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Bhagavad Gita Teachings For Managers - Administrators - Bosses

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy, offers timeless wisdom that can be applied to various aspects of life, including management and leadership. 

Anger gives rise to delusion. Delusion corrupts the mind, and a corrupt mind destroy the power to reason properly. Defeat is imminent when the power of reasoning is lost.

You have the right over your responsibilities, and the proper actions required for it, but you don’t have the right to the rewards resulting out of it.


You should never engage in an action only for the desire of the rewards, and you should not desire inaction.

The righteous one who accepts and shares the reward of his actions is freed from sins, while he who works for self interests incur sin.

Work for the common good without selfish interests; the rewards of selfless work will take you to the supreme state.

People follow the noble ones. People follow the standards created by them.

Here’s an expansion on how its teachings can be useful for managers, administrators, and bosses:

1. Self-Realization and Leadership

Teaching: "Yoga-sthah kuru karmani sangam tyaktva dhananjaya" (Chapter 2, Verse 48)
Meaning: Steadfast in Yoga, perform your duties, O Arjuna, abandoning attachment."

Application:

  • Leaders should perform their duties with dedication and without attachment to the results. This mindset helps in focusing on the process rather than being fixated on the outcome, leading to better decision-making and reduced stress.
  • Managers should cultivate self-awareness and understand their strengths and weaknesses, leading to more effective and authentic leadership.

2. Duty and Responsibility

Teaching: "Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana" (Chapter 2, Verse 47)
Meaning: You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."

Application:

  • Managers and leaders should focus on their responsibilities and perform their duties diligently without constantly worrying about the outcomes.
  • This promotes a culture of accountability and integrity within the organization.

3. Equanimity and Decision-Making

Teaching: "Samatvam yoga uchyate" (Chapter 2, Verse 48)
Meaning: Equanimity is called Yoga."

Application:

  • Equanimity or mental calmness is crucial for effective decision-making. Leaders should maintain balance and composure in all situations, whether in success or failure.
  • This helps in making rational decisions and handling crises with a level head.

4. Leading by Example

Teaching: "Yad yad acarati sresthas tat tad evetaro janah" (Chapter 3, Verse 21)
Meaning: Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow."

Application:

  • Leaders should lead by example. Their actions set a precedent for their team members to follow, promoting a culture of excellence and ethical behavior.
  • By embodying the values and principles they preach, leaders inspire and motivate their teams to strive for the same standards.

5. Managing Ego and Emotions

Teaching: "Vihaya kaman yah sarvan pumams carati nihsprhah nirmamo nirahankarah sa santim adhigacchati" (Chapter 2, Verse 71)
Meaning: A person who is free from all desires and ego, who is devoid of possessiveness and selfishness, attains peace."

Application:

  • Managers should practice humility and be mindful of their ego. This fosters a positive work environment and encourages open communication and collaboration.
  • Managing emotions and not letting personal biases affect decision-making is crucial for effective leadership.

6. Strategic Vision and Planning

Teaching: "Vyavasayatmika buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana" (Chapter 2, Verse 41)
Meaning: Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one."

Application:

  • Leaders should have a clear vision and a strategic plan to achieve their goals. This clarity of purpose aligns the efforts of the team and directs them towards common objectives.
  • Consistency in vision and flexibility in approach can help navigate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration

Teaching: "Parasparam bhavayantah sreyah param avapsyatha" (Chapter 3, Verse 11)
Meaning: By mutual cooperation, both will attain the highest good."

Application:

  • Emphasizing teamwork and collaboration helps in leveraging diverse skills and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and collective success.
  • Leaders should foster a collaborative culture where team members support each other and work towards shared goals.

8. Empowerment and Delegation

Teaching: "Yogasthah kuru karmani sangam tyaktva Dhananjaya" (Chapter 2, Verse 48)
Meaning: Being steadfast in Yoga, perform your duties without attachment, O Arjuna."

Application:

  • Empowering team members by delegating responsibilities encourages ownership and accountability.
  • Leaders should trust their teams and provide them with the necessary resources and autonomy to perform their tasks effectively.

9. Ethical Leadership

Teaching: "Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja" (Chapter 18, Verse 66)
Meaning: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me."

Application:

  • Ethical leadership involves making decisions based on moral principles and values. Leaders should prioritize ethics and integrity over short-term gains.
  • This builds trust and credibility within the organization and with external stakeholders.

10. Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Teaching: "Tadviddhi pranipatena pariprashnena sevaya" (Chapter 4, Verse 34)
Meaning: Learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master, inquire from him submissively and render service unto him."

Application:

  • Leaders should embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Seeking knowledge and being open to feedback helps in personal and professional growth.
  • Encouraging a culture of learning within the organization fosters innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

The Bhagavad Gita’s teachings provide a comprehensive framework for effective leadership and management. By incorporating these principles, managers, administrators, and bosses can lead with wisdom, integrity, and compassion, creating a positive and productive work environment