Bhagwad Gita offers unique management lessons for contemporary times. The write-up highlights a few insights for management. The table below presents some of shlok with their relevance.

Shlok Managerial Learning
इदं शरीरं कौन्तेय क्षेत्रमित्यभिधीयते |
एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहुः क्षेत्रज्ञ इति तद्विदः ॥१३.१॥
This body is known as kshetra and one who knows it is kshetragya.प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः। अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते ॥३-२७॥
All actions are performed by three attributes of nature – sat, raj and tamas. But the person who considers himself the ‘doer’ is ignorant of this truth. 		 Research and Knowledge –

 

A manager is expected to be aware of self, organization and the economic scenario. Hence, should be deeply involved in learning process. This awareness may bring accolades and good fortune for him, therefore there are high chances of ego and other vices taking over. In this case, one should understand that these are acts of three attributes of nature and one should not ignorant and remain humble.
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया।
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥ ४.३४॥
श्रद्धावाँल्लभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेन्द्रियः ।
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शान्तिमचिरेणाधिगच्छति ॥ ४.३९॥
अज्ञश्र्चाश्रद्धानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति । नायंलोकोsस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः ॥ ४.४०॥Explaining the process of knowing Bhagwan says, curiosity is essential for knowledge and one should reach out to experts and ask respectfully. Further he clears that faith is essential for knowledge to happen as suspicion leads to destruction of self.		 This explains the process of knowing wherein manager has to ensure that he keeps observing, remains curious as well as humble and does not lead to self-destruction and harm of the organization.

 
ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम् ।
ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना ॥४-२४॥
Every action, actor, object, subject, result all are the formless energy (god) in themselves. Self-reflection and introspection.		 These ideas help one, see oneness in everything and sacredness in each and every element of universe. So, that manager keeps humble and contributing in healthy competition.

 
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः ।
अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च ॥१०-२०॥
Bhagwan says, I am omnipresent – residing in all elements of nature. I am the origin, present and the end.श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह: ॥३.३५॥
Following one’s duties and responsibilities is greatest act which liberates one from fear and to die for it is preferred as other things will cause insecurity. 		 These feelings ensure that one does not resort to unethical practices as considering benefit of each and everyone and growth for all.The shloks highlights the importance of following the responsibilities and duties ethically.

 
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥२-४७॥
One should focus on putting best possible, and not consider oneself as the “doer”. Also one should not lead to status of inaction.		  

This principle is essential for immunity from unwanted pressures, depression and status of helplessness. One should keep putting best of his efforts for contributing the best to society.