Righteous conduct is the root of happiness. The company and its CEO/board of directors must know their dharma (proper duty) since all its functions bring happiness when done according to proper knowledge of dharma.
Consider the story of Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. When he took over the reins in 2014, Microsoft was seen as a stagnant giant. Nadella’s approach was grounded in empathy, inclusiveness, and ethical leadership. He shifted the company’s focus to cloud computing, embraced open-source software, and fostered a growth mindset among employees. This strategy, deeply rooted in the dharma of innovation and customer-centricity, revitalized Microsoft, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Contrast this with the fall of Enron. Once a giant in the energy sector, Enron’s leadership engaged in unethical accounting practices to hide the company’s financial losses. This blatant disregard for ethical conduct, or dharma, led to its catastrophic collapse in 2001. Thousands of employees lost their jobs and life savings, and the scandal had far-reaching impacts on the business world, leading to stricter regulations and oversight.
These examples underscore the importance of dharma in corporate leadership. A leader who understands and practices their duty can steer their company towards success and long-term sustainability. Conversely, neglecting ethical principles can lead to downfall and disaster.
As you reflect on these stories, what other examples can you think of where leadership guided by dharma led to significant positive outcomes? Or perhaps where a lack of ethical conduct led to failure? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss how we can apply these lessons in today’s business landscape.