Is it possible to be both ethical and successful in today’s world? If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that, I'd probably be on a yacht somewhere, ethically sipping a piña colada. But let's face it, in today's cutthroat environment, many believe you have to choose between doing what's right and getting ahead. It's like being at a buffet where you think you can only pick salad or dessert. But what if I told you that you could have both?
Hi, I'm Jitendra, and I teach leadership lessons from ancient texts that help you achieve success while staying true to your values. And no, this isn't some infomercial where I try to sell you a magic potion brewed by monks atop a mystical mountain. This is about real strategies rooted in timeless wisdom—specifically from the Mahabharata—that prove ethics and success can go hand-in-hand.
The False Dilemma: Ethics vs. Success
Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room—or should I say, the elephant balancing on a tightrope while juggling flaming torches. That's how many leaders feel today when trying to balance ethics and success. The common narrative suggests that to climb the corporate ladder, you need to step on a few fingers—or toes—along the way. But this line of thinking is about as outdated as dial-up internet.
Analogy Time: Imagine playing a game of chess where the only strategy you know is to sacrifice all your pawns to save the queen. Sure, you might keep the queen alive for a few more moves, but eventually, you'll find yourself outnumbered and outmaneuvered. In leadership, sacrificing your ethics for short-term gains is like sacrificing your pawns—you lose the foundational pieces that support long-term success.
Lessons from the Mahabharata: The Original Leadership Manual
The Mahabharata isn't just an ancient epic filled with gods, wars, and moral dilemmas; it's a treasure trove of leadership lessons that are incredibly relevant today. Leaders like Bhishma and Krishna exemplified how standing by one's values isn't just noble—it's effective.
Bhishma's Commitment: Bhishma took a vow of lifelong celibacy to ensure his father's happiness and the kingdom's stability. Talk about commitment! His unwavering dedication to his principles earned him immense respect, even among his adversaries.
Krishna's Guidance: Krishna, serving as Arjuna's charioteer and advisor, emphasized the importance of doing one's duty without attachment to the results. He didn't say, "Hey Arjuna, maybe cheat a little to win this war." Instead, he advocated for righteous action aligned with one's core values.
These leaders didn't see ethics and success as mutually exclusive. Instead, they viewed integrity as the bedrock upon which lasting success is built.
Why Integrity Builds Trust—and Trust Builds Success
In a world where fake news spreads faster than a cat video goes viral, trust is the most valuable currency. When you lead with integrity, you build trust among your team, customers, and stakeholders. And trust isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it's a tangible asset that can make or break your success.
Analogy Time: Think of trust as the Wi-Fi signal in a coffee shop. You don't see it, but you definitely know when it's there—and when it's not. A strong signal (trust) keeps everyone connected and things running smoothly. A weak signal leads to frustration, miscommunication, and a lot of people ready to take their laptops elsewhere.
How to Lead Ethically Without Losing Your Edge
So, how do you navigate the tightrope of ethics and success without falling into the abyss of compromise?
1. Define Your Core Values
Know what you stand for before you're tested. It's like having a GPS for your moral compass. When the road gets tricky, your values will guide you. Write them down, memorize them, maybe even get them tattooed (okay, maybe not that last one).
2. Communicate Them Clearly
Let your team and stakeholders know what you stand for. This isn't the time to be mysterious like some caped crusader lurking in the shadows. Be transparent about your values and expectations.
3. Align Every Decision with Those Values
This is where the rubber meets the road—or where the ethical leader meets the quarterly report. When faced with tough choices, refer back to your core values. If a decision compromises them, it's not the right move, no matter how tempting the short-term gains may be.
The Long Game: Why Ethics Lead to Sustainable Success
Shortcuts might get you ahead temporarily, like cutting in line at a concert. Sure, you might get a better view for a song or two, but eventually, security (or karma) will catch up with you. Leading with ethics isn't about instant gratification; it's about building a legacy.
Companies and leaders who prioritize integrity often outperform those who don't. Customers are more loyal, employees are more engaged, and stakeholders are more supportive when they trust that you're committed to doing the right thing.
Sign Off
If you're tired of feeling like you have to choose between being a good person and a successful leader, it's time for a change. The wisdom of the Mahabharata shows us that ethics and success aren't just compatible—they're inseparable for true, lasting achievement.
PS
Subscribe to my Substack for regular insights, tips, and perhaps the occasional bad joke about leadership and ethics. Trust me; it's more enlightening than your boss's Monday morning pep talks.
In a world where it feels like ethics are optional, let's be the leaders who prove that doing the right thing is the smartest strategy of all. After all, why settle for half the pie when you can have your cake and eat it too?
Share this post