9 Key Entrepreneurial/Business Lessons From Mahabharata

9 Key Entrepreneurial/Business Lessons From Mahabharatha

Some people find it surprising how we can still derive life lessons from an age-old epic which, for many, holds little or no relevance in today’s fast paced life. For me, teachings from the Mahabharata have been my guiding force in personal as well as professional situations. Sharing below some of the insights I have developed during my entrepreneurial journey. Hoping that you will find some of these useful in your line of work.

1. Playing your strengths

Let’s admit! The entrepreneurial journey can be a lonely one. You have to fight a lot of things including the judgemental and self-critical dormant devil that lives inside you and raises its head whenever you are about to try something new.

Well, nothing silences this devil more than your conviction to do what you love. Work on creating something that interests you and hone a skill that comes naturally to you. Play your strengths. This may not guarantee business success; but it certainly guarantees a spectacular experience.

In Mahabharatha, the Pandavas focused on their interests and abilities. Arjuna, for instance, was never bored of aiming an arrow, nor was Bheema ever hesitant to put up a fight with the enemies. Yudhisthira always stuck to his inner compass and made truthfulness his way of life. This led him to be blessed with numerous boons which helped him sail through no matter how bad the circumstances.

This focus, I believe, led to their success in the war.

2. Associating with the right people

Choose the right partner(s) to work with; look for people who share your ideology and passion.

On an average we spend about one-third of our lifetime at work. If we want to get the most out of it, we must be surrounded by people with the right attitude. Having the right partner, whether in personal relationships or professional, is conducive to success.

Even though the Pandavas did not have commendable wealth or power they had the wisdom to pick the right allies to fight the war. When Krishna asked them to choose between him and his army, Arjuna was wise enough to choose Krishna as opposed to Duryodhana who opted for his army. This decision – of choosing the right partner – ultimately defined the fate of this war.

3. Respecting thy mentors

Mentors are angels in disguise and in my humble opinion ‘professional gurus’ who can take you to great heights. Mentors will always look out for your business and professional growth. Listening to their advice and implementing their ideas would help you avoid many a business mistake.

In several instances, Duryodhana would insult his mentors and disrespect their words while Pandavas, in spite of fighting against the mentors, would seek their blessings and advice. Bhishma and Drona who in spite of fighting against Pandavas were willing to guide their mentees thus making it evident that mentors always look out for the benefits of their disciples.

Another example worth mentioning is when Ashwathama killed all of Pandavas’ children born to Draupadi, he was let go, only because he was the son of their guru Drona.

4. Learning & acquiring skills

Entrepreneurs are lifelong learners. Thinking that you know it all is inadvertently setting yourself up for failure.

Unlike conventional learning in school or college, entrepreneurship teaches real life lessons. In a single day you could be brainstorming the latest tech developments with your programmers, charting the yearly marketing plan with your marketing head while also talking to your HR team about recruiting the right personnel. All of this while you are also consistently working on bringing in the money needed to pay these folks :).

Every single day brings new learning, and you must be able to constantly keep abreast of the latest developments in your niche. Be open to acquiring a new skill if that’s what would keep your business going.

When the Pandavas were in exile, they invested all their time and energy into learning and acquiring new skills, which contributed to their success in the war.

5. Leadership & Team Management

A true leader is a person who inspires his team members to work towards a common goal. Real business success can be achieved if and only if the people working for it are happy and motivated.

So how do you inspire your team? In my humble opinion, by understanding their career aspirations and aligning them with your business objectives is the first important step. Think beyond monetary motivation. Respect, recognize and appreciate people’s efforts who help make your dreams come true.

Pandavas had a very structured approach to their team; they divided the team according to individual strengths and goals. Several of their allies had a grudge against the Kauravas which was rightly knitted into the overall war plan. From the chief strategist Krishna followed by the ethical Yudhisthira, skilful Arjuna and the mighty Bheema, there was a clear channel of communication, roles, and responsibilities. Everyone had a common goal, vision and driving force for their participation. This was perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of their strategy.

6. Adaptability

Learning to don different hats is important. You could be spearheading your organisation but at the same time you must assume the role of a sales person, counsellor, and whenever needed, a punching bag for your customers.

You must be able to always deliver positive words to your team irrespective of the challenges waiting to bog you down on any given day. It could be anything from a malicious hack on your web application, a stab in the back from a promising partner, to facing legal complications for a mistake that you are not directly responsible for or disappointing your family for your irrational mood swings and behaviours.

Believe me, adaptability is your saviour! Just fit in and blend in with the ‘present’ like an amoeba and you’ll survive.

In spite of living a life of royalty, the Pandavas did not hesitate to give up all their riches and comforts to live in the wild. Of special mention is the one-year period where they lived incognito, donning various extreme roles while working for a King. Arjuna a transgender music teacher, Bheema a cook and Draupadi a beautician to a princess – they held themselves together through long periods of strife by adapting to every situation they encountered.

7. Understanding People and Their Intentions

You do not have to be a psychic or a mind reader to understand the intentions of people. It is however important to spend time with people you plan to work with to understand their nature, intentions, ambitions and attitude. Your core team is going to be the backbone of your business, and therefore should be chosen carefully.

In Mahabharatha, Yudhisthira was blinded by his respect and love for Vidhur and Dhritrashtra (his uncles) and did not understand the ill intentions of his cousins who had invited him for a party. This sowed the seeds for a war that would end up wiping out an entire clan.

8. Understanding Consequences

You must train yourself to foresee the consequences of your actions. In everyday business you are bound to take decisions that would directly or indirectly affect you, your organisation and everyone involved. A 360-degree analysis of the situation and its possible consequences would definitely help take better decisions.

Be prepared to own your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions.

For example, Kunti who was one of the greatest influences on the Pandavas, made a huge mistake by making a decision without analysing or understanding the consequences. She summoned Lord Sun (to test the boon she had received) and gave birth to Karna who she abandoned fearing social stigma. This one action of hers had severe repercussions.

We must not forget the fact that Kunti was a woman of strong character and will:

– While all the women protagonists of the Mahabharatha were forced to marry someone Kunti chose her own husband
– Kunti did not commit Sati like her husband’s other wife Madri
– She led her children on the path of righteousness in spite of the troubles caused by her brother-in-law’s family
– She had the wisdom to educate her sons to make right use of power
– The respect and implicit obedience her sons displayed towards Kunti is evident from the fact when they decide to share Draupadi at her inadvertent suggestion
– Kunti was a great advisor to all her sons; her presence of mind and intelligence was their guiding light in regaining their honour
– In the end, she displayed the courage to detach herself from the fruits of her actions and walk away from glory
Thus, you could be a great personality with all the character traits necessary to lead a company intellectually yet just one of your mistakes could cost a whole lot to your career as well as your business.

9. Understanding the bigger picture

Finally, as an entrepreneur it is important to acknowledge the truths of life while we commit ourselves to the adventures of entrepreneurship. Stay grounded and humble, no matter how successful you become.

In a nutshell,

Karmanyeva adhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana 
Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani

I hope this says it all.

Good Luck,
Nithya Prabu for Study Lounge at Monkey Baba.

@nithyaprabu, @mbblogs