7 Management lessons to learn from Mahabharata

Mahabharata is one of the oldest and greatest epics of Hindu mythology that the world has ever witnessed. It is so vast, deep and meaningful that you can extract many moral and ethical life lessons from it

The epic is itself a roller coaster ride, filled with numerous incidents that can change the way you think and perceive things. Let's take a deep dive into our History and find out 7 great Management Principles that you can learn from the greatest epic - The Mahabharata

1. Time Management

Time management is basically utilising your time in the most productive way possible. With better time management you can easily upgrade your skills, perform tasks in the most effective and efficient manner and increase your overall productivity.

During the 12-year exile period, Pandavas knew that the war is inevitable- they have to avenge Kauravas once the exile period is over. Thus, Pandavas started upgrading their skills and kept themselves fit for the war. Arjun, the ace archer worshipped the gods and added many magical weapons (Divyastras) in his armoury.

Image courtesy - https://hipwallpaper.com

2. Know your opponent - SWOT analysis

While it is important to know your own strengths and capabilities, but it is equally important to analyse your competitor's strengths and weaknesses. Look for the opportunities, the gaps and then plan your strategy accordingly.

Dro?acharya or Guru Dro?a was invincible, no one could have ever defeated him. His only weak link was the love towards his son Ashwathama and Pandavas took advantage of exactly this, killing an elephant with same name 'Ashwathama' and calming Ashwathama is dead, sent Dro?acharya in deep grief. He dropped his bow and weapons and sat in meditation, Dhrishtadyumna took this opportunity and beheads him.

Image courtesy - https://www.jagranjunction.com/

3. Don't show all your cards at once

Showing all your cards at one go might be beneficial for a short run but will definitely hurt you over the long run. It's extremely important to reveal your cards, especially the important ones at the right time and keep others always wondering about what all and what else you might have got - it will help you to fetch better deals!

Ghatotkach, the son of Bheema and Hidimbaa and was one of the most powerful warriors to take part in the war. However, the Pandavas kept him as their secret ace card - He was called to fight when Kauravas broke the rules of the war and attacked the Pandavas at the night. Ghatotkach being a half-rakshasa, was most powerful during the night-time and he created a complete havoc in the Kaurava army killing millions of their solders. Great warriors like Dro?acharya and Karna also felt helpless. Finally, Karna used his divine weapon to kill Ghatotkach. The same weapon could have been used to kill Arjuna but it was Ghatotkach who saved Arjuna's life by sacrificing his own. It is said, that when his huge body fell on the enemy camp, it crushed one Akshauhini (1 Akshauhini = 21,870 chariot, 21,870, 65,610 cavalry and 109,350 infantry) of the enemy military camp.

Image courtesy - https://www.blush.me

4. Women Empowerment

There could be various ways to describe what women empowerment is, basically it is the process of empowering women, this includes providing equal rights to them and accepting and allowing them to take part in the decision making process. A study of companies in the UK, US and India shows - Companies perform better when they have at least one female executive on the board. There are many other benefits as well such as more diversity, better workplace relationships, better decision-making and many more.

In Mahabharata as well, during the war - there was no participation of women in the decision making from the Kauravas side, Gandhari was not heard and they followed the patriarchal structure. On the other hand, Pandavas relied heavily on their women for advice: be it Kunti, Draupadi, or Hidimba (Bheema's wife) and Subhadra (Arjuna's wife) while forming the war strategy and also in other relevant decision-making process.

Image courtesy - https://randomwithlife.com/

5. Esprit de Corps - Teamwork is always greater than individual efforts

Esprit De Corps means union is strength. It is one of the fourteen principles of management developed by Henri Fayol. The principal emphasises on building team spirit and unity among the employees o that they can contribute maximum to achieve the team goal.

Five brothers won against a hundred. How do you think Pandavas did that? It was not about the numbers; it was about the unity. All the great generals of Kauravas, including Bhishma Drona, Karna fought individual fights on the battlefield, there was absolutely no synergy in their army. However, Pandavas acted as one team that was directed by a single goal. All of them participated in decision making process and contributed their skills leading to a synergistic effect.

6. Don't underestimate your potential!

Many a times People underestimate their potential, starts thinking they don't have much to offer, compare their skills with others and gets demotivated but this is not true. Every individual is unique and has different skill set, with hard work one can upgrade and enhance their skills as well. Don’t ever let anyone else define you or your potential to do great things.

Abhimanyu - the son of Arjun, was one of the youngest and bravest warriors to take part in the war. He only knew how to enter the chakravyuh and did not know how to exit. He knew that he will end up losing his life once he enters the chakravyuh but still he took the risk in order to save the king. Abhimanyu caused great destruction to the Kaurava army, defeating many great warriors and killing millions of solders before sacrificing himself. He proved one should never doubt their true potential.

Image courtesy - https://iskconnews.org/

7. Networking is everything - Win Allies

Networking creates long term relationships and provide numerous benefits, you cannot survive in isolation, it is rightly said “no man is an Island” Networking helps to develop more skills and grow at a much faster rate.

Pandavas lost their kingdom, wealth and the power. They were sent to exile for 13 years but even then Pandavas did not stay isolated. They made sure that they were in touch with their friends and supporters, they even made new allies and maintained communication with all. This was one of the reasons Pandavas were able to defeat Kauravas in the epic battle - The Mahabharata

Thanks for reading!