When Arjuna, the great warrior, is paralyzed by confusion on the battlefield, Lord Krishna steps forward to explain his core responsibilities. He states, “Everyone must act as per their natural Sva Dharma (one's own duty). The warrior’s duty is to fight, and to fight for a right and just cause.”
The Lord then goes on to explain that even he, the creator and preserver of the universe, must continuously act. Though complete and perfect in every sense, even the divine cannot avoid action.
Why is that? Why does a leader at the absolute top need to act?
Lord Krishna explains that the community always follows its leaders. Whatever role model of leadership is defined by those in power, the rest will naturally replicate. In modern corporate terms, organizational culture is entirely mirror-driven; a team's execution and ethics are a direct reflection of its executive leadership.
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If the leader is grounded in values, the community becomes values-driven.
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If the leader promotes clean and hygienic living, the environment becomes pristine.
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If the leader is honest, the rest of the organization operates with integrity.
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If the leader works hard and devotes themselves to their duties, every professional in the ecosystem elevates their output.
Therefore, because he is the ultimate role model, he must act to demonstrate that executing one's duty through Nishkama Karma (action without desire for personal results) is the definitive example to be set for everyone.
How to Set the Benchmark for Your Team
As a corporate leader, what is the exact operational blueprint you are modeling for your organization today? Here are high-impact actions you can take to set the right example:
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Practice W.A.I.T. (Why Am I Talking?): Deploy this rule in your daily meetings. Encourage everyone else to speak first, ask insightful questions, and drive full participation. By choosing to speak last, you capture diverse ideas, make better strategic decisions, and ensure your team feels genuinely included.
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Practice Deep Listening: Put your phone down, close your laptop, and listen fully to what your people have to say. Ask follow-up questions and hear their answers out completely—both regarding their immediate work challenges and their broader life contexts. This builds unshakeable corporate bonds.
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Model a Strong Work Ethic: Lead from the front lines. Set a benchmark of focus, commitment, and dedication that inspires your team to match your velocity.
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Embrace Humility (Clean the Dishes): Wipe down the whiteboard, pick up the remaining papers after a meeting, or write up the alignment notes. No task is too small or beneath a true leader.
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Prioritize Punctuality: Be explicitly on time and show up prepared. Respecting your team’s calendar sets a baseline of professionalism for the entire firm.
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Maintain Politeness under Pressure: Speak softly, remain calm, and use constructive, positive language. Your emotional regulation dictates the climate of the room.
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Do What Makes the Boat Go Faster: Be ready to roll up your sleeves, jump into the trenches, and help your team solve operational roadblocks whenever they arise.
The Charioteer Framework
Remember, in the epic war of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna could have single-handedly defeated every adversary on the field. Yet, he intentionally chose the humble role of a mere charioteer. He did this because his true objective was to coach, guide, and empower Arjuna. Krishna knew that by setting the right strategic example, the great archer would find his resolve and inspire his entire team to victory.
Leadership is never about micro-managing or demanding compliance from a distance; it is about modeling the exact behaviors you wish to see. We must act to set the benchmark in our own professional universes.
To discover more timeless frameworks for aligning your daily habits with elite leadership principles, secure your copy of my book, 10X Productive Leader.
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