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How to take decisions
Devdutt Pattanaik is an acclaimed business thinker and strategist. His profound management sutras are derived from his bestselling books on business and management. They show how individuals can realize their potential, create wealth and achieve lasting success by following uniquely Indian principles (based on Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythology) of goal setting, strategic thinking and decision-making.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2016
507 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
287 books3,340 followersDr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 8, 2017
This is a short work on decisions, in the Indian context. Devdutt Pattnaik uses Indian mythology and corporate situations liberally, as is his style. He explains the responsibilities and differences between Yajaman (people who let others choose) , Kartas (people who choose) and Karya-Kartas (people who follow). This is a good read and well worth the 10 minutes you will spend on it.
March 21, 2017
One of the best 10 min read.
It explains the concept of Karma and its relation with decisions we take, in a very practical way through mythological stories, which we all Indian heard while growing up.
It explains the concept of Karma and its relation with decisions we take, in a very practical way through mythological stories, which we all Indian heard while growing up.
August 17, 2018
The exact reason which i was delegated this book, for a better positive thinking but i can for sure not reached me a well positive thinker which feels me put over a little bit pathetic. Anyway coming to the review. I am not the guy to point out the flaws of some great people who afflicts their thoughts through books. This is my opinion which feels me how i felt about book whatever coming to the book.
Which it started from the ramayanam story where sita tended at a cave pursued of laxmana speech do not crossover the line. A hermit comes over sita ask her to help him that he was starving. She carried words of laxmana not crossover the line. Hermit refused of her intake proposal. He demanded to feed him crossing the line inherited of laxman words she had been crossed the line then she found some dread has been happening to her. This was the first example author trying to say how to disclaimer of peeked handling the situation i dont feel this wasn't the best idea to brief. And other more examples he was choosen but non of them justified and provokes me to stop reading
Which it started from the ramayanam story where sita tended at a cave pursued of laxmana speech do not crossover the line. A hermit comes over sita ask her to help him that he was starving. She carried words of laxmana not crossover the line. Hermit refused of her intake proposal. He demanded to feed him crossing the line inherited of laxman words she had been crossed the line then she found some dread has been happening to her. This was the first example author trying to say how to disclaimer of peeked handling the situation i dont feel this wasn't the best idea to brief. And other more examples he was choosen but non of them justified and provokes me to stop reading
June 14, 2019
Lesson with some amazing stories
Author has bring to us some lessons of past in such a different ways where I can relate it to current situations.
I was imagining it would be something like tips or tricks on how to make a decision. But author clarify who we are while handling a situation. Like Karta is one who takes decision which we have heard in commerce tooo. But here it was different everyone can be Karta but it's us who choose to be Karya Karta or sometimes devata.
I loved his interpretation and I would love to recommend it to everyone.
Sometimes the reality is so simple but we ignore it.
Author has bring to us some lessons of past in such a different ways where I can relate it to current situations.
I was imagining it would be something like tips or tricks on how to make a decision. But author clarify who we are while handling a situation. Like Karta is one who takes decision which we have heard in commerce tooo. But here it was different everyone can be Karta but it's us who choose to be Karya Karta or sometimes devata.
I loved his interpretation and I would love to recommend it to everyone.
Sometimes the reality is so simple but we ignore it.
May 6, 2019
Although Devdutt is one of my favorite writers as he puts the context of mythology and gives a new perspective, this book seemed more of a context pre-set then what the title actually says, We might not be getting the whole message as the book is a compilation of excerpts from Business Sutra (As per my understanding) , but anyone looking forward to reading this with expectation to enhancing their decision making skills, this book is not for you.
March 20, 2017
Easy to read but
The book is easy to read with references of hindu mythological stories which is interesting to an extent. Though the stories were entertaining, they failed to create an impression in my mind which I could have probably used to take decisions. Rating this book 3/5.
The book is easy to read with references of hindu mythological stories which is interesting to an extent. Though the stories were entertaining, they failed to create an impression in my mind which I could have probably used to take decisions. Rating this book 3/5.
September 27, 2019
The book can easily pacify a mind agitated by corporate life. A quick read worth the time. I liked analogies present and intrigues me to read the fuller version of Devdutt's other book : Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
September 11, 2019
You can tell short stories and drive home points effectively. Devdutt has mastered this art culling out stories from Indian mythology guiding present day managers and leaders. He is convinced that "good" and "bad" are contextual. Even "Laws by their very nature are arbitrary and depend on context. What one community considers fair, another may not consider to be fair".
November 12, 2018
Great insights
For me, this book connects the past and present. An old tale becomes an eye opener in the present. Well written. His conclusions, shedding light over the least bothered part just provoke my thoughts. Great book. A great fan of the author.
For me, this book connects the past and present. An old tale becomes an eye opener in the present. Well written. His conclusions, shedding light over the least bothered part just provoke my thoughts. Great book. A great fan of the author.
September 13, 2019
The author tries to bring forth the business lessons and strategies using Indian mythology and teachings. The chances of connecting with author are very high since most of the lessons are familiar. The most interesting part is that the author connects the themes with current concepts.
May 24, 2018
Ok
It is an Ok book for one time read. Very small thoug have .need to have more. Thankyou very much. PaaAa
It is an Ok book for one time read. Very small thoug have .need to have more. Thankyou very much. PaaAa
April 12, 2019
Very bad book!
even the author doesn't know what he has to say!!! Recommend a very big NO for this book ! .
even the author doesn't know what he has to say!!! Recommend a very big NO for this book ! .
October 23, 2019
Mythology mixed with management. Gripping, informative and fun to read.
April 1, 2020
The book doesn’t really have much to offer except a few stories from Hindu mythology and the author being a mythologist picked good stories to narrate his point. The book is so short, you hardly feel like you’ve read a book or learnt anything. This is my first book from the author and I really loved his writing style though. I’ll try and read more books from Dev.
October 18, 2020
While it is mostly dull (and challenging) to finish those long self-improvement books, I was attracted to get hold on to this one, due to its length. Yes, it’s a 10 minutes read and food for thought for much longer.
An effortless connection of how “karma” controls our decision making insights. A facile attempt to relate our decision-making instincts to mythological stories, whose foundations are well laid among Indians.
An effortless connection of how “karma” controls our decision making insights. A facile attempt to relate our decision-making instincts to mythological stories, whose foundations are well laid among Indians.
March 3, 2020
Short book packed with great content
I chanced upon this on my wife's kindle, flipped through a few pages, and found it so useful that I bought myself a separate copy. This is a very short book, but lucidly talks about decision making, the different people surrounding a decision and their roles, and also the consequences of a decision. Strongly recommend
I chanced upon this on my wife's kindle, flipped through a few pages, and found it so useful that I bought myself a separate copy. This is a very short book, but lucidly talks about decision making, the different people surrounding a decision and their roles, and also the consequences of a decision. Strongly recommend
November 5, 2018
A quick read connecting the age-old adages from Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata with challenges in taking decisions. The author takes an interesting view of the learnings taken from the epics and demonstrates contemporary case studies where it could be applicable. Author divides humans into four sects basis whether or not they chose to take a decision or just follow orders. Yet, be aware that despite what the name of the book suggests, it is not a cheat code for taking better decisions, rather, it makes the reader aware of universal truths and results that accompany any decision one takes. It also reiterates the fact that rationalizing a decision and its outcome is almost always done in hindsight, what worked wonders for a person may not always repeat neither will it yield a similar result for a second person. Overall a quick light read revealing some interesting facts associated with decision making.
May 29, 2018
Devdutt Pattnaik presents mythology with immense pragmatic clarity and a unique perspective. His writing is languid. The illustrations are minimalistic and uncluttered. It is a joy to read everything he writes! He presents the subject for what it is; stories of the past with lessons for the present and future.
In this particular book, he introduces the concept of a ‘karya-karta’, somebody who simply follows orders, a ‘karta’ who proactively takes decisions, and a ‘yajaman’ who enables others to make decisions. Through various anecdotes, he is encouraging the readers to be ‘yajaman’ and thus, take charge of their destiny.
Though the book does not present solutions to common business problems on the platter, it is a quick read with subtle messages that will help readers to alter their attitude towards such dilemmas faced in everyday life.
In this particular book, he introduces the concept of a ‘karya-karta’, somebody who simply follows orders, a ‘karta’ who proactively takes decisions, and a ‘yajaman’ who enables others to make decisions. Through various anecdotes, he is encouraging the readers to be ‘yajaman’ and thus, take charge of their destiny.
Though the book does not present solutions to common business problems on the platter, it is a quick read with subtle messages that will help readers to alter their attitude towards such dilemmas faced in everyday life.
October 10, 2018
Devdutt Patnaik is famous for his ways of finding sutras in our ancient texts and relate it to contemporary management decision-making technique and one of the best in this genre.
He describes his Sutras along with symbols that make this book an easy, quick and comprehensible read.
He further describes the difference between a reactive devata and proactive Yajaman.
Every decision has its own consequences- in a short time or long time and there is no escape. A yajaman is decided by how he acts proactively and responsibly.
Though the author doesn't dwell too much in terms of decision-making techniques, this book gives a indication of the consequences of any decisions in a short term or long term. Though I felt that this book is something I already know but this could be a good start if you are failing to take some decisions in life.
He describes his Sutras along with symbols that make this book an easy, quick and comprehensible read.
He further describes the difference between a reactive devata and proactive Yajaman.
Every decision has its own consequences- in a short time or long time and there is no escape. A yajaman is decided by how he acts proactively and responsibly.
Though the author doesn't dwell too much in terms of decision-making techniques, this book gives a indication of the consequences of any decisions in a short term or long term. Though I felt that this book is something I already know but this could be a good start if you are failing to take some decisions in life.
May 14, 2018
Management lessons in the corporate world, which are actually quite simple.
A good short and crisp read about Kartas who take decisions and Karya Kartas who follow decisions.
Always good to be a Karta, as you go higher up in your organization.
Devdutt Pattanaik also explains, how when you have taken successful decisions, you need to follow that up with more successful strategies and for success and explain your methods of success. And that explains the boardroom meetings, excel sheets, formulas , when actually the reason was success was something very intangible and simple.
A good short and crisp read about Kartas who take decisions and Karya Kartas who follow decisions.
Always good to be a Karta, as you go higher up in your organization.
Devdutt Pattanaik also explains, how when you have taken successful decisions, you need to follow that up with more successful strategies and for success and explain your methods of success. And that explains the boardroom meetings, excel sheets, formulas , when actually the reason was success was something very intangible and simple.
August 25, 2019
According to me, it is easier to look at a past event, and the see what had happened (the sequence of events that follows another event in past) and then make a judgemental calls.
The book does give good perspective, though I never understood how to really take decision.
The question is can we ever know in advance if the decision to be taken is right or wrong? We can only make forecast and the book dosen’t even talk about that!
Nevertheless, this is a great short read book to gain some perspective on what we are in our daily lives!
The book does give good perspective, though I never understood how to really take decision.
The question is can we ever know in advance if the decision to be taken is right or wrong? We can only make forecast and the book dosen’t even talk about that!
Nevertheless, this is a great short read book to gain some perspective on what we are in our daily lives!
March 3, 2018
The book puts everything you probably know already, in a useful perspective. Devdutt also makes deft use of Indian mythology to clearly explain and classify concepts. However, it is too short and simple and doesn't really leave you much wiser in the art of making decisions, as he probably set out to. I would rather work my way through a laborious yet ultimately rewarding output like his Pregnant King.
July 6, 2017
This is very awesome book by Devdutt Pattanaik. He explained lots of Indian management sutras in this book. The whole book is about Karta, Karya-Karta, Yajmana and Devatta. He explained each roles and this make us think in our life what role we are playing right now and what role needs to be played.
December 13, 2017
A short read consisting of fables from Indian mythology contrasted with boardroom situations. I could see a fresh perspective on the morality and ethics of taking decisions, and some conscious leadership lessons. However, they're just nice anecdotes to narrate, with no concrete actions/roadmap. Read if you're interested in takeaways from Hindu/Jain/Buddhist fables.
February 4, 2018
Short and straight forward
This book gives lot of examples from mythology and real life which are related to thought process, decision making, impact of decisions and how we should feel or react. Don't expect a straight answer of what decision to make in case of difficult situations. It's still left to you leaders as you are paid for that ;)
This book gives lot of examples from mythology and real life which are related to thought process, decision making, impact of decisions and how we should feel or react. Don't expect a straight answer of what decision to make in case of difficult situations. It's still left to you leaders as you are paid for that ;)
November 3, 2018
Short and crisp
This book doesn't promise to change your life.
It just opens your eyes towards things you must be afraid to do and pushing back. You can simply change your attitudes about both the best and worst aspects of management. Doesn't take much time to finish. A morning is enough.
This book doesn't promise to change your life.
It just opens your eyes towards things you must be afraid to do and pushing back. You can simply change your attitudes about both the best and worst aspects of management. Doesn't take much time to finish. A morning is enough.
May 28, 2019
Very well explained through real life examples.. Never knew when I finished reading.. However, to assimilate more readings are needed.. Very good book..
Very good book: refers to child hood stories and present day management situations to explain decision making.. Must read at least once.. Lots of good points to pick up..
Very good book: refers to child hood stories and present day management situations to explain decision making.. Must read at least once.. Lots of good points to pick up..
June 23, 2019
Short, simple and sweet
Best thing about this book:
How the author has connected mythology with workplace decisions
Not so best thing:
After the connections have been made, the connection doesn't recommend any suggested path, so it feel like this is not a self help book.
But overall, this book provides a completely different and fresh perspective, which I loved!!
Best thing about this book:
How the author has connected mythology with workplace decisions
Not so best thing:
After the connections have been made, the connection doesn't recommend any suggested path, so it feel like this is not a self help book.
But overall, this book provides a completely different and fresh perspective, which I loved!!
July 17, 2019
Its a good book but you have to refer other books and articles. Yhe name of book and the contents in this book are not same all the time when you would be reading this. Bit i recommend you if you are a beginner and will help you in some areas. It's a good and short book
It's a good book but one must see other books and articles related to it . I enjoyed while reading the book
It's a good book but one must see other books and articles related to it . I enjoyed while reading the book
September 24, 2019
One of the best quick read books
Great book and a nice explanation by author & using right examples at the end of each chapter.
I was able to relate the learnings with my real life situations and that gave a much better insight to the context.
One of the best quick reads i have gone through...!!
Great book and a nice explanation by author & using right examples at the end of each chapter.
I was able to relate the learnings with my real life situations and that gave a much better insight to the context.
One of the best quick reads i have gone through...!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews