It's all about strategic intent

                                 It's all about strategic intent

With ten heads, twenty arms, a flying chariot and a palace of gold, Ravan has been one of the most flamboyant villains of the Hindu mythology. Then what's the reason behind burning his effigy every autumn. And how can we take a management lesson from the same. Let's take a deep dive into Ravan's life to be a better manager in the 21st century.

From our childhood most of us emulate Lord Rama. But we seldom pay notice to what Ravan was. Ravan the grandson of the great sage Pulatsya, one of the seven sons of the creator Lord Brahma.

Rudra Strota, scripture written in praise of Lord Shiva was composed by the same evil Ravan. In addition, Ravan, a great musician first made the Rudra Veena from one of his heads and hands.

These things show a somewhat opposite image of Ravan what we mostly know about. But the biggest thing is if Ravan was such a talented person then what for we worship lord Ram.

Ram, a simple, ascetic man devoid of all the pomposity yet worshiped till date. The simple reason behind all this is Ram's strategic intent. In other words how strategically he wove the fabric of his life with his ethics,truth,empathy,team spirit and a clear path of life. Because in the long term it is the strength of this fabric that matters.

 In modern times, managers may get dazzled by the Blackberries,the Porsches and the riches in the short run but it's what creates a Ravan within us. And in order to be revered as a modern Ram in managing arena one needs to engineer simplicity with a clear vision to succeed.That's the strategy Michael Porter also talks about. So develop a positive strategic intent in life and have a real break.