The Five Pillars of Successful Leadership

Five pillars of success are described in the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, where the teacher Krishna* transforms Arjuna from a confused person into a formidable leader who ultimately triumphs in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The five pillars of success outlined below show that leadership is a dynamic and evolving journey requiring dedication and conscious effort. 

Pillar 1.   The Platform for Success: The Adhisthanam

The concept of  Adhisthanam  emphasizes the importance of having the right opportunities and an appropriate platform for success. Even if you possess such leadership qualities as vision and charisma, without the right platform, your chances of making a significant impact can be limited. 

Consider the example of a doctor working in a small village. This doctor may be highly skilled and dedicated, serving the community with exceptional care and earning the love and respect of the villagers. However, if this same doctor were to join a world-famous institution, the platform would allow him to engage in advanced research, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to medical innovations that could benefit a much larger population. The size of a platform can amplify one's impact and facilitate greater contributions to society. 

Similarly, a successful businessman might build a profitable enterprise within a local market, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.  However, if this businessman were to become the CEO of a multinational corporation, the platform would enable him to influence global markets, drive large-scale innovations, and implement corporate social responsibility initiatives that could have a far-reaching positive impact. 

While a person can utilize a platform to make positive contributions, the same platform, if occupied by an unscrupulous individual, can cause immense harm. History offers numerous examples of this. Figures like Ravana, the legendary emperor of Sri Lanka, and Duryodhana, the crown prince of Hastinapur (Delhi), caused great harm from their powerful platforms.  Infamous leaders like Nero, Pol Pot, and Hitler have used their positions of high leadership to inflict suffering and destruction on a massive scale. These examples underscore the importance of not only providing the right platform for talented individuals but also ensuring that these platforms are occupied by those with integrity and a genuine commitment to positive change. By doing so, we can harness the potential of leaders to make lasting, beneficial impacts on society. 

It's important to recognize that effective leadership does not always require a large platform. A leader who is a shining light on an island rather than a continent can create significant impact. Effective leadership in small environments or platforms can generate powerful ripple effects over time. Witness the impact of Jesus and 12 Apostles.

Pillar 2.   The Doer for Success: Karta

The second pillar of successful leadership is  Karta, or the Doer. At the center of all human achievement lies the individual. Without the doer, there is no action, no progress, and no success. The doer is you or anyone else who takes the initiative to act, inspire, and make a difference. 

Note the choice of the word "Doer" by Krishna. He is speaking to the warrior Arjuna, who is a doer, not just a talker. The term "Doer" encompasses the actions of the individual, transcending any gender, religion, race, or other labeling. It signifies someone who actively engages in responsible behavior and makes tangible contributions. 

Each person has unique potential that needs to be sharpened, polished, and put to the test. While some characteristics may come naturally, others need to be developed through experience, training, and mentorship. The journey of the doer involves continuous self-improvement and a commitment to growth. 

The doer’s role in leadership is indispensable. Recognizing and nurturing individual potential, continuously striving for self-improvement, and understanding one’s unique role are essential for transforming leadership potential into actual success. 

Pillar 3. The Tools for Success: Karanam

The third pillar of successful leadership is  Karanam, which encompasses the tools and technology essential for effective leadership. In every endeavor, having the right tools can make a significant difference in outcomes and reputation. 

In medicine, for instance, staying abreast of cutting-edge technology is crucial. Surgeons who adopt robotic or minimally invasive techniques can enhance patient outcomes and their own effectiveness compared to those using traditional methods. Similarly, in military leadership, advanced weaponry and strategic capabilities are indispensable during conflicts. 

In business, leaders who leverage excellent software, data analytics, and manufacturing technologies can make informed decisions, streamline operations, and foster innovation. This technological edge allows them to outpace competitors and maintain market leadership. Likewise, educators using interactive learning platforms and virtual classrooms can better engage students and improve learning outcomes, preparing future leaders more effectively. 

Superior tools enhance leadership capabilities. By investing in and utilizing the right tools, leaders can: 

  • Improve efficiency—streamline processes and optimize resource utilization. 
  • Enhance capabilities—extend their impact and achieve more ambitious goals. 
  • Maintain competitiveness—stay ahead in rapidly evolving fields by adopting and integrating innovations. 

Pillar 4.  Different Approaches for Success: Prithak Vidham

The fourth pillar of successful leadership is  Prithak Vidham, the ability to adopt different approaches. Leadership often requires flexibility and the willingness to adapt strategies to varying circumstances and challenges. This pillar emphasizes the importance of not being rigid in your methods but instead being versatile and open to different ways of achieving goals. 

Leaders who can adapt their approach based on changing conditions are more likely to succeed. What works in one situation may not work in another, and having the flexibility to adjust tactics is crucial. Different approaches foster innovation and creativity. A leader skilled in different approaches can build coalitions and address complex social or economic issues with a balanced approach that considers diverse perspectives.

The phrase "Speak softly, but carry a big stick," attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, embodies the concept of Prithak Vidham. It suggests that diplomacy and negotiation should be the first approach, but the readiness to use force if necessary, serves as a deterrent and ensures credibility. This dual approach reflects flexibility and strategic thinking for successful outcomes. 

Leaders who master Prithak Vidham understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. They recognize the importance of adapting strategies to different situations, leveraging diverse talents and perspectives, and continuously evolving to meet new challenges. By embracing different approaches, leaders can navigate uncertainty, inspire their teams, and achieve sustainable success in their endeavors. 

Pillar 5.  The Divine Forces for Success: Daivam

The fifth and final pillar of successful leadership is  Daivam, which refers to factors beyond our perception and control. While human effort and strategy are crucial, elements of fate, luck, or divine intervention often play a role in the outcome of our actions. These forces can sometimes be inexplicable yet profoundly influential. The idea that divine forces can shape the outcome of our endeavors is encapsulated in a famous quote by American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson:  "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." 

In the context of leadership, acknowledging the role of Daivam means understanding that not everything is within our control. Leaders must prepare, strategize, and execute to the best of their abilities, but they must also remain humble, recognizing that larger forces are at play. This awareness can instill a sense of humility and resilience, encouraging leaders to persevere through uncertainty and setbacks. Daivam reminds us that while we are the architects of our actions, the ultimate outcomes are influenced by myriad factors, some beyond our comprehension. 

While Daivam may seem beyond our influence, there are ways to align ourselves with these forces. By acting with integrity, making righteous choices, and staying committed to the right path, we invite divine support into our endeavors. The universe tends to favor those who act with sincerity and purpose. As the old adage goes, "Fortune favors the brave"—those who step forward with courage and conviction often find unseen forces working in their favor. Moreover, one can consciously seek the divine’s presence—through prayer, intention, or a deep alignment with the Universe—creating a foundation where success is not just a personal effort but also a confluence of higher forces working in our favor.

Use of the Five Pillars in the Mahabharata War

The Mahabharata War offers timeless lessons in leadership, strategy, and the complex interplay of human relationships.  We can see how Krishna utilized the five pillars of successful leadership—Adhisthanam, Karta, Karanam, Prithak Vidham, and Daivam—to help Arjuna overcome formidable challenges, including the powerful warrior Karna. 

The situation was dire: the war was raging, and the forces of good and evil were clashing on the battlefield. Krishna's objective was not only to support Arjuna, but also to ensure that righteousness triumphed over malevolence. Karna, a formidable adversary, posed a significant threat to Arjuna as he possessed an extraordinary weapon that could be used only once, and there was no known defense against it. 

The Platform.  Krishna, understanding the importance of  Adhisthanam, ensured that Arjuna had the right environment, position, and support to face his challenges. Arjuna was not alone; he was part of a larger strategy where each element was meticulously planned. 

The Doer.   Arjuna embodied active participation, Karta. He was the warrior on the battlefield, ready to execute the plan with courage and determination. Krishna's choice of Arjuna, rather than taking up arms himself, highlights the importance of nurturing individual roles and strengths. 

The Tools.  When it came  to Karanam, Karna initially had the upper hand with his superior weapon. However, Krishna created a situation that neutralized this advantage. Krishna orchestrated events so that this irreplaceable weapon was expended, leveling the playing field between Arjuna and Karna. 

Different Approaches.   Prithak  Vidham  is evident in Krishna's strategy. By focusing on weakening Karna's strategic advantages and employing psychological and tactical maneuvers, Krishna ensured that Arjuna could face Karna on more equal terms. 

Divine Forces.   Despite Karna's formidable skills and weapons,  Daivam  did not favor him in the end. His chariot wheel got stuck in the mud at a critical moment, a factor beyond human control that led to his downfall. This underscores the concept that despite meticulous planning and execution, there are always elements of fate and providence that influence the outcome. 

In the final duel, Arjuna, empowered by Krishna's guidance and the use of all five pillars, was able to defeat Karna. Krishna's role as a mentor, combined with Arjuna's bravery and skill, exemplifies how successful leadership involves a harmonious blend of preparation, adaptability, and recognition of forces beyond our control. 

Conclusion

The story of Krishna's guidance to Arjuna in the Mahabharata War offers powerful insight into how the "Five Pillars of Success” combine to form a holistic approach to effective leadership. Leaders from around the world can benefit from the following assignment: 

Assignment: Reflect on the five pillars in your leadership journey. Strengthen your platform, enhance your role as a doer, optimize your resources, adapt your strategies, and maintain humility in facing external forces. By embodying these principles, you can achieve goals and inspire others toward shared success.

*Krishna – Krishna, a central figure in the Hindu psyche, embodies the ideals of leadership and wisdom. Krishna stayed in the mainstream of society, actively participating in political and social affairs, and was also a king himself, ruling over the kingdom of Dwarka. In the epic Mahabharata, which dates back approximately 5,000 years, Krishna plays a pivotal role as a strategist and mentor to the warrior Arjuna. His profound wisdom and guidance are encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita, where he imparts timeless lessons on duty, righteousness, and leadership. 

Related Reading:

The Man & His Philosophy, by Krishna Osho 

Chanakya Niti: Verses on Life and Living, by A.N.D. Haksar

Mahabharata, by C. Rajagopalachari

Mahabharata Unraveled, by Ami Ganatra

Bhagavad Gita as It Is, by His Divine A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

The Bhagavad-Gita, by S. Radhakrishnan

Gita Today, by Krishna Bhatta