Book Summary:
Management styles might change, but the fundamental principles remain the same. Whether it is the government of a vast empire, corporate governance, running a small business, or even managing the household affairs, some basic concepts apply across all levels. Chanakya or Kautilya was an outstanding strategist and brilliant manager and is known to have helped in establishing a huge empire.
He was a genius for spotting potential, and nurturing and moulding it. His genius for planning and his farsightedness helped elevate young Chandragupta to the status of an emperor, the first of a mighty new dynasty. Could this genius be applied to today’s business management field? The author of Corporate Chanakya thinks so. He has compiled a huge number of Chanakya’s aphorisms and has explained how they can be applied in the corporate framework.
Corporate Chanakya is divided into three sections. These focus on leadership, management, and training. The author has chosen appropriate sutras from the Arthashastra to illustrate important concepts that apply to each section. Chanakya was an extremely pragmatic man who went straight to the heart of any situation and analyzed it before devising any plans. This is an important advice for corporate executives who devise strategies. The author advises managers to clearly analyze, visualize and map out the details before taking action.
Corporate Chanakya describes the attributes of a leader, and it singles out energy as one of the most important of the required traits of a leader. A leader who is listless and apathetic will not succeed in inspiring anyone. On the other hand, a leader who is clear in his vision, is enthusiastic about it, believes in it, and himself works for it will succeed in convincing his people to follow his lead with equal enthusiasm.
The book provides practical advice for all levels of businesses. It provides tips on the qualities to look for in choosing the appropriate persons to fill positions at various levels. The book contains advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced managers. It also contains a section on business ethics and quotes a lot of Chanakya’s sutras to show that the ancient wisdom expressed by the brilliant thinker is not dated and can still be of practical use.
Book Details:
Title: Corporate Chanakya
Author: RashaKrishnan Pillai
Publisher: Jaico
ISBN-10: 8184951337
ISBN-13: 9788184951332
Year of Publication: 2010
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 340
MRP: 295
Interview with RadhaKrishnan Pillai
http://www.spectralhues.com/book-world/2012/05/exclusive-interview-with-best-selling-author-radhakrishnan-pillai/
Summary: The book is a comprehensive study of leadership and management skills of Chanakya.