60.1 Energy

 60.1 Energy

 

Question:

What is the ideal possession that one could possess?

 

Energy is the ideal possession that one could possess, and all other

possessions are not real possessions.                                           (Couplet – 591)

உடைமை எனப்படுவது ஊக்கம் அஃதுஇல்லார்

          உடையது உடையரோ மற்று.                                     (குறள் - 591)

Explanation:

Energy is the strength and vitality required for sustained physical and mental activity. It is the energy that enables one to achieve one’s goals. In addition to mentioning energy as a prerequisite quality for a leader (Couplet 382), Valluvar has a chapter (Chapter 60) on energy and its importance for one and all. According to Valluvar, energy is the ideal possession that one could possess, and all other possessions are not real possessions (Couplet 591). In other words, one with energy can obtain and retain his wealth and other things of value under all circumstances. In couplet 594, Valluvar adds that success and wealth will seek their way to the one with the inflexible will and unfailing energy.

 

A practical application of Valluvar’s ideas on energy can be seen in the management philosophy of Jack Welch, the legendary Chief Executive Officer of the General Electric Company (GE). He had devised a system of 4E’s and followed it meticulously to achieve phenomenal success at GE. According to Jeffrey A. Krames, the author of “Jack Welch and 4E’s of Leadership”, it all begins with energy. Leaders must have other strengths, such as intelligence and decision-making ability, but it is energy that converts good ideas into measurable performance. Jack Welch’s 4E system consists of the following four basic principles: 1) leader has energy; 2) leader energizes others; 3) leader has the competitive edge and 4) the leader executes. Jack Welch’s successful application of the system of 4E shows the wisdom of Valluvar in espousing energy as an essential quality for achieving success.