no purpose. Comparison grants us value, we often measure ourselves against our colleagues and let that decide our happiness, this matrix is called ‘maya’. Marketing and business is all about ‘maya’ but our lives shouldn’t be. Organizations need to understand it’s employees, people do not want to be treated equally, everyone wants to be special. This is why they work hard towards achieving that target. Organizations grant us value, they position us both within and on the outside. Employees shouldn’t feel dispensable because this will lead to insecurity and stifling of new talent.