Hi,
It is a regular practice for leaders in the organisations to call their teams for meetings and group discussions in order to arrive at a decision that is most appropriate. What should be the right way to approach in a group discussion or a team meeting? Should the team leader first express his or her opinion before asking for suggestions and inputs from the team members? Or should the leader be the last person to express opinions on the matter? Let us look at this incident from The Mahabharata and see what Yudhishthira (dharmaraj) did as a leader.
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What Yudhishthira did as a Leader while taking counsel from his brothers before the War(An excerpt from MAHABHARATA retold by C. Rajagopalachary)
When faced with the dilemma of who should be chosen as the Commander of the Pandava Army for the Kurukshetra war, Yudhishthira first asked Sahadeva, his youngest brother: "We should select a Supreme Commander. Who do you think is most fitted for this responsibility?"
Sahadeva replied, "Let us take as our Supreme Commander the king of Virata who helped us when we lived in disguise and with whose support we now demand our share of the kingdom." Followed by him, Nakula said, "It seems to me best to make Drupada the Generalissimo, for, in point of age, wisdom, courage, birth and strength, he is supreme."
Dharmaputra then asked Arjuna for his opinion. "I think Dhrishtadyumna should be our chief in the battlefield... He is the only man fitted to be our commander. I can think of no one else," replied Arjuna. And then, Bhimasena said his opinion. Yudhishthira finally asked Sri Krishna for his opinion who said, “Each one of the warriors mentioned is worthy of selection. All things considered, I would endorse Arjuna's choice." Accordingly, Dhrishtadyumna was anointed Supreme Commander of the Pandava army.
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Rajaji narrates that in the olden days, it was the practice to ascertain the views of younger people first, before consulting elders. This instilled enthusiasm and self-confidence in the younger folk. If the elders were consulted first, it would not be possible for others to speak with freedom, and even honest differences of opinion might savour of disrespect.
To reap the full benefit of wisdom available in the teams, a leader should avoid the mistake of expressing first his or her own views on the topic of discussion. That will help create an opportunity for expression of true ideas. When the leaders/elders ask for the opinion of younger and meeker ones before expressing their own, it becomes possible to get their actual ideas. It is appropriate to follow this practice, while brainstorming in the teams at work or among the members of a family at home.
You can download a free PDF copy of “MAHABHARATA retold by C. Rajagopalachary” at the link given below:
I would love to read your comments on the blog post. Pls click on the "comments" below and post your comments there. Let us discuss and learn more.
To your continued SUCCESS,
With love and regards,
Siva
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