The Leadership Sutra: An Indian Approach to Power

by Devdutt Pattanaik

Durga is the goddess of power in Hinduism, as well as in Buddhism and Jainism. Her name is derived from the word ‘fortress’ (durg). She is the goddess of kings. She rides a lion, the king of the jungle and a symbol of royalty everywhere from China to England. We tend to tiptoe around the role of power in management, and fail to openly acknowledge how the animal desire to dominate often destroys the best of organizations. Critics tend to see power as a negative thing. But power is a critical tool that affects the implementation of any idea. Any attempt to restrain it with rules results in domestication and resentment, and fails to energize the organization. Leaders often equate themselves with lions, and indulge their desire to dominate when, in fact, the point of leadership is to be secure enough to outgrow the lion within us, and enable and empower those around us. But this is not easy, as anxiety overpowers the best of leaders.
Derived from Devdutt Pattanaik’s influential bestseller Business Sutra, this book offers startling and original insights into the exercise of power and leadership. It explores the human quest for significance, the power of rules to rob people of self-esteem, and the need for stability even at the cost of freedom.

Genres: Mythology, Leadership, Self Help, Business, Spirituality, Nonfiction

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India

Reviews

[S.Ach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corporate anecdotes finding parallels in Hindu mythology.
Brilliant.
Some of Devdutt's witty and playful comparisons are quite fascinating.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another very useful offering from Devdutt Pattanaik who has mastered the art of weaving Indian mythology with the explanation that he has to the current state of affairs. In this instance it is leadership. His understanding of human psyche is flawless as he very correctly states, "When we are recognized we feel powerful." He builds on this understanding and his own interpretation of Indian mythology to explain how leaders can learn and become powerful. The language is simple and the reader can relate to what is being said. There is no doubt that "everyone likes to hear good things about themselves and their work. Our self-image thrives on it. Praise reaffirms our faith in ourselves". A leader is best advised to leverage this. However, the most significant statement relates to the one on the difference between Maya and Truth : "Maya and satya are opposite of each other. Both are truths, but maya is truth based on comparison while satya is truth not based on comparison". Similarly, "Narayan is who-we-are. Narayani is what-we-have." Brilliant.

[Satyaki Dutta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is written in the form of management caselets arising from tales of mythology. The blending of the two is immaculate. However, the book states truisms but fails to offer a way out of them. While it is easy to say on paper that we should rely more on Shakti and not Durga, our society and our culture may not allow us to be that way.

[Sumith Chowdhury · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book connects mythology with various modern workplace experiences. It tells us how to deal with work, personal life & also explains the problems we face extrapolating further with good solutions. With many succulent examples from everyday life encapsulated along with successful applications from mythological stories. He has created this book.

Though personally I felt the book lacks in many different ways. In many aspects, it's just a derivative definitive version of what already occurred in our Hindu 🕉️ religion in the past. Also, he takes several examples from various cultures, does a bit of experiments from here & there hitherto - thus trying to blend into the abyss of a book which helps people understand things. Honestly, anyone with the knowledge of mythology & various historical religious beliefs, actives & research in this context will considerably feel his books are a total letdown. Nevertheless, it's okay for a good onetime read!

The Leadership Sutra offers startling and original insights into the exercise of power and leadership. It is derived from Business Sutra, the influential book that formulated original management and business techniques that were wholly made in India.

Durga is the goddess of power in Hinduism, as well as in Buddhism and Jainism. Her name is derived from the word ‘fortress’ (durg). She is the goddess of kings. She rides a lion, the king of the jungle and a symbol of royalty everywhere from China to England. Critics tend to see power as a negative thing. Leaders often equate themselves with lions and indulge their desire to dominate when, in fact, the point of leadership is to be secure enough to outgrow the lion within us and enable and empower those around us. But this is not easy, as anxiety overpowers the best of leaders.

[Gagandeep Bajwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever learned something new and realized it was related to a story you heard as a child? When viewed through a different lens, mythology and old folktales often have much in common with everyday life. And who is better than Devdutt Pattnaik, the master storyteller, to help us match the columns?

The author explains the idea of leadership by connecting it with mythology. I love how he relates it to different situations in the workplace today. This book is a follow-up to his influential bestseller Business Sutra. The blending of management and mythology is immaculate. The book talks about the different rules of power, the need for stability, and other issues that come up in the workplace. I find Devdutt's style of writing to be simple but very interesting. The stories in the books make the reader think and drive home the point. It's a short book, but it has a lot to teach.

In a nutshell, the book explains how different leadership strategies work and how to use them. Of course, the point is that the real leader is the one who works for others. A must-read for all leaders-to-be and leaders now!

[Gautam Sasidharan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the present age, when people reel under various pressures to sustain lives, it becomes imperative to look back to the roots for wisdom. Devdutt Patnaik meets this demand by supply of books which focus on decoding ancient texts for the modern era. And The Leadership Sutra is no different.

The Leadership Sutra is an offspring from the author's book named Business Sutra. The author does not force it on the reader and clarifies that the interpretations are completely his own. And this has been impressed upon by many, that every time an ancient Hindu text or story is read it can offer a different meaning and perspective. The author remains non committal and urges the reader to implement the ideas in one's life to understand the effects of these sutras, through examples.

To put in a nutshell, the books brings clarity about different leadership strategies and the effect of each of them. Of course, the underline is that one who works for others becomes the true leader.The author concludes that ultimately it is the balance of money, knowledge and material which makes a leader. One should read this book to get a glimpse of the ancient texts and it is assured that the reader will be inspired to read the texts further.

[Enshef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient wisdom says in order to execute worldly tasks successfully, one needs to do the inner work first. Be it social, psychological or physiological behaviour - detailed introspection of our expressions and interpretations of the same plays a very important role. This book very well explains how the leadership context is about connecting the dots and being able to visualise one’s mission in life from the mind’s eye rather than only focusing on social aspects of success.
Thanks Sir, for this beautiful inspirational value based inculcation of thoughts from the mythological perspective. Every chapter has been an enlightening experience!

[Vishalkumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book on modern day leadership and it's linkage with Indian Mythology. Devdutt explains how we can take inspiration from mythology and be successful in various corporate roles. Illustrative examples are very relevant to today's corporate world.

Devdutt's writing style is simple and he maintains a good level of interest. The way he explains role of various characters in mythology and it's linkage with modern day business dynamics is noteworthy.

A must read for the people from corporate world.

[Pooja Prabhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book for the mythology buff to relate to Leadership and learn from the Indian Puranas. The author has picked snippets from the puranas to explain different roles and skill sets in a corporate or professional environment. The material is relatable and easily understood and absorbed by an average reader.
In addition, as I listened to this book in audio form, the narrator did a good job of conveying the calm and practical style that's signature to the author Devdutt Pattanaik. I highly recommend this book!

[Manisha Mohanty · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short & quick read book, Devdutt talks about power & leadership at workplace and gives excellent analogies from mythological tales. This book gives a completely new approach to view business, governance, leaders and the overall dynamics of any organization. I was amazed to find out stark resemblance to many protagonists in the mythological stories.

[ShubhamBonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.
Author has explained every leadership sutras with the help of mythological stories and the meanings in the context of your responsibility as leader and has given totally new approach that is diffrent from western approach to the leadership.

[Pujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty cool comparison of where the shakti is applied in all aspects that we face in the real world, it seemed very interesting how he interpreted everything. Seemed like a philosophical theological read.

[Shubham Thakur · Rating 4 out of 5]

New approach to Management with Inspirations from Mythology.

[Gaurang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful as always. Fun to revisit all the stories told by my ajji

[Saswati Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If not something mind-blowing, pattanaik's this book connects mythology with workplace experiences very well. Get some crisp tips or rather psychological solutions to be a good leader.

[Niket Sheth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and simple book. It gives you an insight on what an organisation needs to focus on. Instead of targets, chase satisfaction. Chase commitment. Chase talent.

[Isha]

A unique blend of Mythology and Management

Fusing Hindu mythology and management, Devdutt Pattanaik continues his unique insights into the role of power in the corporate set-up in his new book, The Leadership Sutra. Bringing out the refreshing perspective on power and its role in organizations, the book challenges the interpretation of power as something negative and leads the reader to the understanding that the quest for power in humans is inevitable.

Distinguishing between ‘Durga’ – the external power and ‘Shakti’ – the inner power, the author explores the concepts of ‘significance’, ’property’, ‘rules’ and ‘stability’ that lies somewhere between the inner and external power through analogies, illustrations, and sutras.

Beginning with the concept of ‘Significance’, the book scrutinizes how recognition through social structures allows humans to feel significant, to nurture ‘our mental image of ourselves’ and to feel powerful. As this concept only exists in human society, it can only be signified by other humans and hence, the need to be constantly endorsed by other human beings regularly. So, ‘praise empowers us’ while ‘insults disempower us’.

Contextualizing mythology in the Indian management structure, the author brings out power dynamics in an organization. To validate ourselves, we create organizations as they grant us value. But what we often ‘fail to realize is that while need the organization, the organization doesn’t need us.’ Ayodhya survives though Dasharath dies.

Moving forward with similar analogies and illustrations, the author explores the concept of ‘Property’ – ‘an idea of man, by man, and for man.’ Explaining the role possessions play in our lives, the author examines how human worth is measured by his belongings. So Indra wants a bigger palace to manifest his superiority over others.

The loss of possessions reveals the true personality and whether we are powered by Durga or Shakti. As Shakti is awakened in Ram, the loss of the kingdom means nothing to him while for Pandavs; it means devastation and deprivation as their self-worth depend on Durga. However, ‘A relationship is about thoughts, not things’.

Appraising the role of ‘Rules’ in the framework of an organization, the author infers ‘Rules help humanity overpower the law of the jungle that might is right.’ In human society, rules give meaning to ownership and possession as in nature, everything is up for appropriation. Though rules are supposed to create a better world, the world where might is not right but they end up creating new hierarchies where the one who designs the rules feels powerful and mighty as he can bend the others to his will. Hence, ‘rules can be oppressive’, can ‘end up creating a culture that is unfair and oppressive.’ So, god (Krishna) in the Hindu mythology is also a rule-breaker as he can see that rules can propagate oppression and injustice.

To take the society forward, change is necessary and so is the breaking of rules. Krishna bends and breaks the rules constantly and creates new ones as ‘Innovation is not possible unless rules are broken.’

Concluding with ‘Stability’, the author describes how change can be stressful while stability peaceful. Hence, the need to kill the other, ‘destroy the unfamiliar’. However, at the same times, the book also floats the idea that though change is stressful, it also brings the opportunity for growth. ‘In the difference lay new ideas, new thoughts and new challenges.’

Structures and systems are created with the intent to outlast apocalypse as well, though that never happens. As Kansa’s insecurity turned him into a villain, the need for stability drives people to hamper growth. The author concludes with a piece of wisdom that prevailing structures curtail innovation as the need for stability outwits the need for innovation and growth. However, change is inevitable for growth.

The Leadership Sutra offers an interesting perspective on management and leadership by blending Hindu mythology, human behavior with the structure of the organization. Most of the modern management books dissect managerial theories and principles and are driven by the ethos of target achievement. Pattanaik’s book showcases how the organizational structure is driven by the human factor and not ‘a set of targets’ which can only be understood by appreciating the motivating factors behind the human behavior.

Though the author tries to understand the guiding factors behind the organizations, there are no standard answers. They are a quest towards ‘expanding the mind to accommodate more views and string them into a single whole.’

[Abhi S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Leadership Sutra is a combination of stories from Myhtology, frameworks developed from them and last but not the least, real life corporate examples given like short case studies, to combine them all. This book has a real good concept of management lessons based on mythology and it is gripping to say the least.
What works in this book is that some or most of the stories quoted are very much known – the characters quoted are the Gods whose stories we have read/heard while growing up, Ram, Krishna, Shiva, Hanuman. Since by and large, we know the stories, there is no effort we have to make to understand the complexities of the stories or the characters. It is relatable, and honestly some of the stories made me see the characters in a different light altogether. This book tells us how we all become Rams and Duryodhans at work place, in some situations.
The best part about this book is, it tells us we all play different roles at different times, and it tells us when should we be Krishna and when should we be Ram, a rule breaker or a rule follower, the situations and the underlying context which would prompt us to take that particular charade, is explained in simple words.
That being said, there is no prerequisite for anyone to know about mythology in depth before reading this book. The management lessons based on mythology stories that are quoted in this book can be understood even if one doesn’t know of them earlier. They are simple, has an underlying lesson that sounds very deep and true.
While I was expecting management lessons with much depth and more management jargon that we come across in MBA, it is surprising and refreshing to not have any of them.
The frameworks are simple and mostly focused on human behavior or Human animal, as the author would like to call it.
All in all, it is an interesting and a very quick read.




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[Tushar Mathur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again are masterpiece from the same author very useful for young managers I really liked how he has picked up mythology incidence and compare them with real life scenarios

[Jay Sejpal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traditional stories with excellent graphics and practical interpretation. This book has revoked my interest to re-read Indian mythological books.

[Nitin Vadher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I am reading Devdutt Pattnaik I know he is a leadership consultant and that’s why I was desperate to read this book when writersmelon.com mailed me to review the book from the list, my first preference was to read The Leadership Sutra. After completing this book I confess this is fantastic and interesting read especially who are aware of Hindu mythology, in this book a management lesson is taught through Indian mythology. The entire book is on Durga and Shakti i.e. dependence on external power and dependability by invoking internal power respectively. The sentence which touched my heart is Shakti cannot be given or taken; it can only be invoked by tapasya.
The book is divided into four parts i.e. Significance, Property, Rules and Stability. The book shows the power of Durga i.e. importance of strength in society. Among all, the chapter on stability is my personal favorite. Each and every chapter keeps you thinking that there are solutions in our mythology which guides us to take decisions. There are many mythological events which I came to know after reading this book.
It is written in such a way that no difficult jargons being used, it is easily digestible, also portrays which are drawn in every chapter are really helping the readers to decipher the message. Every chapter starts with interesting event from the mythology and then author explains why that mythological character took that particular decision, shifting to the current scenario what we have to do if we are facing that particular situation in this 21st century, how to cop up that situation is perfectly articulated by the author.
Some people are having difficult to take orders from their bosses, why is it so, there is a short story on page no 11, also each and every person can compare himself with the story of Virendra, where he is being admired in his own family but when he is on job or office he has to take orders and have to follow the rules and have to take permission for every matters.
The short stories, easy language, narration style and examples on every chapter make this book interesting and perfect for the management studies. Don’t complete the book on one sitting, read it slowly and implement these sutras in your day to day life to be a great leader. I highly recommend this introspecting book, a must read.
Why you should read this book:
How the boom and recession affects every person. The eye opening chapter on physical power or mental power which is more powerful? Why we offer haldi, kumkum and chaval to deities on Page no 16.
Funny chapter on gossip Page no 21.
Comparison grants us value Page no 23.
How a person is being affected by the social structure. Page no 93.
The chapter on Page no 116, we will always resist change, taught us that “only thing constant in life is a change”

[Abhilash Ruhela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new genre that many learned authors are exploring these days where they are using history and its events to make us understand how to grow in today's competitive and corporate environment is my new favorite. Another book that I just read of the same kind is Devdutt Pattanaik's latest release "The Leadership Sutra". The tagline of the book is "An Indian Approach To Power". The book definitely does justice to the tagline and title. Devdutt Pattanaik has this wonderful propensity of writing difficult books in such an easy language that makes naive people like me also understand the topic. The diagrammatic representation also makes it easy for the reader to understand the basis of the chapters if in case he is unable to decipher the real motive behind which the whole chapter is written. The Sanskrit terms that Devdutt has used throughout the book has been explained in the end of it.

The book consists of four different types of Leadership Sutras named Significance, Property, Rules and Stability. Each of these sutras consists of several chapters. Each chapter has an example of Indian mythology either from Mahabharata, Ramayana or Vedas. It is interesting to read a chapter starting with an event described appropriately from history as it's written in a very crisp manner. After that, author explains the consequences of why a character from mythology took that decision and connects it with current scenarios which makes it easy for us to understand how to deal with the same kind of situation next time when we are stuck with it in our firm. In the end of the chapter, an example from the current corporate scenario is shared with which you can relate yourself or any of your colleagues. And each chapter has a diagram which is an icing on the cake.

The easy language, wonderful narration, nice examples, short chapters, live scenarios makes this book a perfect in its genre. The publishing quality is also great with hardcover binding. But the only factor that will resist readers from picking up this book is its MRP i.e. almost 400 bucks. Spending Rs. 5 on each page is too costly for a reader. Though the target audience of this book will surely invest in it but to make it reach among the pass-outs and young professionals, the cost should always be taken care while releasing the first edition. Rest, this is a book which should be read slowly and each of its sutras should be implemented in our professional and personal life as it will surely develop you into a great leader. I give this book 4.75* out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

[Vibhasharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Leaders often equate themselves with lions, and indulge their desire to dominate when, in fact, the point of leadership is to be secure enough to outgrow the lion within us, and enable and empower those around us."

This thin 124 pages book is actually derived from Devdutt Pattaniak's Business Sutra. As the name suggests, the book talks about power and leadership at the work place and the analogies are taken from mythological anecdotes. It analyzes the fact that humans seek power, importance and significance and how much are they ready to bargain to achieve the same.
It is an innate human need to feel they matter, to feel recognized and to be envied by others. This recognition brings in security and power and in turn satiates the desire to dominate. Domination imparts a feeling that one can exert control over external things. Through various means humans try to satisfy this need whether it is in the form of any social rules, position or things like property which gives the delusion of immortality.

The whole book is categorised under four broad sections addressing - Significance, Property, Rules and Stability. The book begins with discussing how Durga, the external power is distinguished from Shakti, the inner power - physical and mental prowess. And this distinction becomes a common thread through all the sections. Building and nurturing Durga is important but more significant is working on the Shakti because that is what imparts wisdom and innate strength.

To bring home a point, various interesting anecdotes are picked from the mythology followed by case studies from the corporate. His signature line drawings keep the narrative mind-stimulating. His writing style is par excellence and 'The Leadership Sutra' just validates it even further. It was a sheer pleasure to read this book.

[Kumar Anshul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devdutt Pattanaik is not a new name in Indian literary scene lately. If I have to take one name who has actually revived the way "Indian Mythology" is interpreted and presented to readers in the recent times, it has to be Dr. Pattanaik. He has read numerous books after the tremendous success of "Jaya: An illustrated retelling of Mahabharata" and this book too does complete justice to its title and intention of the author.

There are four sections in the book- Significance, Property, Rules and Stability. Each section has many chapters. The distinct feature of each of these chapters is the way it has been presented. Each chapter in turn has three parts :- The first part describes an anecdote from Indian Mythology. Apart from introduction, this anecdote gives you an idea what the author is going to discuss in the chapter.

In the second part, the author puts forward his own comments as to how this anecdote is important in the present context and explains the various points and learning that you can imbibe from the particular anecdote.

In the third part, the author describes a hypothetical situation in a company/corporate setup and analogize it with the mythological anecdote, profoundly explaining how an incident from ancient Indian mythology can prove to be true and relatable in a corporate setup.

The book is also full of hand made flowcharts and graphics which, apart from being a welcome sight to the eyes while reading, also complement the author in his efforts to present his thoughts and concepts.

I got this book as a birthday gift but now I am looking forward to read the other gems from the author- Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management and The Success Sutra: An Indian Approach to Wealth.

[Meenakshi J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insight Vs Outlook

The essence of the book: A person can grow as a leader when he/she appreciates the value of every individual in his/her team.When the leader knows – how to motivate and stay motivated, delegation of work, seeking a personal growth along with the growth of the organisation etc.,. he /she is a ‘Leader’ in the true sense. Some of the points that stood out for me apart from the ‘Notes’ section in this book are as follows:

“But just as bhajans do not work without Bhakti , praise does not work unless it is genuine.”
” When we are envied we feel superior and powerful” ironically!
“The King wonders if he matters or his sword : this is the curse of kingship”
Yagna = exchange = cornerstone of economy

The book is very much like a ‘handy vanity mirror’ which reflects what we are at close quarters and is a ‘solution provider’ not just for professionals but for anyone who wants to lead and empower a team! Grab this ‘Purple treasure trove’, preserve it and read it slowly -unearthing, understanding, introspecting and applying the concepts discussed to realise your true potential !

I give this book a rating of 4.5 / 5 !

I was sent across a copy of this book by the Publishers 'Rupa Publications'/ Aleph Book Company' in exchange for my honest review.
You can read the complete review of this book on my blog polkajunction.wordpress.com

[Abhijeet Lele · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Devdutt has deciphered the Hindu mythology to reveal management lessons. Fantastic and interesting read if you are aware of Hindu mythology.

[Nitant Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful book by Pattanaik. Wonderful analogies and lessons inspired from mythology which are backed by real life illustrations.

[Anuradha Goyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quintessential Devdutt Pattnaik Book - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/leaders...

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dealing with the leadership, is part of series using mythological example while explaining the leadership.

[Abhi Jeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, gives a positive insight into the concept of power