I was once conducting a workshop on strategy for a group of chairmen of various companies. I asked them, “Who according to you is the most powerful?” Most replied that it would be a person holding a high position, like the president, chairman of a large company, etc.
But when we went into a deeper analysis, we all ended up agreeing that it’s the ‘chair’, or the position a person holds that represents true power, and not necessarily the person himself.
We also referred to a verse from the Arthashastra: “He who sees policies as being interdependent plays as he pleases, with kings tied by the chains of their intellect.” (7.18.44)
Ever notice the secretaries, PAs and even key ministers who keep buzzing around VVIPs? These are the people who can guide and control power, even when they are not in powerful positions themselves.
These men, through their ‘sharp intellect’, guide kings and leaders. But they have not gained their proximity to the highly visible public figures just like that.
Rather, these people were already connected to the rising stars in various roles. Still, it’s vital that their choice is finalised carefully.
Advisors
No powerful person will take any decision without the consent of his advisors. These advisors are always present behind the scenes and may be hardly noticed in public.
But an advice can make or break any king. These advisors can turn the way a nation or organisation runs. So it’s important that one is guided by good experts in each field for effective decision-making.
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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