A leader is trained in a different manner. Many assume that leadership is about skills. Communication skills, financial skills, ability to give motivational speeches, having a charismatic personality, outward appearances among others.
To some extent all this is fine. Yet, the development of the inner personality is more important than the outer personality. One of the most important aspects of training of a leader is to create a learning ability and love for knowledge.
Chanakya says, “(From) Continuous study ensures a trained intellect, from intellect (comes) practical application, (and) from practical application (results) self- possession.” (1.5.16).
Chanakya has given us a three-step process to make a leader an intelligent and successful one. If one follows the above method from Arthashastra anyone can become an ‘ideal leader’.
Continuous study
Those who want to be leaders have to give utmost importance to study. Not just during the full-time student days, but as a lifelong habit. In the current generation it has become a habit to study only for exams. Our education system has become like an examination system.
But, a good student loves reading and learning irrespective if it is exam time or not. The word used here is ‘continuous’ study. It is like sharpening the axe on a regular basis. Without it, the woodcutter will never be effective. Similarly, a leader should always have an attitude like a student.
According to Arthashastra, a king has to study every day for three hours. It is part of the daily routine of a leader. One may wonder, for busy schedule, the king has, how can he study for three hours? How can one take out that much time for studies? In reality, it has to been seen differently: “If the leader does not study for three hours, he will not be productive for the next twenty-one hours of a day.” Studies are a must at the leadership level. Leaders are readers.
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.
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