In Kautilya’s Arthashastra, a king’s manager is referred to as an Amatya. He is a very important person. In the verse below, Chanakya gives us an idea of the right attitude and mental framework with which a manager should work.
He says: “He should turn away from another frightful (words by the king), and should not himself use frightful words to another, and should tolerate (such words) addressed to himself, being full of forbearance like the earth.” (5.4.15)
The following three cases, along with their solutions, illustrate this verse:
Case 1: The king (your boss) fires you
Solution: There are times when even the best of bosses fire you. The reasons may or may not be known to you. You should turn away from “another frightful” exchange of words.
This means that, if your boss is expressing his anger, it necessarily need not be towards you. Secondly, do not react with thoughts like “I will leave this job”, or “How can my boss do this after 20 years of dedication?” etc.
Just keep calm and let time pass. Then, with a cool head, analyse why he or she said what was said. It was probably a continuation of some previous event that affected his behaviour. Or, it could be that you did not do something expected of you.
Once you understand the reason, it will be easy to take action. If it was your mistake, then correct it and only then go back to the boss. Just go at a later stage (“turn away from… frightful” words).
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