An exemplary- a leader, a hero, a protector, a teacher, a philosopher and a friend: all in one. Krishna was one of the most pragmatic Lords of all times; the best manager and a leader who imparted valuable lessons to all. He propagated theory of bhakti and good karma in Bhagavad –Gita.  The Holy Book Bhagavad-Gita elucidates several important management lessons for all.  

Lord Krishna passed-on the supreme knowledge of Dharma and Karma to all through epic war of Kurukshetra (Mahabharata). His discourses to Arjuna before beginning of the battle take the form of narrative framework Bhagavad-Gita. The teachings are in the form of dialogue between Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide and charioteer Lord Krishna. He guides Arjuna to perform the duty of warrior and fight the righteous war to establish the rule of good. He brought to light concepts of Supreme Self, the purpose of yoga, Karma, the difference between our self and our material body etc. 

Krishna as the Management Guru 

Lord Krishna is the master of finesse and there is a lot to be learnt from him. Following are some of the management strategies useful for leaders. 

Share your Learning:  True manager or leader must share their learnings with others.  As the saying goes ‘knowledge grows when shared with others’, when applied is the best practice of all. Krishna who was called as a ‘Sarvagnya’ – never hesitated to share his thoughts with others. When Arjuna was in a fix whether to fight his brothers or not, he reminded him of his purpose and taught him the methods to overcome his fear and doubts; thereby focusing on his duty.  

Stick to your Goals: Krishna had three definite life goals for himself. First, ‘Paritrayana Sadhunam’ which means welfare for good; second, ‘vinashaya dushkritam’ meaning destroy evil (thought) and third, ‘dharma sansthapana’ meaning establish and strengthen the good principles.  As a manager he personified that one should have clear cut goals in the organization and one should never allow their senses to be controlled. 

Strategic Approach: Lord Krishna was master strategist who used problem solving approach throughout his life. He with his tactical skills won Mahabharatha war for Pandavas.  He proves that a person who is skilled in planning action or policy will win for sure in war and politics. A plan of action is important to achieve long and short-term goals. 

Tactful Communicator: Krishna through his power of speech and oration skills motivated Pandavas several times. He motivated them to serve good and only good, concurrently working towards attainment of justice. A true leader or manager always takes initiative to motivate his collogues and fellows. 

Be Grounded: Despite being a king and a supreme, Krishna lived his life in simplicity and he was a man of people. A leader should be humble, noble and down to earth. This will ensure his growth and progress.

Krishna is an embodiment of all divine potentials (whether hidden or not) and what befitting occasion of Janmashtami to talk about Lord Krishna. Celebrated with great fervor across the nation, Krishan Janmashtami symbolizes imprisonment in the worldly illusions, and incarnation of Lord Vishnu (birth of good) symbolizes vanquishing of evils (outside and within) leading to edification and peace. 

Lord Krishna, through his life demonstrated how to live a life in entirety and stated continue doing right, without having attachment towards the outcome of those actions and most importantly, never hurt anyone.