The emotional skills such as care and compassion are required to connect with people and inspire them. Since any business depends on the welfare of its employees, strong leaders are of utmost importance. But Chanakya Pandita also gives many specific scientific techniques that relate more to the aspect of management. They are tools and hidden weapons for the kshatriyas of modern purpose-driven businesses.
Constantly Educate Yourself
Life is a process of learning and so is the business. But everyone has the tendency to think that he is now accomplished in his field of expertise. Few realise that it is not the boss who is responsible for their growth in life, but the knowledge and the experience that they acquire. We need to continuously learn in order to grow. Only then will external benefits like increments, promotions, and higher responsibilities come to us.
But when can we find time to learn? Chanakya says:
“During the remaining parts of the day and the night, he should learn new things and familiarise himself with those already learnt, and listen repeatedly to things not learnt.” (1.5.15)
It is a very simple principle of time management. Utilise your evening and night hours to learn new things, instead of spending them on most unproductive things like partying, or other activities which are really meaningless. Even in an office, the peak business hours are generally in the morning. The latter half of the day could, and should, be used meaningfully and effectively.
You may even use this time to ask questions and learn from seniors about processes that you have not fully understood. Here are some tips on how you can use the second part of the day more effectively:
Join a Class/Course
Today, there are various courses and classes conducted during post-office hours. Even MBA courses are offered for those who can attend evening classes. If you enrol for any such course, you will automatically leave the office on time.
Read Books
Get into the habit of reading good books. Especially in a city like ours, you can effectively use your commuting time to do this. Choose the right books for learning new things. Do not just open any newspaper or magazine for the sake of passing time. You should read with a purpose.
Meet the Right People
You should make it a point to meet at least two new people every week. They should be experts in their own field who know much more than you. Go to them with humility and learn the secret of their success. All of this would, no doubt, make you a better man. After all, you would be following the old adage, “The only time well spent is the time spent learning new things!”
“Therefore sit and counsel with those who are mature and intelligent.” (Arthashastra 1.15.21)
Avinitamsnehamatrennamantrekurvita—Do not seek advice from or consult with an arrogant or morally untrained person only because of friendship (Chanakya sutras 2.10).
No One is Indispensable
Too much dependency on one person is very dangerous. However, if we have a good team, his absence is made up by another talented or skilled person. It not only eliminates dependency but also keeps everyone on their toes performing well.
Individual Weaknesses Covered Up
Everyone makes mistakes. But these must be seen as lessons. Other team members perform their best to cover up the loss. In the end, the total result matters, not the individual achievements.
Individual Strengths Become ‘Total’ Strength
Each person has his own strengths.Now, these individual strengths collectively become more powerful.
Remember the concept of synergy? One plus one is greater than two. One always performs better as a team rather than as individuals.
You Think Along with Others
Each person has a different understanding of the same situation. Take the opinion of the team members with the help of a little brainstorming. Thus, one thinks about a solution with the help of another person’s mind.As Stephen Covey says, “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”
Thus, one thinks of a solution to a problem with the help of another person’s mind. Therefore, it is important for a leader to appoint the right managers, listen to their opinions and proceed with a certain strategic plan.
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was once asked about teamwork.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants to be done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it,” he said. This also reduces a lot of pressure and unwanted expectations from the leader.
The author is the spiritual leader of ISKCON