Krishna as Management Guru-12

This is my article number twelve on same subject. I wrote eleven articles earlier.

We all know that numerous writers have stated end number of things about Lord Krishna. There is no monopoly or exclusive rights with anyone. I am writing about what I find from life of Krishna. My method is writing an event or actual sequence of an event which took place in his life. After narrating the event, I shall state my opinion about what management lesson is evident from actions of Krishna.

This is my humble effort to share some learnings from actual life events of Krishna. There is a lot to learn from these stories.

I already shared earlier that I read these stories in my childhood. Sources were “Hari Vansh” and “Vishnu Puran” largely. I also read legendary author Sh. Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi. Later in my life, I studied management for many years during my various management post graduations. My articles on “Krishna as Management Guru” are based on these branches of knowledge. I strongly believe in what I am writing.

Story or Event:

In last article, I mentioned about Krishna’s meeting with King Drupad. Krishna politely yet firmly made clear to Drupad that he would not marry Draupadi. Drupad was utterly disappointed with Krishna’s reply. Krishna added that he would surely help Drupad and his family in restoring the prestige. Krishna only suggested if he could meet Draupadi. Drupad readily accepted this and Krishna was to meet Draupadi next day.

Krishna met Draupadi next day morning. Krishna was very warm and humble as such with everyone he would meet. Draupadi was informed by her father that Krishna already rejected wedding proposal. She was not very positive about how Krishna would help them without actually marrying her. Krishna started the communication with folded hands greeting the princess of Kampilya. This mannerism impressed Draupadi. She hardly saw such great person behaving so humbly. She started thinking about Krishna who performed so many miracles in his childhood, who could kill Devil Kansa in young age of 14, one who outperformed King Jarasangha twice, and created a heaven for Yadavs at Dwarika. She could not believe that same great personality was with her in such polite gesture of folded hands.

After initial talks, Draupadi straight away came to the question. Why are you not accepting proposal of my father and marrying me? Am I not worth considering? Krishna politely answered that he was against such marriages taking place as political motives. He added that powerful princess like Draupadi should marry the most competent groom through swayanwar. Krishna added he would always back up Drupad and his family in this process and in due course Draupadi will marry the best man of Aryawrat. Krishna assured Draupadi that he would be like her brother throughout the life unconditionally.

Draupadi heard for the first time that she could choose her groom out of most competent men of Aryawrat. Krishna was assuring her for life time support. She was so much impressed with Krishna that for few seconds she did not know what to respond him with. After sometime she conveyed she was okay with Krishna’s proposal but she was not sure what her father would think about. Krishna assured that he would personally try to convince King Drupad if Draupadi was really convinced for this path.

Lesson Learnt:

Communication between Krishna and Draupadi is heart to heart. Both talk from the hearts and no wonder, this brought equally beautiful outcome.

?Politeness and humility are amazing leadership qualities. Leadership may not be simply solving the problem as the leader wants.

For any discussion for actions, number of alternative solutions must be thought over in advance for bringing on surface as per the requirements.

# Leadership# Competency# Management Lessons## Krishna Management

Shobhan M Mehta (?[email protected]), Dip TD

Qualified NEBOSH PSM professional, Tech IOSH

Senior Member- American Institute of Chemical Engineers