TEAMING UP TO SUCEED
– Radhakrishnan Pillai
(This weekly column will explore the relevance and application of Principles and Strategies of Chanakya as discussed in his 3rd Century BC treatise, Kautilyas Arthashastra, in Todays Corporate World)
Teaming up is better than working alone is the key to success when it comes to working on a mission or on a project.
Chanakya puts the same thought in the following verse,
Let us two build a fort (7.12.1)
Man is a social animal and requires the help of others to survive. From a competitive mind set one should move to a compatibility mind set. Leaders should develop the ability to work in teams and also inspire their teams to work together. And this applies to all the facets of life, at work place, in a competitive market and even at managing home affairs.
- DISCUSS THE PROJECT BEFORE YOU START
Better to involve than just inform. If you are going to take up a new assignment call your people and tell them about it. What do you feel? Is there a better way to do it? The suggestions and opinions will help you to look at the project from different angles. Sometimes the best ideas come from the bottom; even a childs simple ideas can be highly beneficial.
- SHOW THE DIRECTION BUT LET THEM WALK
As a team leader this is the most important role that you should play. Tell them where to go and when to reach. Let them decide which route to take, which mode of transport is better etc. Give them the freedom to do the work in their way. Most leaders have a major problem in this regards, when I did it last time, I did it this way, and you also should do it this way! There are better ways of doing things. Try to adopt change.
- DO NOT LOOSE FOCUS
Just by giving them the direction and freedom is not enough. As a leader one should be closely watching the developments. Be around when the team requires you. Be focused and help them to get refocused. A team should take regular stock whether it is doing the right things or not. If you neglect this, you will regret later because, you might have started to head the north and reached the south. Keep looking at your compass.
- ENJOY TOGETHER
The journey itself is the destination. Remember, happiness is not in then and there but lies in now and here. Do not forget to enjoy the journey. Have fun while working together. Share each others joys and sorrows. Stress comes from not taking breaks and sharing burdens.
When you succeed celebrate! In case you loose, get up again and move ahead. As it goes, In happiness and sorrow, in illness and health, in good moments and sad together we shall be.
(The author is the director of ATMA DARSHAN, a company that provides services, including spiritual tours. He is a management consultant and trainer. Those interested in having his sessions in their respective organisations can contact him on +91-9820374796 / 9821152537 or mail to radhakrishnan@atmadarshan.com)
Read more:
Introduction of Kautilyas Arthashastra
Management Fundamentals in Kautilyas Arthashastra
Weekly articles by Radhakrishnan Pillai in Mumbai Mirror