Last week I was sitting with a friend of mine, Muulraj Chheda. We were discussing strategies on how to raise productivity in his company, especially with his team and employees. Muulraj works in the energy sector, and manages various projects.
However, our discussion led to a different topic when he said: “Radha, at times when we ‘discuss’ strategies, something in me opens up and I am able to tap a knowledge base I was not even aware of.”
He continued: “Probably I had it in my subconscious mind but, as we discuss things, it comes back to me.”
After that conversation, I went back to Kautilya’s Arthashastra and found this verse where Chanakya said: “Being constant–this is an excellence of an ally” (6.1.12)
The verse, together with my friend’s observations, taught me two things: First, you don’t need an expert around to consult, since even friends will do. Second, you need friends who are a constant part of your life.
It opened up a whole new world for me: How to work as a consultant, as a friend, even being regular in meeting up with your friends–for that’s the real secret of success.
A consultant cannot be somebody who becomes higher than a person. Rather, he has to be equal to a person.
Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian management thinker, author, and Founder of Atma Darshan and Chanakya Aanvikshiki. Dr Pillai has extensively researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the 3rd century BC treatise and incorporated it into modern management.
Comments