Leadership Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita: Inspiring Growth and Collaboration

I am in Udupi, planning the Indivillage launch on the 8th, and had the privilege of visiting the serene Udupi Sri Krishna temple, Gita Mandir and Puthige Math, under the spiritual guidance of Parama Poojya Sr. Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji, the 30th saint in the lineage. The Swamiji passionately promotes the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, making them relevant to today’s world and inspiring individuals to lead purposeful lives.

Being in such a sacred space reminded me of the timeless lessons the Gita offers, especially in leadership and managing people. Its teachings align beautifully with building organizations, nurturing talent, and fostering collaboration. Principles like leading by example (“Yad yad acharati shreshthas”), focusing on one’s duty without attachment to outcomes (“Karmanye vadhikaraste”), and embracing equanimity in both success and challenges (“Samatvam yoga uchyate”) provide profound insights for life and work.

The Gita also teaches us to empower others through knowledge, recognize individual strengths, and cultivate unity in diversity. These lessons are essential for building communities like Indivillage, where collaboration, inclusivity, and shared purpose are the foundation of growth. My visit to the Puthige Math was a humbling experience, reminding me that even in the complexities of the modern world, these ancient teachings remain a guiding light.

In reflecting on these teachings, I found ten core lessons from the Bhagavad Gita that are particularly relevant for managing people:

1. Lead by Example

“Yad yad acharati shreshthas, tat tad evetaro janah”

(“Whatever actions a great person performs, common people follow.”)

Leaders must embody the values they expect from their teams, inspiring others through their actions.

2. Focus on Duty, Not Results

“Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana”

(“You have the right to perform your duties but not to the fruits of your actions.”)

Encourage teams to focus on their responsibilities with diligence and commitment rather than obsessing over outcomes.

3. Embrace Individual Strengths

“Sve sve karmanyabhiratah samsiddhim labhate narah”

(“By fulfilling one’s own duties, one achieves perfection.”)

Recognize and assign roles based on individual skills and strengths for optimal performance.

4. Maintain Equanimity

“Samatvam yoga uchyate”

(“Equanimity in all situations is yoga.”)

A calm and balanced leader provides stability to the team during successes and challenges.

5. Practice Detachment

“Tyaktva karmaphalasangam nityatrupto nirashrayah”

(“Renounce attachment to the results of your work.”)

Focus on processes and continuous improvement without becoming overly attached to results.

6. Empower Others Through Knowledge

“Na hi jnanena sadrisham pavitram iha vidyate”

(“There is nothing as purifying as knowledge.”)

Share knowledge and insights to equip your team with the tools they need to succeed.

7. Balance Action with Wisdom

“Yogasthah kuru karmani”

(“Perform your duties with a balanced mind.”)

Encourage thoughtful planning paired with decisive action for better outcomes.

8. Cultivate Unity in Diversity

“Vidyavinaya-sampanne brahmane gavi hastini |Shuni chaiva shva-pake cha panditah sama-darshinah”

(“The wise see all beings with equal vision.”)

Treat all team members with respect and fairness, fostering inclusivity and unity.

9. Encourage Self-Realization

“Uddhared atmanatmanam, na atmanam avasaadayet”

(“Lift yourself by yourself; do not let yourself fall.”)

Help team members discover their potential and take ownership of their growth.

10. Accept Change and Adapt

“Prakritim yanti bhutani nigrahah kim karishyati”

(“All beings follow their nature; what will repression accomplish?”)

Embrace change as a constant and encourage adaptability in your team.

These lessons are not just philosophical ideals but actionable strategies that can transform how we lead and manage people. As we prepare to launch Indivillage, the essence of these teachings will guide us in building a sustainable, inclusive, and impactful ecosystem that fosters growth for individuals and communities alike.