In the holy text of the Bhagavad Gita, the battlefield of Kurukshetra becomes a stage for profound introspection, where the warrior Arjuna is compelled to ask himself who he is amidst chaos and conflict. The dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna is more than just a tale from ancient times—it’s a timeless reflection on duty, leadership, and moral dilemmas. As the epic unfolds, Arjuna, a skilled warrior, finds himself paralyzed by doubt and confusion. Krishna, his divine charioteer, imparts wisdom, urging him to act according to his duty.

Meanwhile, Sanjaya, a detached narrator, relays this discourse to the blind King Dhritarashtra, who is more concerned with the outcome of the battle and the fate of his sons than the wisdom being imparted. And atop Arjuna’s chariot sits Hanuman, listening with full attention and devotion, embodying the qualities of an ideal listener.

Today, within the corridors of the corporate world, we see a reflection of this ancient narrative. The dynamics of the Bhagavad Gita characters play out with remarkable similarity. Organizations often find themselves surrounded by varied characters: the Arjunas, who are capable yet skeptical; the Sanjayas, who deliver messages without genuine conviction; the Dhritarashtras, who are blinded by personal gain; and, albeit rare, the Hanumans, who listen with unwavering faith and attention. This poses a compelling question to every individual in the corporate world: Who are you in this corporate battlefield?

Arjuna: Are You the Capable Yet Doubting Professional?

Arjuna represents those in an organization who possess the skills, talent, and potential but are plagued by self-doubt and skepticism. They question their purpose, the value system of the organization, and sometimes, even their capabilities. These individuals are not rebellious; rather, their doubts arise from a deep desire to find meaning and purpose in their work.

In the corporate world, leaders often encounter Arjunas who require more than directives—they seek mentorship, guidance, and, most importantly, a sense of purpose. They are the thinkers who need to understand the “why” behind their actions.

Are you an Arjuna in your organization, seeking clarity and purpose? Do you find yourself questioning the value system of your company or seeking deeper meaning in your work?

Sanjaya: Are You the Detached Messenger?

Sanjaya represents those who mechanically relay information without any personal attachment or deeper understanding of the message’s true meaning. They act as conduits for communication, but their lack of conviction or passion can render the messages lifeless. This detachment can lead to a breakdown in communication, where information is passed along but not truly internalized or believed.

In a corporate setting, Sanjayas are often found in middle management or administrative roles where they are tasked with relaying directives. While they may not be ineffective, their lack of engagement with the company’s vision can result in a disjointed and uninspired workforce.

Are you a Sanjaya in your organization? Are you passing along information without genuinely believing in or understanding its significance? How often do you advocate passionately for the company’s vision, or do you merely act as a conveyor of messages?

Dhritarashtra: Are You Blinded by Self-Interest?

Dhritarashtra, the blind king, symbolizes those in leadership positions who are blinded by self-interest and personal ambition. They prioritize their gains and positions over the collective good of the organization. This self-centered approach can lead to toxic work environments where short-term gains are valued more than long-term growth, and ethical considerations are often overlooked.

Such leaders create a culture of fear, competition, and division rather than collaboration, trust, and unity.

Are you a Dhritarashtra in your organization? Are your decisions driven by personal gain rather than the collective good? Do you find yourself prioritizing short-term wins over sustainable growth and ethical leadership?

Hanuman: Are You the Rare Listener with Devotion and Focus?

Then, there is Hanuman, perched atop the chariot, listening with complete focus, devotion, and understanding. Hanuman is the embodiment of the ideal follower—one who not only listens but internalizes and commits wholeheartedly to the cause. He does not question or doubt; he is not blinded by personal interest; he is not a mere transmitter of information. Hanuman represents loyalty, commitment, and faith in the organization’s vision.

In today’s corporate landscape, Hanumans are rare. They are the employees who believe in the mission, who are deeply engaged, and who work with a sense of purpose. They are not just followers; they are the torchbearers of the company’s values and culture.

Are you a Hanuman in your organization? Do you listen with full attention and commitment, embodying the organization’s values? Are you devoted to the company’s mission, acting as a role model for others?

The Modern-Day Kurukshetra: Navigating Corporate Battles

The corporate world today is its own Kurukshetra, a battlefield where decisions must be made amidst uncertainty, where leaders must guide their teams through crises, and where ethical dilemmas are ever-present. The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless lessons on leadership, duty, and righteousness that are incredibly relevant to modern management.

One of the critical challenges for today’s leaders is to address the doubts and concerns of the Arjunas within their teams. This requires open communication, empathy, and a commitment to personal development. Leaders must not only provide direction but also inspire and motivate by setting an example.

Likewise, transforming the Sanjayas within the organization requires fostering a deeper sense of connection and purpose. Leaders must ensure that the company’s vision and values are not just words on a wall but are actively lived and communicated with passion and conviction.

The Dhritarashtras of the corporate world pose a significant challenge. Their blindness to anything beyond their interests can lead to poor decision-making and a toxic work culture. Addressing this requires a systemic change in how performance and success are defined and rewarded. Organizations must prioritize long-term vision, ethical behavior, and the collective good over short-term gains and individual success.

Finally, to find and cultivate more Hanumans, organizations must foster a culture of trust, respect, and shared purpose. When employees feel truly valued and see a clear alignment between their personal values and those of the organization, they are more likely to be deeply engaged and committed.

Who Are You in This Corporate Battlefield?

As you reflect on your role in this corporate battlefield, remember that growth comes from self-awareness and a commitment to align actions with values. Are you willing to transform from a doubter or a detached participant into a devoted and purposeful leader, much like Hanuman?

In navigating this journey, may we all strive to be more like Arjuna and Hanuman in our commitment to a higher purpose.