Here’s what ancient India can teach modern day managers

By Samvit Ashish*

For the last 150 years, numerous modern management methods and theories have been developed and established. However, many firms today are still poorly managed, especially when looking at the high incidence of company failures, managerial stress and cynicism, and the mismatch between the quality of life at work and outside of work.

The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian classic, has a wealth of information and guidance for executives looking to develop successful and long-lasting businesses. According to the Gita, excellent management entails more than merely attaining outcomes. It’s also about creating an atmosphere where employees are motivated and engaged, and where everyone feels respected and valued. In the article below, I’ll go through some of the most critical management concepts you can learn.

Perception of time

One of the most important issues that modern businesses confront is their perception of time. Modern organisations are plagued by “short termism.” The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to perceive time over a longer perspective. According to Sri Krishna, “the fruits of action are obtained in the long run, not in the short run.” We should focus on performing actions that will lead to long-term success. Managers may use this lesson by focusing on developing their organisations’ long-term capabilities. This involves investing in R&D, training employees, and developing relationships between consumers and providers. It involves picking choices that are best for the company in the long run — even if it means excluding some short-term gains.

Less focus on performance metrics

An over-reliance on performance metrics is another common issue in modern organisations. Managers are frequently evaluated based on their ability to meet specific goals, such as sales targets or profit margins. This can lead to attention to short-term results at the expense of other important factors such as staff wellbeing and customer satisfaction. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to be more aware of performance metrics’ limitations. According to Sri Krishna, “the wise man does not act for the fruits of action, but for the sake of action itself.” This means that we should focus on the actions themselves as opposed to the results of our actions. Managers can put this lesson into practise by being more deliberate regarding the metrics they use when assessing the performance of their staff members. They should also focus on providing feedback and support to employees rather than simply judging them based on their results.

The Bhagavad Gita provides a unique perspective on work and efficiency. According to Sri Krishna, “work is not a burden, but a blessing.” Furthermore, he imparts that “true efficiency comes when we are able to perform our work without attachment to the results.” This teaching challenges the common perception of work as a necessary evil. Instead, the Gita teaches that work can bring us joy and fulfilment. We are more likely to be efficient and effective when we can perform our work without being bound to the outcome. Managers can apply this lesson by fostering an environment in which employees feel valued and respected. They should also provide opportunities for employees to learn and grow. Employees who are satisfied with their jobs are more likely to be motivated and engaged.

The Bhagavad Gita contains a wealth of wisdom and guidance for managers seeking to build successful and sustainable organisations. The Gita teaches us to look at time in the long term, to be aware of the limitations of performance metrics, and to see work as an asset rather than an added expense. Managers who apply these lessons are more likely to build organisations that are profitable, environmentally friendly, and compassionate.

I believe that the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings can be extremely beneficial to managers in modern times. The Gita provides a unique management perspective that is both integrated and compassionate. I have personally seen the benefits of incorporating Gita’s teachings into my own work. I’ve discovered that by taking a long-term perspective on time, I can make wiser choices while preventing becoming swept up in the day-to-day absurdity. I’ve also discovered that putting emphasis on the steps themselves rather than the outcomes boosts the likelihood of being successful and productive.

• Samvit Ashish is a spiritual advisor and an astrologer who has practiced astrology for over 31 years. He specialises in Indian Vedic Astrology, Vaastu Shahstra, Geomancy, Chinese Feng Shui, and Spiritual Symbolism – and has been consulted by people from all parts of the world on these subjects.