Ancient Indian

For

WISDOM

Management

The Bhagvad Gita

Introduction
The "Bhagavad-Gita" is a doctrine of universal truth. Its message is
universal, sublime, and non-sectarian although it is a part of the
scriptural trinity of Sanaatan Dharm, commonly known as Hinduism
The message of Bhagavad-Gita came to humanity due to Arjun's
unwillingness to do his duty as a warrior, because fighting involved
destruction and killing
One of the greatest contributions of India to the world is Holy Gita
which is considered to be one of the first revelations from God.
The management lessons in this holy book were brought in to light of
the world by divine Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and Sri Sri
RaviShankar
Bhagavad gita means song of the Spirit, song of the Lord. It provides
"all that is needed to raise the consciousness of man to the highest
possible level."

It has got all the management tactics to achieve the mental

equilibrium and to overcome any crisis situation.

The Bhagavad Gita can be experienced as a powerful catalyst

for transformation.

The critical question in all managers' minds is how to be

effective in their job. The answer to this fundamental question
is found in the Bhagavad Gita, which repeatedly proclaims that
"You Must Try To Manage Yourself." The reason
is that unless a manager reaches a level of excellence and
effectiveness, he or she will be merely a face in the crowd.

Old truths in a new context

The Bhagavad Gita, written thousands of years ago, enlightens
us on all managerial techniques leading us towards a
harmonious and blissful state of affairs in place of the conflict,
tensions, poor productivity, absence of motivation and so on,
common in most of Indian enterprises today - and probably in
enterprises in many other countries.

1. Intentions are your Expressions Says GITA

Power of Intentions is the Success Formula

Says Management
GITA Says: Your Intentions should be clear, practical, achievable
and should differentiate you from the winnerKey players who
can determine the power of your intentions: Wisdom and
Science (Gyana and Vigyana)
GITA says Science can be understood by our senses, i.e. Mouth
speaks and understands various issues through, eyes, ears and
other senses.
Wisdom will make the power of your intentions very strong
Wisdom will create an inner feeling (Intuition), which can be
transformed in to Introspection, after series of inner
understanding if your mind says yes it becomes intentions
GITA says use the value of science for taking decisions in known
things, Science why, Wisdom can focus how.

Intentions should be a mind factor says GITA

E.g.: Youre planning to fast today and you will proclaim to people that, I will not eat any
food, Science can brings ways and means, yes I can drink water, fruit juicesBut what if
youre Mind thinks of delicious foods and contemplating on that, then your action
(FASTING) does not call for any value
Power of Intentions is mind phenomenon
Arjuna was able to visualize only the Parrot, when all others saw different parts of Trees
Yudhister was able to see only good people. But Duroydhana was able to see only bad
people. But People are the same, intention power is different

Organizations

Are Slowly Understanding The Power Of

Intentions

This is how it works

Visualize that you are smelling the fragrance of ROSE .Visualize that you are
smelling garbage .Observe the two reactions in a Mirror The Answer is
clear.So it is evident that inner intentions can only parallel your outer
expressions , even though a small amount of camouflage is done finally you get
what you intend .
Many times we hear jargon like Think Global Act Local,the Jargon Actually shows the
power of intentions, When you think global, you will automatically make your local
a global placeSo Intentions starts with an inner feeling, then transforms into
intuitions and travels as introspection and ably supported by wisdom becomes an
action plan and your expressions and through science it becomes success formula.

2. There is an important distinction between

effectiveness and efficiency in managing.
Effectivenessis doing the right things and
Efficiencyis doing things right.
The general principles of effective management can be
applied in every fields the differences being mainly in
the application than in principles. Again, effective
management is not limited in its application only to
business or industrial enterprises but to all
organizations where the aim is to reach a given goal
through a Chief Executive or a Manager with the help of
a group of workers.

3. Various Aspects Of Management :

In this context the Bhagavad Gita expounded thousands of years ago
by the Super Management Guru Bhagawan Sri Krishna enlightens us on
all managerial techniques leading to a harmonious and blissful state of
affairs as against conflicts, tensions, lowest efficiency and least
productivity, absence of motivation and lack of work culture etc
common to most of the Indian enterprises today.
The modern management concepts like vision, leadership,
motivation, excellence in work, achieving goals, meaning of
work, attitude towards work, nature of individual, decision
making, planning etc., are all discussed in the Bhagavad Gita with a
sharp insight and finest analysis to drive through our confused grey
matter making it highly eligible to become a part of the modem
management syllabus.
It may be noted that while Western design on management deals
with the problems at superficial, material, external and
peripheral levels, the ideas contained in the Bhagavad Gita tackle
the issues from the grass roots level of human thinking because

4. Utilization of Available Resources

The first lesson in the management science is to choose wisely and utilise
optimally the scarce resources if one has to succeed in his venture. During
the curtain raiser before the Mahabharata War Duryodhana chose Sri
Krishna's large army for his help while Arjuna selected Sri Krishna's
wisdom for his support. This episode gives us a clue as to who is an
Effective Manager.

5. Attitude Towards Work

Three stone-cutters were engaged in erecting a temple. As usual a H.R.D.

Consultant asked them what they were doing. The response of the three
workers to this innocent-looking question is illuminating.
'I am a poor man. I have to maintain my family. I am making a living here,'
said the first stone-cutter with a dejected face.
'Well, I work because I want to show that I am the best stone-cutter in the
country,' said the second one with a sense of pride.
'Oh, I want to build the most beautiful temple in the country,' said the
third one with a visionary gleam.
Their jobs were identical but their perspectives were different. What Gita
tells us is to develop the visionary perspective in the work we do.
It tells us to develop a sense of larger vision in one's work for the
common good.

6. Work Commitment

Gita advises non-attachment to the fruits or results of actions performed in the

course of one's duty. Dedicated work has to mean 'work for the sake of work'. If
we are always calculating the date of promotion for putting in our efforts, then such
work cannot be commitment-oriented causing excellence in the results but it will be
promotion-oriented resulting in inevitable disappointments.
So, the Gita tells us not to mortgage the present commitment to an uncertain
future. If we are not able to measure up to this height, then surely the fault lies with
us and not with the teaching.
It doesnt make you un-accountable as Bhagavad Gita is full of advice on the
theory of cause and effect, making the doer responsible for the consequences
of his deeds.
Learning managerial stress prevention methods is quite costly now days and if only
we understand the Gita we get the required cure free of cost.
Thus the best means for effective work performance is to become the work itself.
Attaining this state ofnishkamakarma is the right attitude to work because it
prevents the ego, the mind from dissipation through speculation on future gains or
losses.
It has been presumed for long that satisfying lower needs of a worker are the key
factors in the motivational theory of personnel management.This situation is
explained by the theory of Self-transcendence or Self-realization propounded in the
Gita. Self-transcendence is overcoming insuperable obstacles in one's path. It
involves renouncing egoism, putting others before oneself, team work, dignity,
sharing, co-operation, harmony, trust, sacrificing lower needs for higher goals,

7. Develop Human Resource

DAIVI WORK CULTURE
Fearlessness, Purity, Self-Control
Straightforwardness, Self-Denial
Absence of Fault-finding, Absence of Greed, Gentleness
Modesty, Absence of Envy and Pride
ASURI WORK CULTURE
Egoism, Delusion, Desire-centric
Improper Performance

8. Management Needs those Who Practice what they

Preach:leadership
Whatever the excellent and best ones do, the commoners follow, so says
Sri Krishna in the Gita. This is the leadership quality prescribed in the
Gita. The visionary leader must also be a missionary, extremely practical,
intensively dynamic and capable of translating dreams into reality. This
dynamism and strength of a true leader flows from an inspired and
spontaneous motivation to help others. "I am the strength of those who
are devoid of personal desire and attachment. O Arjuna, I am the
legitimate desire in those, who are not opposed to righteousness" says
Sri Krishna in the 10th Chapter of the Gita.

9. Vision & Planning

Gita tells us how to get out of this universal phenomenon by

prescribing the following capsules:
Cultivate sound philosophy of life.
Identify with inner core of self-sufficiency.
Get out of the habitual mindset towards the pairs of opposites.
Strive for excellence through work is worship.
Build up an internal integrated reference point to face contrary
impulses, and emotions.
Pursue ethico-moral rectitude.
Cultivating this understanding by a manager would lead him to
emancipation from falsifying ego-conscious state of confusion
and distortion, to a state of pure and free mind i.e. universal,
supreme consciousness wherefrom he can prove his
effectiveness in discharging whatever duties that have fallen to
his domain.

The Ultimate Message of Gita for Managers

The despondent position of Arjuna in the first chapter of the Gita is a typical human
situation which may come in the life of all men of action some time or other. Sri
Krishna by sheer power of his inspiring words raised the level of Arjuna's mind from
the state of inertia to the state of righteous action, from the state of faithlessness to
the state of faith and self-confidence in the ultimate victory of Dharma (ethical
action). They are the powerful words of courage of strength, of self confidence, of
faith in one's own infinite power, of the glory, of valor in the life of active people and
of the need for intense calmness in the midst of intense action.
When Arjuna got over his despondency and stood ready to fight, Sri Krishna gave
him the gospel for using his spirit of intense action not for his own benefit, not for
satisfying his own greed and desire, but for using his action for the good of many,
with faith in the ultimate victory of ethics over unethical actions and truth over
untruth. Arjuna responds by emphatically declaring that all his delusions were
removed and that he is ready to do what is expected of him in the given situation.
Sri Krishna's advice with regard to temporary failures in actions is 'No doer of good
ever ends in misery'. Every action should produce results: good action produces
good results and evil begets nothing but evil. Therefore always act well and be
rewarded.
And finally the Gita's consoling message for all men of action is : He who follows My
ideal in all walks of life without losing faith in the ideal or never deviating from it, I
provide him with all that he needs (Yoga) and protect what he has already got

The Ramayana

1. Motivation strives to continually offer positive words of

encouragement to help give the self confidence and selfesteem needed to empower, motivate and inspire
yourself and others.

When it became clear that Mata Sita was in Lanka, Jambavant asked
Hanuman to go there. He helped him realize his true potential and
motivated him to go to enemys camp.
Jambavant motivating Hanuman is a classical example of a good
manager helping his personnel to realize their potential and aligning
them with the management goal.

2.

The importance of selecting Right Man for the Right Job, for the
successful completion of a task is highlighted in this narration. The
vigorous selection process was seen in where all the probable
candidates shared their strengths and weaknesses, such that the best fit
for the job could be chosen.
Assessment Skills hold great significance for an effective Management
Functioning. HR in particular should have refined skills for assessing so
that a good selection can be made. Jambavant selecting Hanuman after
a checking the skills possessed by all and concluding that Hanuman

3. Defined and definite allocation of Tasks; which we saw in

Jamabavant stating to Hanuman also constitutes of the very
important tasks of management. An employee might have more
caliber than his present job demands, but the Role Clarity has to
be of a great magnitude.

4.The importance of Job Description is learned from this

narration. We see Hanuman willing to do more than he is asked
to. He is willing to kill Ravana and bring back Mata Sita in his first
visit itself. Here, Jambavant brings forth an essential tool of
Management, and specifies his Job Description, by repeating that
Hanuman has to only find the whereabouts of Mata Sita in his
this visit.

5. The concept of Phook-Theory can be seen in this narration.

Proportionate boosting up of a person, and a check of over
confidence becomes an integral part of Management.

 Jambavant realizing that Hanuman had forgotten his powers, reminded him
of them by narrating Hanuman of His great deeds of past, as to how he had
jumped towards the sun upto 500 kilometers and that he was capable of
achieving great results. This instilled in Hnauman Self-confidence and
motivation to jump towards Lanka.
Soon Jambavant saw Hanuman becoming aggressive and over-ambitious
because of the confidence he had gained. He believed that he could kill
Ravana alone. On this Jambavant readdressed Hanuman and said he needed
to to only what was assisged to him.

6. Hanuman agrees to what Jambavant restricts him on doing in

Lanka. This highlights the quality of being a good Team Member.
It is of apex importance to have a team of members who have a
understanding of the common vision the whole team is working for. Placing
the goals and the orders of the higher management ahead of personal goals
is the only base which can ensure the success of the team.

7. Self- Assessment cannot lead to self disclosure if the

environment is not safe

In this story, we see all the team members honestly assessing their own strengths
and weaknesses in front of the whole team in order to decide who would be ideal
to go to Lanka. This shows the cohesion that is present in the team. The team
members are not afraid to accept their weakness in public as they are sure the
respect for them as individuals would not be vary in the eyes of the team
members.
It is very crucial thus to have a team in which there is mutual respect for each
other and acceptance of their weaknesses. A team without cohesion is likely to
have a high degree if inter group conflict.

8. Incentives and Perks should not be directly related to the

Strengths and weaknesses of an individual.

If the perks are directly related to strengths, no one would be willing to undergo an
honest SWOT analysis, which would in the long run affect the goal achievement of
the organization. Everyone will always project themselves to be stronger than
what they are and more capable than what they can really do.
It is the job of the HR to minimize weaknesses and maximize strength

Moral of the Story

1
0

The Mahabharata

1. Preparation
Kauravas :

Karna went on a country-wide military mission, subdued the

different kingdoms and acquired wealth. But it meant a loss in
terms of both men and money and creation of new enemies.

Pandavas : Though in exile they turned their attention to improving

over their weakness
Arjuna set out on a mission to acquires Divyastras.
Bhima met his brother Hanuman and got a blessing of enhanced
strength.
Yudhisthira acquired teachings from the various wise rishis, and
also learnt the Game of Dice from Gandharava Chtrasena, lest he
was challenged to yet another dice game. Its said that he had
become undefeatable in Dice.

Turn your weakness into your Strength.

2. Allies
Kauravas : Centralized power system. The greatest empire of the time. But
not many powerful allies, except from old relations from far off places like
Gandhara(Shakuni), Sindhu(Jayadrath) and Kambodia(Camboja Bhagadutt)
Pandavas : No wealth. No power of their own. But powerful allies all over
India.
Panchala through Marriage with Darupadi.
Dwarka through marriage with Arjuna and Subhadra.
Magadh through marriage of Shadeva and Vijaya.
Chedi through marriage of Nakula and Karenmayi.
Kasi through marriage of Bhima and Balandhara.
Kekaya through marriage of Yudhisthira and Devika.
Matsya through marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara.
The Rakshasas through marriage of Bhima and Hidimba.
The Nagas through marriage of Arjuna and Uloopi.

Make Powerful Allies.

3. Leadership
Kauravas : Centralized leadership. One Head of Army at a time, who has
supreme authority of 11 akshouhini of army. Bhishma, Drona, Karna,
Shalya and Ashwatthama.
Pandavas : Distributed leadership. Seven commanders for the seven
divisions.(1 man command 1 akshouhini each).
Virat (King of Matsya).
Drupad (King of Pancala).
Sahadeva(King of Magadha).
Dhrshtaketu (King of Chedi).
Satyaki (Only warrior from Dwarka).
Shikhandi (Prince of Pancala).
Dhrshtadymna Commander in Chief.
Arjuna Supreme Commander.
Krishna Arjunas charioteer and counselor.

Share your responsibilities.

4. Team Spirit
Kauravas : No team spirit. They all fought their individual wars.
Bhishma : For his Vow to protect the throne Hastinapur.
Drona and Kripa : They owed allegiance to the throne.
Shalya : Simply cheated by Duryodhana to be there. Was originally a
Pandava ally.
Karna : To prove his mantle against Arjuna. Friendship for Duryodhana.
They didnt gel well with each other. Bhishma and Karna. Bhisma and Shakuni.
Karna nd Shakuni. Karna and Shalya. Shalya and Bhishma. It was like a
bees, hornets and mosquitoes put together in a jar.
Pandavas : One team. One Goal. As men, they all had huge respect for
Krishna and Yudhisthira. While as warriors they were in complete awe of
Bhima and Arjuna. Most of them were close relatives cousins, brother-inlaws, father-in-laws. More than that they all were part of the decisionmaking process. It was their common war.

Teamwork succeeds where Individual effort

fails.

5. Individual Motives
Kauravas : Except for Duryodhana nobody wanted the War. All the 4 main generals had
strong ties with the Pandavas.

Bhishma(grandchildern) Wont kill the panadavas. Will kill a thousand soldiers each
day.

Drona (students) Wont kill the Pandavas. Will capture them only.

Shalya (Nakula-Shadevas maternal uncle) : Loved the Pandavas and covertly helped
them by humiliating Karna

Karna (brother to the Pandavas) : Promised not to kill any of the other Pandavas save
Arjuna.
A Team of Traitors.
Pandavas : Common goal. But the individuals had their individual targets. Their own
agenda, which just became one with the teams agenda.

Dhratsadyumna : Drona.

Shikhandi : Bhisma.

Satayaki Bhurisravas.

Arjuna Karna.

Bhima Duryodhana and his brothers.

Sahadeva Shakuni and his sons.

Nakula Karnas sons.

The Right team is made by selecting the Right

Individuals. Get the right man for the right
job.

6. Commitment
Kauravas : Already said the Big 4 had big emotional attachment with the 5 Pandavas.
Looking further on their commitment.

Bhisma himself gave away the secret of killing him to the Pandavas.He prolonged the
War by killing only inconsequential soldiers. He did not fight a warrior like Shikhandi
because of his personal bias.

Drona too indirectly gave away his secret, by saying he was invulnerable as long as
he held a weapon. Moreover he abandoned weapons as soon as he knew his son had
died.

Karna did not kill Yudhisthira and BHima when he got the chance. He gave away his
Kavac and Kundala prior to his War. Karna fled innumerous times from the War when
he was hurt. He didnt save Duhsasana when Bhima was killing him.

Shalya kept on insulting Karna while in Battle.

Pandavas :

Abhimanyu , a 16 year old kid. Ventured beyond enemy lines alone. This was suicide
mission but he still went in and took a great part of the army down with him. It took
the combined effort of 7 Maharathis to take him down.

Ghatotkach even in death, took with him almost half the army.

Yudhisthira, he knew he couldnt face Karna in War, but still went in to set an
example. Yudhitshira didn't hesitate to tell a lie or a twisted truth when faced with the
decision of whether to stick to his personal integrity or welfare of the team.

Krishna took up arms twice and almost entered the War, inspite of his promise, only
to be stopped by Arjuna.

The interests of the Individual should never exceed the

Team interest.
The best man for a Job is not the one with the best
capabilities but one with the greatest commitment.

7. Right Managers
Krishna : The Greatest Crisis Manager the world has seen.
Yudhisthira : Low-key strategist.
On the first day of the War, he played a Master game. Went over
to the Enemy side to seek blessings from Elders. In reality he
made a covert deal with them, wherein all of them agreed to help
him and unfolded the secrets of defeating them.
While coming back, he took a calculated risk. He made an offer to
all the assembled people to change sides if they wanted to. He
knew well of the lack of cohesiveness among the Kauravas.
Yuyutsu, son of Dhrtarashtra crossed over to the Pandavas. This
exposed the weakness of the Kauravas for all to see.

Know your enemies weaknesses and exploit them.

Take Calculated risks.
Inspire, invigorate, counsel your own team in
moments of need.

8.The Roots
Kauravas : Princes brought up in the comfort of the Royal Palace, matured on
romanticized ideals of Power, Fame, Courage and Valor. No experience of
ground reality.
Pandavas :
Spent the greater part of their lives in Poverty. Childhood in the Himalayan
foothills among Rishis. One year exile among the poor people of KuruPanchala. 12 years of Vanvas and 1 year of Agyatvas.
Experinced with the ground reality. Contact with people from various strata
of the society. Sannyasis (celibate monks), Acharyas(Householders,
teachers), poor Brahmanas, lower-class Potter.
Different races of people. Rakshasas, Gandharavas, Apsaras, Nagas. People
from different regions Uttarkuru, Bengal etc.
A Sense of Sharing. A sense of Brotherhood.

Know ground realities.

Know different ideologies.
Share.

9. Women Empowerment
Kauravas : Patriarchal structure. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Dhratarashtra, Vidur,
Shakuni, Duryodhana, Karna, Duhsasana. No women in the decision
making process.
Gandhari retreated to the Inner Chambers. Nobody listened to her.
Pandavas : Matriarchal Structure.
Kunti was the authority supreme for the Pandavas.
Whatever my mother says is Dharma to me : Yudhisthira.
Draupadi was a companion in whatever the Pandavas did. She had a big
role in all the decision making. Without her the Pandavas would have most
probably reclined to the forests.
Even the younger Pandavas : Ghatotkach, Abhimnanyu and Iravan were
brought up by their mothers. So the female influence was huge.

Women = Better Half. Any team which doesn't have

women is unbalanced, for the Masculine traits of
Aggression and Dominance should be balanced
by the Feminine traits of Harmony and
Sustenance.

Recap

Turn your weaknesses into strengths.

Turn enemies into allies.
Share your responsibilities.
Teamwork scores over Individual Effort.
Right Team = Right set of Individuals. The right man for the
right job.
Commitment scores over Competence.
Team interests over Individual interests..
Know your enemy/challenges. Exploit its weaknesses. Take
calculated risks.
The Right Managers : To inspire, invigorate, counsel in crisis .
Know Ground realities. Accept different ideologies. Cooperate.
Empower Women. The Gender Balance is required for stability
and administration.

The

Vedas

Vedic Management Echoes of Corporate Social Responsibility in

the Vedas
The great sages who delivered universal thoughts through the
Vedas were concerned about unethical and profit driven human
activities and its impact on society and the environment. This is
echoed in several verses in the Vedas, especially in the
Upanishads. What these great seers feared more than 5000
years ago have become a reality and we are already paying the
price for such unethical and profit driven human activities.
Today, many major companies around the world have realized
the mistakes and there is more awareness and this has led to
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).Corporate Social
Responsibility is a concept whereby organizations consider the
interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of
their activities on customers, employees, shareholders,
communities and the environment in all aspects of their
operations.
In an article titled Wisdom of the ages in The CTO Forum
Magazine, Dr. S. Kannan presents an overview of the Vedic

Based on the Vedas, CSR can be looked at from three dimensions

constituting the individual, social and cosmic perspectives.
Individual Dimension
The individual dimension of CSR focuses on the concept of dharma
(righteousness).
The Vedas call upon one to speak the truth and follow the righteous
path.One shall speak the truth. (Satyam Vada - Taittiriya Upanishad i-11)
One shall follow the path of righteousness. (Dharmam cara - Taittiriya
Upanishad i-11)
One shall do what he speaks and what he thinks. (Taittiriya Aranyaka i-90)
One shall not sin against his neighbor or a foreigner. (Rig Veda Samhita v85-7)
One who does not work is a social evil. (Rig Veda Samhita x-22-8)
Fair Means of Wealth Acquisition
The Vedas emphasize that wealth has to be earned only through fair
means and one should put in his best efforts to acquire wealth through
ethical and moral practices. One has to acquire wealth by ethical means.
Wealth has to be won by deeds of glory. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-19-10)
One shall be led by the fair path to riches. (Vajasaneya Samhita v-36)
One should tread the sinless path and gather wealth. (Vajasaneya Samhita
iv-9)
A man shall strive to win wealth by the righteous path. (Rig Veda Samhita

Social Distribution of Wealth

The Vedas assert that there shall be proper distribution of wealth
from the wealthy to the poor. They also condemn those who
enjoy wealth without partaking it with others.
One shall not be selfish and consume all by himself. (Rig Veda
Sam x-117-6)
Wealth accumulated through 100 hands should be distributed to
1000 hands. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-24-5)
One who eats alone is a sinner. (Rig Veda Samhita x-117-6)
The leader is the distributor of wondrous wealth. (Vajasaneya
Samhita xxx-4)
Let the rich satisfy the poor with a broader vision. (Rig Veda
Samhita x-117-5)
Conservation of Resources
The Vedas advocate conservation of resources to take care of
future requirements. They condemn poverty and give the clarion
call to eradicate it.One shall produce fair wealth for today and
tomorrow. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-6)
Poverty should be banished. (Rig Veda Samhita x-76-4)

Plant Life Welfare

The Vedas stress the need for protection and development of forests. Human
beings have to safeguard the trees. They assert that the plants and trees are
verily the treasures for generations.One should not destroy the trees. (Rig Veda
Samhita vi-48-17)
Plants are mothers and Goddesses. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-4)
Trees are homes and mansions. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-5)
Sacred grass has to be protected from man's exploitation (Rig Veda Samhita vii75-8)
Plants and waters are treasures for generations. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-70-4)
Non-pollution
The Vedas give the clarion call for non-pollution of the environment. They
condemn in unequivocal terms those who pollute and defile the environment.
Waters are invoked to be friendly to humanity.
Waters represent splendor. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-13-5)
Waters bear off all defilements and cleanse people. (Vajasaneya Samhita iv-2)
Whoever injures the essence of food, kine or steeds is a robber who sinks both
himself and his offspring into destruction. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-104-10)
Offerings are dedicated to waters of wells, pools, clefts, holes, lakes, morasses,
ponds, tanks, marshes, rains, rime, streams, rivers and ocean. (Taittiriya Samhita
vii-4-13)
There was only water in the beginning. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad v-5-1)
Waters and herbs should have no poison. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-39-5)
Waters are to be freed from defilement. (Atharva Veda Samhita x-5-24)
Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it. (Atharva Veda

Environment
The Vedas attach great importance to environmental protection
and purity. They insist on safeguarding the habitation, proper
afforestation and non-pollution.
Earth, atmosphere, sky, sun, moon, stars, waters, plants, trees,
moving creatures, swimming creatures, creeping creatures all
are hailed and offered oblations. (Taittiriya Samhita i-8-13)
Habitation
One should protect the habitation. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-3)
Waters as friends of man give full protection to his progenies.
(Rig Veda Samhita vi-50-7)
Animal welfare
One shall take care of quadrupeds. (Taittiriya Samhita iv-4-10)
One shall be auspicious to animals. (Taittiriya Samhita ii-3-14)
One shall not find fault with animals. (Chandogya Upanishad ii18-2)

The Upanishads

Thinking big helps achieve great things

Spirit of inquiry
The entire discussion is in a question-and-answer mode as you
all know. If we look at Katho Upanishad we find that there is a
discussion between Nachiketas and Yama. Despite very tempting
rewards, Nachiketas does not seem to succumb to the
temptations. Similarly, in the Mundako Upanishad there is a basic
question about Para and Apara Vidya raised by the great
householder Shaunaka
Developing systematic knowledge
Resolving Short term Vs Long term conflicts
Mundako Upanishad centrally brings this issue to focus by talking
about Para & Apara Vidya.

The Bible

The Bible is the greatest collection of leadership case studies and is

full of insightful lessons for todays managers and leaders.
Bible Teaching About Time Management
What the Bible says about time management is simple: it is to your
great advantage. Paul insisted, Therefore be careful how you walk,
not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time,
because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15, 16).
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
If ye faithnothing shall be impossible unto you (Mathew 17:20)
Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Without a humble but
reasonable confidence you cannot succeed. But with sound self
confidence you definitely can. Emerson said They conquer who
believe they can.
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
Gods honest truth. Actions that back up the words and words that are
congruent with the actions. People of integrity and honesty, people we
can trust- thats what we look for in our leaders.
A false witness will not go unpunished,
And a liar will not escape.. (Proverb 19)
A lie is an ugly blot on a person;

Purpose
Biblical heroes include Moses, who led his people to the
Promised Land, Hezekiah, and Queen Esther. Among exemplary
business leaders are Steve Jobs, Fred Smith, and Anita Roddick.
Kindness and Compassion
Jesus, who gave us the Golden Rule, as well as David, the Good
Samaritan, and others are biblical models. Admirable business
leaders include Howard Schultz, Aaron Feuerstein, and Roy
Vagelos.
Humility
Peter, who said I am only a man myself, the long-suffering
Job, and others exemplify this trait. Modern examples include
Larry Bossidy, Ray Gilmartin, and Charles Pollard.
Communication
Joshua (with his horn as well as his words), Ezra, and Luke were
great communicators. Examples from the world of business
include Andy Grove, Sam Walton, and Mary Kay Ash

Performance Management
Noah, Solomon, and Jeremiah were masters of encouragement
and discipline. Lou Gerstner, Gordon Bethune, and Jack Stack are
among the business leaders known for being firm but fair.
Team Development
Biblical leaders didnt use the term team, but Nehemiah was
one of many who understood the power of working in groups.
Modern exemplars include Hal Rosenbluth, Michael Eisner, and
professional basketball coach Phil Jackson.
Courage
Courage is perhaps the most striking characteristic of biblical
leaders, with Daniel and the trio of Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego among many who overcame fear to embrace risk for a
greater good. Among leaders of our time are Rudolph Giuliani,
Steve Case, and Peter Brabeck-Letmathe.
Justice and Fairness
James and Joseph were great believers in giving others their
fair share. In the business context, leaders like Walter Haas,
Jr., Max De Pree,and Paul ONeill have exhibited this

Leadership Development
The greatest leadersJesus and Moses in biblical times,
Jack Welch and Roger Enrico in modern timesensured
that their organizations would thrive long after them by
their commitment to developing leaders who would renew
and carry on their mission.

The Holy Quran

The teachings of Koran ( a man's life is subject to inner storms

far
more devastating than those in the material world around him. In
such
storms in the bitter anguish of personal sorrow which almost
removed
the reason and made life seem meaningless, a new hope was
born out of
a systematic understanding of Koran which repeatedly warns
The
Believer to avoid exceeding the limits set by God.),
The Holy Quran even sets out the institutional framework for
achieving promised results. This article discusses only a few of
these golden principles.
Islamic Concept of Management
Management today is defined as ?getting things done through
others.' Following this concept, a Manager is now understood as
the person who works through others. A good manager,
therefore, is a person who not only knows what is to be done but

ThisAyat(43:32) encompasses the entire philosophy and wisdom of modern

management. It emphasizes, in essence, the creation of appropriate hierarchies and
the division of responsibilities subject to individual capabilities. It basically implies the
creation of organizational charts from the top management to the lower management.
The Holy Quran has also laid down the institutional framework for putting this golden
rule into practice:
Obedience & Respect for Authority
Obedience and respect for authority is the basic fundamental requisite for taking work
from others and getting it done. Working through people actually presupposes the
willingness of people to obey. It is therefore necessary for those people who are given
the job to complete a task to obey all legal and reasonable orders and perform it
responsibly, as Holy Quran instructs:
[4:59]?Obey Allah and His Messenger and those in position of authority among you.
Joint Consultation and Team-Work
The modern world realized the importance of joint consultation (Shura) and team-work
when the Japanese based its management style on it and proved to the world of its
effectiveness.
The Holy Quran advocates this concept:
[42:83]?...and those who do their work through mutual consultation.'
[3:159]??pass over (their faults), and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them; and
consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision put your
trust in God, for God loves those who put their trust (in Him).'

Principle of Equal Opportunities

The principle of equal opportunities postulate that all members of an

organization shall have equal and fair chances to grow, contribute, and
be rewarded accordingly.
The Holy Quran emphasis this golden rule:
[49:13]?O people We created you from a single male and female
couple and then divided you in nations and tribes so that you may
recognize one another. ?Verily the most honorable among you in the
sight of Allah is he who is most righteous of you.

Motivation and Commitment

Making people what they are supposed to do requires a certain degree

of commitment which can only be achieve through motivation. It is an
established fact that the way a Manager behaves or deals with the
subordinates determines the level and vitality of their motivation and
commitment to a great extent.
The Holy Quran too speaks about this golden rule:
[3:159]?(telling the Prophet) If you had been stern and fierce of heart
they (the companions and followers) would have disappeared from
around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult
them in the conduct of affairs

The Cornerstone of Toyota's Success: Elimination of Wastage

Wastage?either in terms of: material, human capital, energy, machine
utilization, or processing time, creates inefficiencies resulting in the
increase of costs and consequent decrease in profits.
The Holy Quran has spoken against wastage and lavish expenditures
in sternest of words:
[17:26]?And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those
in want, and to the wayfarer. Butwaste not (your wealth, time,
health, talents, opportunities etc) in the manner of a
spendthrift.'
[17:27]?For the wasteful are the brothers of Satan; and Satan is
ungrateful to his Lord.
Kaizen: The Management Jihad Against Inefficiency
Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning continuous improvement. For
Toyota , Kaizen is a means to strive and struggle to achieve their
golden rule of ?elimination of waste.' To implement Kaizen, the
management continuously seeks to identify areas where wastage is
being done. Once identified, they then set out to analyze the problem,
suggest a solution, plan its implementation, implement it, and finally
reviews the change for success or failure (PDCA cycle). This is not
easy as implementation of Kaizen sometimes lead to minor or major

Just-in-Time (JIT) System for Inventory Management

The concept of Just-in-Time which has been invented by Toyota has
revolutionized the Inventory Management Systems in the manufacturing
organizations throughout the world. It is based on the golden principle of
keeping only that much amount of inventory that is needed and that too in
continuous movement in order to avoid in-process buffer inventory as much as
possible until it is completely transformed into the finished good.
Go and See For Yourself (Visual Control)
Toyota calls it Genchi Gembitsu1. It works this way: in order to solve any
problem, the manager or supervisor at Toyota is obligated to go and see for
himself the issue, analyze it, and take corrective actions. Second hand
information is simply not accepted because it is considered to be unreliable, or
at least not 100% correct. It is a proven fact that when information passes
along the chain from people to people, a degree of distortion and/or
misinterpretation takes place. This distortion is due to the differences we have
in our perceptions, semantics, state of minds, and basic psychology etc. These
distortions can easily lead to misunderstandings about the situation or problem
and hence can greatly reduce the quality of solution presented. Thus, in order
to minimize or eliminate this distortion, it is utmost necessary that that the
information should be first-hand as much as it can be possible. In the Chapter
12 of Jeffery K Liker's book ?The Toyota Way', it is explained how the company
has developed the mechanisms to get the most accurate and first-hand
information without wastage of time and money.
This golden rule is amply mentioned in the Holy Quran.

Optimum Capacity Utilization

The followingayatsfrom the Holy Quran reveals another
golden rule that a Muslim businessman should learn from and
practice in his daily life.
[2:233]?? No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than
it can bear?'
[2:286]?On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it
can bear? (Pray) Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than
we have strength to bear.'
This principle is emphasizing on the fact that physical,
emotional, and intellectual capacity of an individual is limited
and not exhaustive. Additionally, since every person is unique
in his talents and temperament, and in his skills, it is important
not to burden someone with a task that is beyond his scope to
deal with it. This is an important principle of modern business
management.
If we add the anotherayatto the above mentioned ones, we
will come across a set of very comprehensive principles for
business management and personal life.

Fulfilling Contracts, Commitments, and Promises

Whereas promises are verbal commitment, contracts are
written. From the ?Nikah Namah' to a business plan, including
any financial agreement, are all different forms of written
promises that we make. If we look at it strictly from the business
point-of-view, commitments and promises are a daily routine
affair. But how much do we keep of the promises that we make,
promises as seemingly insignificant as: ?I will call you back in 15
minutes?' To run a business successfully, a businessman should
not make promises that he cannot keep nor break any that he
has made.
Dr. Stephan R. Covey writes in his book ?The 8 th Habit' 6:
?Nothing destroys trust faster than making and breaking a
promise. Conversely, nothing builds and strengthens trust more
than keeping a promise you make.'
This fact is applicable not only in the business environment but
also in our individual, social and political environments.