Part 5: Arjuna’s internal conflict showcases the role of self-awareness in modern leadership

#DBVisions

Before the epic battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna experiences internal conflict and questions the virtue of war. His concerns for friends, teachers, family, and relatives got him thinking about the consequences of his actions. Instead of thinking about fighting and winning, he took his time to reflect on his values, emotions, and the possible outcomes of his actions. His self-doubt showcases his deep self-awareness.

His introspective crisis mirrors the internal battles many contemporary leaders experience while making high-stakes decisions. It is during such turbulent times that the role of self-awareness becomes imperative. I am presenting my top 5 learnings about self-awareness from Arjuna and connecting the knowledge nuggets with modern leadership.

? Promotes authentic leadership

Arjuna never hesitated to express his doubts or seek guidance from the elderly and experienced. Self-aware modern leaders who are transparent can also gain both loyalty and trust from their teams for being honest and vulnerable.

? Importance of empathy

Arjuna’s empathy for his family members, teachers, and everyone else on the other side made him reluctant towards war. Similarly, when all empathetic leaders use self-introspection and strive to decode their feelings better, they establish solid team relationships and dynamics.

? Aligns actions with values

The path of aligning his duty (dharma) with his actions disturbed Arjuna. Similarly, conscious leaders undergo the internal struggle of ensuring that all their decisions align with the organisational mission and vision, thereby, enabling ethical leadership.

? Increases motivation and employee engagement

When Arjuna got clarity on ‘dharma and adharma’, he was ultimately motivated to steer ahead and fulfil his purpose. Self-reflective and cognizant leaders who are in sync with their personal values and fair emotions can engage their teams successfully by inspiring them.

? Boosts emotional regulation and resilience

Krishna’s explanations and preachings helped Arjuna become resilient and overcome his emotional turmoil. Modern inward-looking leaders can regulate their deepest emotions in hectic or demanding situations. Once they do so, they emerge with steadier leadership strategies during work crises.

As a modern leader, I understand the benefits of being introspective, mindful, and reflective. Do you? Please comment and share your views on Arjuna’s self-awareness lesson.

Before you go, browse through some more mindful lessons: Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , and Part 4 .

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