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.

GURUS OR TEACHERS

World over, and especially in India, teachers play a very important role in a person’s life. We may call them our spiritual gurus or religious guides.

Whatever they may be known as, seek their opinion when you are in any moral dilemma. By virtue of their experience and value of their guidance, these people can highly influence a powerful person’s thinking.

FRIENDS

Finally, we have the group of old friends that any powerful person spends his time with. In the Arthashastra, these were called Mitra. A leader has to be very careful in selecting a friend, for there are good and bad people out there.

After all, these people will become the king’s men, and will become more powerful than the king himself.

Remember: “Power can destroy, and power can create. But the question is to understand who really influences the powerful people.”

(Radhakrishnan Pilai is a ‘strategic leadership’ trainer and consultant and also the Director of SPM FOUNDATION, the vision of which is to bring back ancient Indian knowledge in modern day applications. Can be contacted at rchanakyapillai@spmfoundation.in)

The above article can be found on line – click here:
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=5&contentid=2008102720081027030137327be6aa058#

FOR AN E COURSE ON KAUTILYA’S ARTHASHASRTRA http://www.indiayogi.com/courses/sw/workshop4.asp

LISTEN TO RADHAKRISHNAN ‘CHANAKYA’ PILLAI ON RADIO
Every week on the show ‘Ask Chanakya’ (Sunday 11-12 noon & Friday 9-10 pm Indian Time) on Moksha channel no 602 of Worldspace satellite radio. For details click below http://www.worldspace.in/askchanakya/index.html

FOR GOING TO SPIRITUAL TOURS www.atmadarshan.com