There is an episode in Mahabharatha where Arjunan and Duryodhanan goes to seek the help of Krishna prior to the Kurukshetra war. Seeing both of them together, Krishan gives them an offer. Either take me, but I will not use the weapon but shall be giving advice alone or alternatively take my 10,000 strong army of Yadava warriors who are reknowned for their valour.
Arjunan being the younger of the two was given the first choice. Without hesitating he chose Krishna. Duryodhanan was only too happy to get 10,000 warriors.
From a conventional management angle, it would look, as it did to Duryodhanan, that he got the better deal, for resources are what wins the war in the end.
But one should never underestimate the power of knowledge management and knowledge capital. Krishna epitomises all the knowledge of this world. Also one has to remember that Krishna is a top strategist. He is also a superb crisis manager and a skilled at diplomacy. . A man of his stature is an asset beyond comparison.
Duryodhana was wrong to gloat. He thought that physical might is anyday better than brainpower. He was happy with brawn over brain. Posterity will tell you that Arjuna's decision of choosing Krishna was correct. It was Krishna who through Gita showed the right way to Arjuna prior to the war. It was Krishna who told Yudhishtira to tell a half lie that led to the great man Dronacharya, who was playing havoc with pandava army, keeping down his weapon enabling Drishtadhyumna to kill him. It was he who spotted the flaw in Bhishma and asked Arjunan to have Shikhandi with him in the chariot, knowing that Bhishma wont fight with a eunuch. It was again Krishna who covered the sun with his chakra, creating an illusion of nighfall, when Arjunan was desperate to find and kill Jayadradhan before sunset to keep his vow. Krishna also sent Ghatothkachan to fight Karnan which forced Karnan to use his special spear on him that can be used only once and which he had reserved for Arjunan. This saved Arjunans life. Finally, it was Krishna, who by patting on his thigh indicated to Bhiman to target Duryodhanans thigh in their final duel.
Great leaders are those who make the right decisions. Arjunan made the right choice.
Never underestimate the power of intelligence, knowledge and human capital.
I have always held Krishna as the first Strategic Management Consultant ever. Would you not agree with me?
