Leadership Lesson: Know when to make the right decisions

Let me share a story from Mahabharatha,

The Pandavas were forced into exile by their cousins, the Kauravas, after losing a game of dice. The rules of their exile required them to spend 12 years in the forest, and then a 13th year in hiding. If anyone recognized them during the 13th year, they would have to return to the forest for another 13 years. Pandavas spend the 13th year of their exile incognito in the court of King Virata of Matsya:

Yudhishthira: Becomes Kanka, the king's game entertainer, Bhima: Becomes Vallabha, a cook, Arjuna: Becomes Brihannala, a eunuch who teaches dance and music, Nakula: Becomes Granthika, a horse trainer, Sahadeva: Becomes Tantipala, a cattle herder and Draupadi: Becomes Sairandhri, a maid to Queen Sudeshna.

During this cognito year of Pandvas, when King Virata hears that his son, Uttar, has defeated the Kauravas in battle and saved his kingdom, he is filled with immense pride, relief, and gratitude, celebrating Uttar's bravery and prowess as a warrior. He tells Kanka (Yudhistira), "I am so happy. Let's celebrate by playing a round of dice". Then Kanka says - "My dear king, it is said that an excited person should avoid playing the dice. The excitement can blur one's judgment and result in a disaster. You know how Yudhistir in his excitement lost everything in a game of dice" . But king Virata ignores him and forces him to play.         

Decisions made from a low vibrational state will lead to lower states

As a leader, your ability to make sound decisions is paramount. It's not just about choosing the right option; it's about the process that leads to that choice. Effective decision-making involves gathering information, analyzing options, considering potential consequences, and ultimately, taking action. A leader who is a decisive thinker can inspire confidence in their team. They demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to navigate challenges with purpose. Moreover, good decision-making skills can foster a positive work environment by reducing uncertainty and increasing efficiency.

Remember, making decisions isn't always about being right. It's about being willing to choose, even when the outcome is uncertain. A leader who can confidently make informed decisions is a leader who can inspire and guide their team to success.

Making major decisions when feeling intensely emotional, such as anger or sadness is never recommended. These states can cloud judgment, leading to impulsive actions or irrational choices. Anger, in particular, can fuel aggression and defensiveness, hindering the ability to consider all perspectives and potential consequences. Similarly, sadness can impair decision-making by fostering a negative mindset and limiting creativity. Leaders need to recognize these emotional states and take a step back to regain composure before making critical decisions.

Always remember "HALT"

Disclaimer: The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Astera Labs