gita management aspects

8/6/2019 Gita Management Aspects

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Gita Management Aspects (GIMA)

By J.N.Vohra, M.Tech, B.Text, F.I.E., C.Eng.(I), M.I.M.A

Although, The Bhagavad-Gita is professed to be a Hindu scripture, yet, the principles

propounded there-in have universal appeal and application. Gita Management

Aspects (GIMA) remains one of the oldest testaments of management principles,

which are propounded in different phrases and theorems taught in present day

Business Schools and continue to be useful for shaping the character of managers

to enable them attain managerial effectiveness through management of self, mind

and duty.

Management, as enunciated by various scholars of management is an art of getting

things done through people, efficiently and effectively.' Its task is to make peoplecapable of joint performance, to make their weaknesses irrelevant, says the modern

day Management Guru Peter Drucker.

There is no better example of man-management

and management of the resources than GIMA.

For fighting the Mahabharata war, Arjuna opted

for Sri Krishnas support while Duryodhana

chose Krishna's large army for his help. The

wisdom, skills of Krishana was far superior to all

men of the army put together. Ultimately, Arjunawon the war. This experience embodied in

Bhagavad-Gita indicates that for managing

effectively we need managers with technical skills, human skills and conceptual

skills. Large numbers of personnel with little skill are of no use in the corporate

management.

Motivational Aspect

Many times managers get demoralised due to intra-personal conflict and they need

timely motivation from their leaders. In this respect, The Bhagavad-Gita provides

best example. When Arjuna saw his friends and relatives with whom he has to fight

the war, he was de-motivated. Sri Krishna, played the role of teacher (you can say

management trainer, developer), to revive Arjunas motivation. Sri Krishna boosted

Arjunas declining morale and spurred him to fight a righteous war against unjust,

dishonest and deceit at Kurukshestra.

Sri Krishna embarked on the sermon: - O son ofPartha (Arjuna), do not yield to this

degrading impotence. It does not become you. Give up such petty weakness of heartand arise, O chastiser of enemy (B.G. 2.3). This discourse given by Sri Krishna to


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Arjuna still remain an unparalleled example of art of self-management, conflict

management, stress & anger management.

Goal Setting Aspect

In terms of corporate goal, managers who are mentally weak cannot attain the

organizational vision and mission.

Bhagavad-Gita could cast off weakness of heart in performing duties. Sri Krishana

urged Arjuna that his goal is set (to defeat the enemy) and he has to condition his

mind to perform his duty which chance has bestowed upon him and there is no

escape from it.

Make best efforts to realize the goals and targets set out for you, but do not getattached with the results; dont get frustrated in case targets/ goals are not achieved

or get elated on achieving or exceeding the targets/ goals. Always keep calm, remain

focused, practice and put all your efforts for achieving the excellence.

Arjuna asks Sri Krishana: For the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very

strong, O Krishna, and to subdue it, it seems to me, more difficult than controlling the

wind. (B.G. 6.34).

Sri Krishna replies: O mighty-armed son of Kunti (Arjuna), it is undoubtedly very

difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by constant practice and bydetachment. (B.G.6.35).

A popular verse of the Gita advises "detachment" from the fruits or results of actions

performed in the course of one's duty. Being dedicated, work has to mean "working

for the sake of work, generating excellence for its own sake." If we are always

calculating the results before putting in our efforts, then such work is not detached. It

is not "generating excellence for its own sake" but working only for the extrinsic

reward that may (or may not) result.

Controlling Ego

Pride comes before a fall and plenty of time is wasted before the fall. In a survey it

was found that ego costs companies 6-20% of annual revenue, and that over one-

third of all failed business decisions are driven by ego (Marcum & Smith).

What use thy Ego, which submerges you in the ocean of deprivation, a journey of

no return, says Sri Krishana to Arjuna who was reluctant to embark on the war with

his Kith and Kins.


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Gita distinguishes between "real" ego and "false"

ego. Real ego is our very core, the consciousness

that makes us aware and awake to reality. The false

ego is a false individuality; the logic being that I am

the most significant and important all the time. Inshort, it is a narcissistic search for being loved,

validated and appreciated. This is what we generally

refer to as the ego. This always keeps our mind

ruffled.

The Gita further describes the subtleties of the ego

and how it manifests moment to moment in our

thoughts, words and deeds.

Arjunas suffering is because of his limited knowledge, his sense of separateness,

his identification of himself with his body, his belief that he is the doer of his actions

and his anxiety about the results of his actions.

Says Lord Krishna to Arjuna,"Nirmamo nirahankarah,Sa santim adhigacchati. "(Gitaji

2, 71), which means He who has given up the sense of ownership and is without

false ego, he alone can attain real peace.

Humility leads to listening and accepting that we have made mistakes and need to

take corrective action.

Lord Krishana enlightens Arjuna If due to ego you think: you shall not fight; thisresolve of yours is vain. Your own nature will compel you, and He further

elaborates, All works are being done by the energy and power of nature, but due to

delusion of ego people assume themselves to be the doer. He educates Arjuna

further and says, When your mind becomes fixed on Me, you shall overcome all

difficulties by My grace. But, if you do not listen to Me due to ego, you shall perish.

Me here denotes leader, trainer, guide and philosopher.

This and many other GIMA can be used as a guide to increase managerial

effectiveness

gita management aspects

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