39.1 Kingship (Leadership)
Question:
Who is the best among the kings?
Answer:
He who possesses these six things, an
army, citizenry, economic resources,
ministers, friends, and fortresses, is a
lion among the kings. (Couplet – 381)
படைகுடி கூழ்அமைச்சு
நட்பரண் ஆறும்
உடையான் அரசருள்
ஏறு. (குறள் – 381)
Explanation:
It is evident that to be effective, a king must have an army,
citizens, wealth, and council of ministers. It is an additional asset to have
friends who will support him when needed. Having fortresses is also a must for his
own safety and defense. It is interesting to note that what Valluvar considers
important to a king also applies to a CEO of an organization. In the case of a
CEO, the army could be interpreted as competent staff and the citizenry as
customers. The economic resource is a common necessity both for a king as well
as the CEO. Senior staff such as the vice presidents and the consultants for
the CEO serve the same function as the ministers do for a king. In the case of
the CEO, a friend can be interpreted as the other friendly organizations and
contractors whom the CEO can count for support. Finally, in the case of the
CEO, a strong legal team, and proper procedures to safeguard against a hostile
takeover would be like the fortresses in the case of a king.
