IIM Lucknow students got dharma-based management mantras from author and management guru Gurcharan Das.
Das drew examples from the Mahabharat to illustrate subtle nuances of dharma, and its implication for business in today's context.
Copies of Das' book "The Difficulty of
Being Good" were distributed among the students.
The author said intelligence is overrated in today's world and the three essential qualities for a leader are determination or will power; humility but not lack of ambition; and integrity.
Citing examples of dharma or doing one's duty, loyalty or righteousness and compassion from the Mahabharat, Das said, "Leaders face moral dilemmas throughout their career. Their choices and the motivation behind their decision define their character."
On wrongdoing, Das said, dharma dictates that half the punishment should be given to the person committing the crime, a quarter to the allies, and the remaining quarter to those who remain silent.
The author said the biggest problem in society today is that our leaders remain silent even when people are full of anger over so many problems.
An open house and a question-answer session followed his address.
Das was CEO of Procter & Gamble India and later became managing director, Procter & Gamble Worldwide (strategic planning).