Vishnu—Leadership and the Balance of Chaos and Order

The Preserver Who Guides the Churning Process

Introduction: This is the second article in our three-part series exploring how the ancient Hindu myth of Samudra Manthan reveals surprising parallels with corporate life. In the first article, we discussed how the Asuras (Sales Team) and Devas (Operations/Compliance Teams) represent the forces of disruption and stability, respectively, driving growth and maintaining order within an organization.

Today, we turn our focus to Vishnu—the preserver and strategic leader who ensures that these opposing forces work in harmony. Vishnu’s role is critical: without his guidance, the churning process could easily descend into chaos.

The Role of Vishnu in Samudra Manthan

In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is not just a passive observer; he is the mastermind behind the cosmic churning. During Samudra Manthan, Vishnu orchestrates the entire process, from initiating the churning to intervening when things go awry. He plays a crucial role in ensuring that the efforts of the Asuras and Devas yield positive results, ultimately guiding the process toward the discovery of Amrita (nectar of immortality).

In the corporate world, leadership plays a similar role. Leaders, like Vishnu, must navigate the complexities of balancing aggressive growth with the need for stability. They must make strategic decisions about when to push forward and when to pull back, ensuring that the organization stays on course.

Leadership as Vishnu in Corporate Life

In any organization, leadership is the force that maintains balance between the creative chaos of the Sales Team (Asuras) and the structured approach of Operations and Compliance (Devas). Here’s how leadership embodies Vishnu’s qualities:

• Guiding the Churn: Just as Vishnu manages the churning process, leaders must guide their teams through the ups and downs of business dynamics. They ensure that the energy generated by the Sales Team’s bold moves is directed towards sustainable growth.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Leadership involves knowing when to let the Sales Team take the lead and when to empower the Operations Team. During times of market expansion, leaders might prioritize risk-taking and aggressive sales strategies. In contrast, during periods of consolidation or crisis, the focus shifts to compliance and efficiency.

The Supporting Forces—Vasuki and Mount Mandara

Beyond leadership, two symbolic elements play supporting roles in the churning process:

• Vasuki (Infrastructure and Systems): Vasuki, the serpent used as the churning rope, symbolizes the underlying systems and infrastructure that hold an organization together. These are the technologies, processes, and frameworks that enable the push and pull between different teams.
• Mount Mandara (Core Vision and Mission): Mount Mandara, the mountain used as the churning rod, symbolizes the core vision and mission of the organization. It serves as the guiding force that aligns the efforts of different teams, just as the mountain provided the necessary pivot for the churning process. It keeps the organization focused on its ultimate goals, ensuring that all actions contribute to the greater purpose.

Vishnu’s Balancing Act—Adapting to Market Conditions

Vishnu’s strength lies in his adaptability. He knows when to empower each force, making decisions based on the organization’s current needs and external market conditions. This ability to pivot between growth and stability is what sets effective leaders apart.

• Letting the Asuras Lead: During high-growth phases, leaders may prioritize aggressive sales tactics, new market entries, and innovation, allowing the Asuras (Sales Team) to take charge.
• Empowering the Devas: Conversely, when market conditions demand caution, leaders shift focus to efficiency, compliance, and internal stability, putting the Devas (Operations) in control.

Conclusion

Vishnu’s role as the preserver is vital in keeping the organization balanced and focused. Leadership, much like Vishnu, must navigate the complex interplay between growth and stability, making strategic decisions that guide the company toward success.

In the final article of this series, we’ll explore the roles of Shiva and Brahma—the crisis managers and innovators who shape the future. How do these forces handle transformation and creation in a corporate context? Stay tuned to find out.

Follow me for the next instalment and discover more about how mythology can provide valuable lessons for modern business.