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Management Principles in Thirukkural |
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Management Principles in Thirukkural
The Thirukkural written by Thiruvalluvar around 60 BC is a classic of couplets orKurals (1330 rhyming Tamil couplets) contains many invaluable nuggets of management wisdom amongst many other topics. It is considered as one of thefirst code books on ethics and covers almost all topics related to everyday humanlife including topics like Anger, Self-Control, Agriculture, Begging, Self-Respect,Enmity, Perseverance, Mercy and a plethora of other topics. Thirukkural is also oneof the favourites of our dear ex-President A P J Kalam. He quotes extensively fromthe Thirukkural at any opportunity.Here I attempt to present some of the wisdom the great sage has passed on to usin the perspective of modern business management, useful both to managementstudents as well as people engaged in modern corporate affairs.1.
1. On the Power of Virtue -He who suffers no day to passunimproved, but continually does some good, such conduct, will bea stone to stop the approach of other births.
We need to constantly evolve and continuously improve but mostimportantly do good for others in our daily life. This creates goodwill whichis extremely important in a business situation. Goodwill is one of thecornerstones of a successful business enterprise. It cannot be ignored andits importance cannot be understated. Thus, one needs to continuouslyendeavour to do something good for your co-worker, boss, sub-ordinate,customer, supplier and everybody else.2.
2. On Equity – To incline to neither side, but to rest impartial as theeven fixed scale is the ornament of the wise.
For a manager, to be impartial is one of the greatest virtues. Evenness inyour behaviour in all situations will build respect for you in the hearts of your sub-ordinates. Being just and fair creates a very healthy workenvironment and reduces unwarranted politics.3.
3. On Profitless Conversation – The words without profit or pleasurewhich a man speaks with many persons will have no union withvirtue and will remove him from goodness.
We live in a word-drunken world. In a professional environment, it isessential that we measure our speech. Every word we utter, every sentencewe write can have exemplary effects or disastrous results. Thus, let usmeasure our speech and not indulge in profitless conversation.4.
4. On Kingly Excellence – The whole world will praise and submit itself to the king (manager/ leader) who is easy to access, and whosewords are without harshness.
The CEOs of today can be compared to the kings of yesteryears. As a CEO, aleader of people, one should be easily accessible to anyone. Further,however much one may be under pressure, as the leader of people, oneshould never be harsh or rude. It is the mark of a great king, oops sorry,great CEO.
5. On Learning – Learning is the true imperishable riches; all otherthings are not riches. Letters and numbers are the two eyes of man.
The competitive environment of today’s world compels all of us toconstantly learn and innovate. Our learning and knowledge is the true assetwe own. Everything else is impermanent. So, remember to continuouslyevolve, learn, innovate as that is the only true value you will be able tobring to your professional life.6.
6. On the Knowledge of Resources – The prosperity of him who liveswithout knowing the measure of his property will vanish away andperish, even while it seems to continue.
Managing an enterprise is toknow at any given time how much one owns, how much spends and onwhat. Keeping an eye on the numbers is extremely essential and is one of the most neglected aspects of modern corporate behaviour. Have a superioraccounts and finance monitoring system and constantly keep a tab on yourincome and expenses.7.
7. On Employment – After having considered "this man can accomplishthis, by these means", let the king (manager/ leader) leave himwith the discharge of that duty.
We need to evaluate very strictly what we want from our team membersusing the interviewing process and once that is done and the requisitetraining is given, leave them to do their best. Do not interfere. There are many more but I have selected only some. It is admirable and awe-inspiring that 2000 years ago, our sage has created rules that are true andrelevant even today, especially in a management setting.
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| by Swathi on 02 Mar 2024 0 Comments | ||||||||
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