The Leadership Sutra: An Indian Approach to Power

Devdutt Pattanaik

Physical

In Circulation

the Leadership Sutra offers startling and original insights into the exercise of power and leadership. It is derived from Business Sutra, the influential book that formulated original management and business techniques that were wholly made in India. Durga is the goddess of power in Hinduism, as well as in Buddhism and Jainism. Her name is derived from the word ‘fortress’ (durg). She is the goddess of kings. She rides a lion, the king of the jungle and a symbol of royalty everywhere from China to England. We tend to tiptoe around the role of power in management and fail to openly acknowledge how the animal desire to dominate often destroys the best of organizations. Critics tend to see power as a negative thing.

But power is a critical tool that affects the implementation of any idea. Any attempt to restrain it with rules results in domestication and resentment and fails to energize the organization. Leaders often equate themselves with lions and indulge their desire to dominate when, in fact, the point of leadership is to be secure enough to outgrow the lion within us and enable and empower those around us. But this is not easy, as anxiety overpowers the best of leaders. Derived from Devdutt Pattanaik’s influential bestseller Business Sutra, this book offers startling and original insights into the exercise of power and leadership. It explores the human quest for significance, the power of rules to rob people of self-esteem and the need for stability even at the cost of freedom.

Features:

• By Devdutt Pattanaik, the author of more than a dozen bestselling books on mythology and management, leading columnist for business newspapers and one of the country’s foremost motivational speakers.

• the book takes a practical and distinctive look at startling and original insights into the exercise of power and leadership using stories, symbols and rituals from Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythologies.

• Devdutt Pattanaik hosted widely popular TV show Business Sutra on CNBC. His TED talk on mythology and management received over 8, 10, 000 hits online.

• the Leadership Sutra carries creative and informative illustrations by the author that elaborate the concepts being discussed.

• Plenty of insightful anecdotes and examples of people from all walks of life that readers can relate to.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Leadership and Mythology: Pattanaik uses Indian mythology to illustrate various leadership principles, showcasing how ancient stories hold timeless wisdom applicable to leadership today.

  2. Diverse Leadership Models: The book explores diverse leadership models found in Indian mythology, showcasing different approaches to leadership, decision-making, and power dynamics.

  3. Contextual Leadership: It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in leadership. What works in one situation might not work in another. Leaders should adapt to different contexts.

  4. Balance of Power: Indian mythology often portrays the balance of power and the responsibilities that come with it. Leaders must understand the implications of their power and wield it responsibly.

  5. Embracing Diversity: The book highlights how embracing diversity in perspectives, strengths, and approaches can enrich leadership and decision-making processes.

  6. Ethical Leadership: Pattanaik delves into the moral and ethical aspects of leadership. Indian mythology often emphasizes virtues like integrity, empathy, and fairness in leaders.

  7. Purposeful Leadership: Leaders need to align their actions with a higher purpose or vision. Mythological stories often depict leaders driven by a sense of purpose beyond personal gain.

  8. Learning from Failures: It explores how leaders in Indian mythology face failures and challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience, learning, and growth through setbacks.

  9. Servant Leadership: There's an exploration of the concept of servant leadership, where leaders serve their teams rather than the other way around, fostering a culture of support and growth.

  10. Continual Learning: Finally, the book encourages continual learning and reflection. Leaders should be open to new ideas and insights, constantly evolving their leadership styles.

Language English
ISBN-10 9384067466
ISBN-13 9789384067465
No of pages 149
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Aleph Book Company
Published Date 03 May 2016

About Author

Author : Devdutt Pattanaik

23 Books

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