Karma Sutras: Leadership and Wisdom in Uncertain Time
Published originally under the SAGE IIM-Kozhikode Series for New Managers, the book has been republished by Penguin India. The work encapsulates scientific and spiritual truths about organization, work, self-mastery, and the purpose of leadership for first-time managers. The book is divided into two distinct segments: ‘Karma’, the age-old Indian belief system which emphasizes on thoughtful, conscious action rather than fatalistic action and ‘Sutras’ which provides insight into the art and practice of leadership through the lens of spiritual wisdom.
About the Book
Karma Sutras decodes the secrets of effective leadership in these uncertain times. It is a blueprint for success in the organizational and personal sphere. The book contains management mantras from one of India’s foremost thought leaders. It will help you navigate the technology-driven culture of 21st century business.
Karma Sutras throws light on the leadership practices needed for the 4.0 VUCA world. It vividly encapsulates the scientific and spiritual truths about organization, work, self-mastery, and the purpose of leadership in the VUCA world. Laced with small narratives from current issues to motivating stories and relatable quotes, the book caters to aspiring leaders and first-time managers alike. It provides deep anchors in spirituality for managers struggling in a disruptive world.
The above-mentioned values are called[ii] Daivi sampads—part of the Daivi psychology—listed as negation of insecurity (abhaya), pure-heartedness, absorption in knowledge, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study related to True Self, austerity, sincerity, negation of violence (ahimsa), negation of unreal notions (satya), freedom from anger, renunciation, serenity, aversion to finding faults in others, compassion for all creatures, absence of avarice, gentleness, steadiness, spirited opposition to oppressors, forgiveness, patience, cleanliness, freedom from envy, and modesty. It is quite common to find stories and examples of situations illustrating conflict between different daivi sampads, as civilisational understandings of harmonious and sustainable social policies. We have already noted why universalising and theorising are problematic for plurality and diversity. Metaphors and examples serve the purpose of lessons drawn from a context without unnecessarily universalising the lesson and creating problematic generalisations. The Jataka tales and the Panchatantra are excellent examples of these kind of social values taught in the background of different contexts.
Finally, Karma Sutras will teach you the art of effective followership. As the author rightly says, ‘….in each follower there is an emerging leader’.