Anindya Dasgupta

In leadership, much is said about strategy and vision, but one of the most overlooked qualities of great leaders is genuine care for their teams. Drawing lessons from Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, we see how care—when paired with listening and guidance—can transform relationships and unlock a team’s potential. Krishna’s approach wasn’t just about offering advice; it was about stepping into a role of selfless service, taking on discomfort and risk to support Arjuna. Leaders who care in this way foster trust, loyalty, and a stronger sense of purpose within their teams. Caring starts with listening. Krishna patiently heard Arjuna’s fears without judgment, creating a safe space for him to voice his doubts. For leaders, this means being present and empathetic, truly understanding team members’ challenges before offering solutions. But listening alone isn’t enough—what sets exceptional leaders apart is their willingness to act. Krishna’s care extended beyond words; he became Arjuna’s charioteer, enduring physical hardship to guide and protect him. Similarly, leaders must show care through actions, whether by advocating for their teams, sharing burdens, or stepping in during critical moments. True care also requires humility. Despite his divine status, Krishna took on the role of a charioteer, a position of service and vulnerability. For leaders, this means setting aside ego and being willing to take on tasks that may not be glamorous but are essential for the team’s success. When leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams over their own comfort, they inspire respect and commitment. Importantly, caring as a leader isn’t about expecting something in return. Krishna’s service to Arjuna was unconditional—he supported him even when Arjuna doubted himself. Leaders who care unconditionally create an environment where team members feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. This trust and psychological safety lead to higher engagement, innovation, and resilience. Finally, care is about empowering others to succeed. Krishna’s ultimate goal was to help Arjuna find clarity and confidence to fulfill his purpose. Leaders, too, must balance support with accountability, guiding their teams toward growth while ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive. When leaders genuinely care, they don’t just manage tasks—they inspire their teams to achieve their best. In a world focused on metrics and results, caring leadership might seem intangible, but it’s the foundation of sustainable success. Leaders who prioritize care build teams that are not only high-performing but also deeply connected and motivated. So, the question for leaders is simple: How are you showing your team that you care? Courtesy : Weekly lectures of My Guru Param Karuna Madhav Das Prabhuji...

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India must build global brands Why hasn't it done it so far? I wrote this article for Outlook Business Business for their Independence day issue. The issue got delayed / whatever and the article appeared this week. In this article I use Kantar data to show that for a $4 Trillion economy,we need more brands. What is the shift we need? 1.We have been a large, protected, license led domestic market for most of the 78 years. 2. Indian owners need Brand ambition as much as business ambition. A brand ambition must go beyond a family name and legacy. 3. A lot of our past innovation has been import substitution led and not value improvement led. 4. We valued information over insight. Brands are built on insights. 5. We have had more of trading genes than creator genes. 6. Indian Premier League India and Indian School of Business are definitely two global brands we have created in the last 20 years and full credit to the two institutions. 7. India must pivot to design and sensory thinking if it wants to create global brands. 8. We were not that integrated into the global market, today we are at the core. India has soft power, which will be enhanced by building more Indian brands in the future. shiv www.shivshivakumar.com

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