The Leadership Sutra by Devdutt Pattanaik

"The Leadership Sutra" by Devdutt Pattanaik -  An Indian approach to power.

This book is published by Aleph book company in 2016 and has 149 pages. 

This book is filled with lessons and insights into management,  business and the creation of wealth and success. However the key differentiator is that rather than using modern theories and models,  author has used tales and anecdotes from Hindu mythology to make his point. 

Lion is a symbol of power and domination. That's why it has been a symbol of kings from England to India to China. Leaders often equate themselves with lion,  but the real leader is the one who outgrows the lion within. 

Author makes key differentiation:

1. Shakti & Durga: Shakti is inner power. Personality, resilience,  personal skills are your Shakti's. Durga is external power, either acquired or conferred. Rules against discrimination, position in hierarchy, authority are your Durga's.

2.Aukat and Izzat: Aukaat is status and prestige, Izzat is respect and acknowledgement. We seek izzat of what we believe is our aukaat.
3. Maya and Satya: Both are truths. Maya is a comparison with or measurement of something, it can be judged. Satya is truth by itself, it's absolute. 
4. Prakriti and Sanskriti: Prakriti is materialworld, where rules do not apply and Sanskriti is culture, where rules apply. We control Prakriti with Sanskriti. Eventually, Prakriti wins over Sanskriti and new civilization is born.
5. Property and Territory: Property is something you possess, something you can bequeath to children and loved ones. Territory can't be stolen. You have to fight for it. That's why there is territory in jungle and property (supported by rules) in civilization.

He discusses how material things are coveted because they establish social hierarchy and pecking order. That's why Kaurav chose Narayani sena over Narayan. Tangible over intangible. 

Author gives examples from stories from Purana as well as modern day corporate examples to explain his points and concepts. Thus he easily connects with the reader. This makes the book unique. It is a confluence of modern Leadership and ancient Hindu principle of Leadership, essentially, emphasizing that the principle is same,  only the context has changed. Author stays true to the book title which says it is an Indian approach to power.

The book is interspersed with signature sketches, tables and mind maps hand drawn by author Devdutt Pattanaik. It's a good compact book. 

Why did I read this book? Author, Context.  

What did I like?  Concepts.  

What I didn't like?  Nothing really. 

Recommend reading if the subject interests you.