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Leadership is the most important aspect of any organization, community, or society. It is the ability to inspire, influence and motivate people towards achieving a common goal. In the context of the ancient Indian text, the Shrimadbhagavadgita, leadership is explored through the character of Arjuna, the warrior prince, and his mentor, Yogeshwara Shrikrishna. The Gita, one of the most widely read and revered texts in the world, provides valuable insights into the qualities of a good leader and the principles of effective leadership.

Arjuna, the protagonist of the Gita, is a skilled warrior and the leader of the army of Pandavas. At the beginning of the text, he faces a moral dilemma when he is called upon to fight against his own relatives in a battle for the throne. Arjuna is overcome with grief and doubts his ability to lead his army to victory. He finds it a sin to fight his own people for kingdom or material gains. It is Lord Shrikrishna who guides and counsels him, imparting valuable lessons on leadership along the way. Let us examine some relevant verses that highlight the key principles of leadership in the Shrimadbhagavadgita.

The first principle of leadership that emerges from the Gita is the importance of self-awareness. Before one can lead others, one must first understand oneself. Arjuna’s initial reluctance to fight is due to his confusion about his duty and his attachment to his relatives. The Lord helps him to see that his true duty lies in fighting for the universal good, a higher purpose and that his attachment to his family is based on false ideas of ownership and possession. Arjuna learns that a leader must be self-aware and understand his true purpose and values:

“Naasato Vidyate Bhaavo Naabhaavo Vidyate Satah/

Ubhayorapi Drishto’ntastvanayostattvadarshibhih//”

Meaning thereby, “O Arjuna, those who are wise and have realized the truth understand that the self is different from the body, mind, and senses, they know the self to be eternal and indestructible. Therefore, fight, O Arjuna.” (The Shrimadbhagavadgita, 2: 16) This verse highlights the importance of self-awareness and understanding one’s true nature beyond the physical body and mind. A good leader must have a deep understanding of his true-life purpose and values to remain unshaken in his actions.

The second important principle of leadership in the Gita is the ability to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal. The Lord motivates Arjuna by reminding him of his duty as a warrior, and by encouraging him to overcome his doubts and fears to have a clarity of vision. A good leader must be able to communicate his vision clearly and motivate his followers to work towards it with passion and commitment. The Lord advises Arjuna to focus on his ultimate purpose of upholding the Dharma and to align his thoughts and actions with it:

“Yogasthaḥ Kuru Karmaaṇi Sangam Tyaktvaa Dhananjaya/

Siddhyasiddhyoh Samo Bhuutvaa Samatvam Yoga Uchyate//”

To say, “Be steadfast in the Yoga, O Arjuna. Perform your duty and abandon all attachment to success or failure. Such evenness of mind is called the Yoga.” (The Shrimadbhagavadgita, 2: 48) This verse emphasizes the importance of detachment and evenness of mind in the face of success or failure. A good leader must motivate his followers towards a common goal with passion and commitment, without getting attached to the outcome. He should only be committed to his purpose for a higher good.

The next key principle of leadership in the Shrimadbhagavadgita is to lead by example. A leader must practice what he preaches and, thereby, set an example for his followers. Yogeshwara Shrikrishna advises Arjuna to be a self-controlled and disciplined leader, who sets an example of righteousness and fairness. The Lord suggests that the king should act in a way that inspires respect and admiration among his subjects, and that he should be honest, just, and compassionate:

“Yadyadaacharati Shreshthastattadevetaro Janah/

Sa Yatpramaanam Kurute Lokastadanuvartate//”

That is, “Whatever actions a great man performs, common men follow. And, whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.” (The Shrimadbhagavadgita: 3. 21) In this verse, Lord Shrikrishna explains that people tend to follow the example set by great leaders. Therefore, it is crucial for a king to be cautious and feel responsible for the society to act as an exemplar and set high standards for his subjects to follow.

The fourth noteworthy principle of leadership in the Gita is the ability to adapt and be flexible. A leader must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in his approach. Lord Shrikrishna advises Arjuna to adapt his strategy based on the situation on the battlefield. A leader must be able to make quick decisions and be agile in his approach:

“Sannyaasastu Mahaabaaho Duhkhamaaptumayogataḥ/

Yogayukto Munirbrahma Nachirenaadhigachchhati//”

This means, “One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works with the spirit of devotion is called a sannyasi, a renunciant. Know that person to be steadfast whose mind is fixed on the Supreme.” (The Shrimadbhagavadgita, 5: 6) A good leader must be able to make quick decisions and be flexible in his approach. He should remain unaffected by any external factor or rigid mindset, while making strategies based on a given situation. The next notable principle of leadership in the Gita for a leader is that he must prove himself worthy of the trust and respect of his followers. Yogeshwara Shrikrishna earns Arjuna’s trust by showing him the path to righteousness and by guiding him towards his true purpose. A leader must be honest, transparent, and act with integrity to earn the trust and respect of his followers:

“Ishvarah Sarvabhuutaanaam Hriddeshe Arjuna Tishthati/

Bhraamayansarvabhuutaani Yantraaruudhaani Maayayaa/”

To say, “The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.” (The Shrimadbhagavadgita, 18:61) This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in a higher power and being guided by it as when one is guided by the divine, he stays away from unethical acts. A good leader must earn the trust and respect of his followers by being honest, transparent, and acting with integrity.

The next remarkable principle of leadership in the Shrimadbhagavadgita is empathy and inclusivity. The Lord advises Arjuna to be compassionate towards all beings, regardless of their background or status:

“Yo Maam Pashyati Sarvatra Sarvam Cha Mayi Pashyati/

Tasyaaham Na Pranashyaami Sa Cha Me Na Pranashyati//”

It means, “He who sees me in everything and sees everything in me, I am never out of his sight, nor is he ever out of mine.” (The Shrimadbhagavadgita, 6: 30) This verse highlights the concept of equality to be observed among all fellow beings. We all emanate from one divine source, so we all are one. A good leader must be inclusive and treat all his people with respect and empathy, regardless of their differences.

Finally, the Shrimadbhagavadgita emphasizes the importance of surrender. Yogeshwara Shrikrishna advises Arjuna to surrender all his actions unto Him:

“Brahmanyaadhaaya Karmaani Sangam Tyakttvaa Karoti Yah/

Lipyate Na Sa Paapena Padmapatramivaambhasaa//”

That is, “One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sin, just as a lotus leaf is untouched by water.” (The Shrimadbhagavadgita, 5: 10) This verse emphasizes the importance of acting with integrity and surrendering the results to the higher power. A good leader must do his duties without worrying about the results. As when one surrenders his actions to Him, he is watchful of his actions and believes in the principle of Karma that every Karma bears fruits and so will he bear fruits.

In conclusion, the Shrimadbhagavadgita provides valuable insights into the principles of leadership. Arjuna’s journey from confusion and doubt to clarity and purpose is a lesson from ordinary to extraordinary, in self-awareness, motivation, leading by example, adaptability, and earning trust and respect holding empathy, compassion and righteousness as supreme values. Lord Shrikrishna’s guidance provides a blueprint for effective leadership that is still relevant. The Gita teaches us that true leadership is not just about power and authority, but about serving a higher purpose and inspiring others to do the same. The principles of leadership outlined in the Shrimadbhagavadgita have a timeless relevance and can be applied to the modern-day context as well. Any person leading a community, organization or a country can take cues from the leadership principles as laid down in the Gita and leave a legacy for the coming generations. 

— A Padma Shri and Sardar Patel National Awardee Indologist Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a Former Vice Chancellor of CCS University, Meerut; he is, currently the Ombudsman of Swami Vivekananda Subharati University, Meerut (India).