Chanakya - Want to be a good boss? Ask your Dad !

Name of paper: MUMBAI MIRROR (Times of India)
Date: Monday, 29th Jan, 07 (page 22)

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WANT TO BE A GOOD BOSS? ASK YOUR DAD!​

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- Radhakrishnan Pillai​

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(This weekly column will explore the relevance and application of Principles and Strategies of Chanakya as discussed in his 3rd Century BC treatise, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, in Today’s Corporate World)​

Surveys have repeatedly proven that one of the biggest reasons for people leaving an organisation is their boss. To be an ideal leader or a boss is an eternal challenge.

A good boss is not produced in B-schools, nor in management lectures –even mine! But Chanakya gives us a hint:

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“And, in all cases, he should favour the stricken (subjects) like a father” (4.4.43)​

In our own homes, the role of a father has been well-defined. He is full of love and concern. At the same time, he is also a strict disciplinarian. But whatever the case, a father will never abandon his children.

Here are some tips for you to adopt with your subordinates in order to become a good boss:

• UNDERSTAND THEM

Always remember that an employee is not just a money-generating machine. They have a life outside the office. They have a family, a friend circle and also various interests and hobbies. It is important to understand them as ‘total’ personality. Once you understand their expectations, it will become easy to manage those expectations. Only then will you be able to tune into your employees.

• GIVE TIME TO EDUCATE THEM

No good parent will ever expect the child to work and make money for them from day one. Similar is the case with your employees. They have to be educated, instructed and prepared before they meet the bigger challenges. Even you have to be a part of their training and development. No, doubt, they will make mistakes and, just like children fall when they try to walk, so will employees in the course of their duty. But with support and self confidence, they will one day run faster than you.

• DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE

The greatest challenge for any parent is to know the balance between discipline and love. The solution is love with discipline and disciple with love. An area has to be demarcated – a frame work has to introduced, going beyond which can prove dangerous to everyone. Subordinates, like children, are full of energy and enthusiasm. It is important to encourage their creativity. But it is equally important to give a direction to their work. Discipline, coupled with love, is the answer.

Finally, whatever we do, remember that no class room teaching or lecturing can achieve what one learns from direct experience. Therefore, in your own maturity, understand that in spite of the best efforts, the employee may still make the same mistakes that you did. Accept it with love and grace.

There is a beautiful phase I am reminded of: “A man learns that his father was right, when his son tell him that he is wrong!!” May be we will need to remember this when dealing with our employees.

(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 [email protected])