The Asuras and Devas of Corporate Life—Sales Teams and the Guardians of Order

The Bold Rule Breakers and the Keepers of Structure

This article is the first in a three-part series exploring how ancient Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), offers deep insights into modern corporate dynamics. Over the next few weeks, we will explore how different forces within an organization mirror this cosmic churning, highlighting the roles of Sales Teams, Operations, Leadership, Innovators, and Crisis Managers.

Inspired by the works of Devdutt Pattanaik, who has written extensively on the roles of Asuras, Devas, and Vishnu in the corporate world, this series takes these ideas further by using Samudra Manthan as the guiding narrative—a unique approach to exploring how different forces within an organization contribute to success. While the inspiration comes from Pattanaik’s perspective, the use of Samudra Manthan as the central theme is an original approach. I welcome any feedback or references to similar articles.

Disclaimer: Although Devas and Asuras are traditionally seen as symbols of good and evil, in the context of this analogy, they represent opposing yet complementary forces that drive growth. The Sales Team is likened to the Asuras not to demean their stature but to highlight their bold, rule-breaking nature that fuels innovation and expansion. Similarly, the Operations and Compliance Teams play the role of the Devas, maintaining order and stability. This analogy aims to define their characteristics in the context of growth, not moral judgment. My sincere apologies if this comparison feels uncomfortable—it’s intended to provide perspective rather than critique.

The Asuras—Sales Teams as Bold Rule Breakers

The Asuras in mythology are ambitious, daring, and often disrupt the established order in their relentless pursuit of power. During Samudra Manthan, they played a crucial role, pulling one end of the giant serpent Vasuki that acted as the rope. Without them, the nectar of immortality would never have been obtained.

In the corporate world, this role is embodied by the Sales Team:

• Hunters of Opportunities: Like the Asuras, the Sales Team is driven by the thrill of the chase. They see opportunities where others see challenges.
• Rule Breakers: The Sales Team often bends the rules to close deals quickly, pushing boundaries to fuel the company’s growth.
• Creators of Short-Term Success: Their actions bring immediate rewards, but these must be balanced to avoid long-term challenges.

The Devas—Guardians of Order and Stability

Opposite the Asuras, the Devas represent order, balance, and preservation. They ensure the churning stays on track, maintaining structure and focus on the ultimate goal.

In an organization, this role is played by Operations, Finance, Legal, and Compliance Teams:

• Maintainers of Stability: They keep the business grounded, managing day-to-day processes and ensuring adherence to regulations.
• Rule Keepers: These teams ensure that actions align with the company’s long-term goals, preventing chaos.
• Ensuring Long-Term Success: The Devas balance the books and keep processes efficient, ensuring sustainable growth.

Vishnu’s Strategic Decision—Who Leads the Play?

In the churning process, it is Vishnu (leadership) who decides when to let the Asuras drive forward and when the Devas should take control:

• Letting the Asuras Lead: During times of growth, Vishnu may allow the Sales Team to push for rapid expansion.
• Empowering the Devas: In times of crisis, Vishnu might turn to Operations and Compliance to ensure stability.

Leadership is about knowing when to let each force take the reins, ensuring that the churning leads to success rather than chaos.

Conclusion

The interplay between the Asuras and Devas drives organizational success. The boldness of the Sales Team creates opportunities, while Operations and Compliance ensure sustainable growth. It is Vishnu (leadership) who strategically decides when each team should take charge.

But balance is key. In the next article, we’ll explore how Vishnu as the preserver ensures that the churning remains productive. Who keeps the organization balanced during turbulent times? Stay tuned to find out!

Follow me for the next part of this series and explore how mythology can reshape your corporate journey.