Chanakyas 7 Secrets of Leadership (Tamil)

by Radhakrishnan Pillai, D. Sivanandhan

"Now in Tamil Chanakya, who lived in India in the 4th Century BC, was a leadership guru par excellence. The treasure of his teachings can be found in his book, The Arthashastra, which deals with good governance based on ideal leadership. The concept of the ideal nation in The Arthashastra, called Saptanga, holds that there are seven pillars of a kingdom: Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand, Mitra iti Prakritya. For centuries, Indian rulers have used this concept as a model of successful government. In this path-breaking book, Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership, author Radhakrishnan Pillai delves into Chanakya’s Saptanga with the real-life example of D. Sivanandhan. Former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, and the archetype of an able administrator, Sivanandhan shares his guidelines for effective management, highlighting those that make him a dynamic leader. In Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership, theory meets practice, academic research meets vast experience in police supervision and an age-old formula is revealed in a modern-day success story. Together, Pillai and Sivanandhan bring Chanakya’s model to life. Anyone can use the seven secrets of leadership to run a kingdom effectively. Apply them in your life, and the magic of Chanakya’s wisdom will transform you into the ideal leader. Radhakrishnan Pillai, founder-director of the Chanakya Institute of Public leadership (CIPL), has represented India in various national and international conferences and has taught at educational institutes in Germany (Heidelberg, Cologne), UK (Oxford, Cambridge) and India (IIT, IIM and IISc). His best-selling book Corporate Chanakya is used by business schools around the globe. Pillai received the Sardar Patel International Award in 2009.

Genres: Leadership, Personal Development, Management

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2014

Reviews

[Rahul Mahindru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the stories shared by author in this book. There are some key learnings from this book:
1. Leader always appreciates his team on success and take blame on himself on failure.
2. Leader needs to keep learning through books, other experiences every day.
3. Sharing the knowledge is another way to gain knowledge.
4. We should be social and make friends. The only thing that matters at last is your good relationships.
5. Call Money is never real money. It is state of mind. But then, what is really required in life is the confidence of money, not necessarily the money itself.
6. Leader should not cling to problems but come up with solutions and take quick decisions.
7. Leader should be honest and word keeper.
8. Leader should know its finance status and budget planning.
9. Its more about to have right advisor with you than other assets.
10. Be open minded and listen others before making any decision.

I like some stories about "Money is just tool.", "How advisor is important", "How people think"

[Pranay Modukuru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leadership qualities are well explained in the book, and are backed with practical examples. The principles explained in each pillar of leadership can be useful in becoming a leader in all aspects of life. The book is well written and easy to understand, and well structured.

[Amrit Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you talk of leaders who played a key role in the past to shape the future of our country, one of the first few names that pops up in your mind is that of Chanakya. He is, very truly, regarded as the king-maker, his decisions leading to several milestones in the history of this country. Though he himself never ruled the land, it was his brilliant leadership abilities that have been studied and analysed since time immemorial.

Chanakya’s Arthashastra states that an ideal nation can be formed only if it has the seven key pillars – Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand and Mitra. Radhakrishnan Pillai, the author, brilliantly uses these points in the context of effective leadership, explaining how effective utilization of these can lead to harmony and give birth to successful leaders. He primarily illustrates the real life examples of D. Sivanandhan, former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai and Director General of Police, Maharashtra, reflecting how his judgement and actions at times of crises proved valuable, signifying his high leadership abilities.

The seven points in Saptanga are vividly explained. Swami defines a leader and his quality, and states how he should perform his duties with utmost honesty and integrity. Amatya signifies the role of a manager, and delves into the similarities and differences between a leader and a manager. It suggests how a manager can become a good manager, and the characteristics one needs to possess in this respect. Janpada throws light on the importance of the citizens and the customers, as they are the key part of any business. The conflicts, if any, between interests of self and those of the subjects should be minimized, and serving the customers should be the top priority for any unit. Their welfare should be looked upon and help and aid provided wherever necessary.

Durg defines the infrastructure that should be created for the growth of a project. World class facilities should be the norm of the day, and no compromise must be made in that regard. Whenever required, one should also be open to inputs and assistance from others, as that might make reaching the target quicker and in a more effective manner. Kosha speaks of financial management, and how it is a key ingredient for any project. Long term investments should be considered, as that would yield more fruitful dividends. Creation of funds is importance, and so is the maintenance. Dand refers to teamwork, and how people should be inspired to do their job in the best possible manner. Training should be provided that would help the team members in building their competency, and deserving candidates rewarded.

Creating a network of friends encompass Mitra. Meetings should be organized, and inputs taken to formulate the strategy. Also, one needs to help friends when they are in need, as they are a vital part in the chain.

What I really loved about this book is the continuity of ideas and flows. The language is simple and doesn't bog you down. The numerous examples help you in understanding the seven mantras in a better manner, and how they could be applied to real life. We often consider these ideologies to be best suited for free advice, but this book teaches you to learn and work with them. Surely, the pages are packed with the secrets of leaderships.

We all aspire to be leaders, today, tomorrow, someday, irrespective of our professions. This book is a perfect guide that will help you answer your doubts and motivate you to tackle your problems and find the solutions hidden in them. A must read I would say, for all those who dream big, and aim to grow and make something big out of their lives.

[Arvind Srinivasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book that not only gives us knowledge on chanakyas needhis but also tells how it has been used in a field effectively. shivanandhans achievement is great and was a good eye opener in getting to know about him. In all a different approach and different dimension book

[Sapthagiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT LEARNING

Great work by the author. Salute to Shri. Sivabandhan for his great service to the police department. It's a book that must be read by everyone irrespective of their profession.

[Megha Parmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for getting overview on Chanaky's teaching but does not give deeper understanding.

[Nikhil Arora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elevate your life. Transform your world !!!!

[Akash Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome leadership book

The book is filled with the stories and incidents of leadership which a person can use in his day to day life.

[shanthi subramanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for strategic management

Can understand mangement in a different way. One can remember easily how to axt i different situations due to examples cited in the book.

[Gaurav Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply exceptional.

[_booksagsm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been reading Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai's books from sometime and the 3rd one in it is - "Chanakya's 7 secrets of Leadership" - authored by Radhakrishnan Pillai and D. Sivanandhan.
This book brings the timeless wisdom of the ancient strategist Chanakya into modern leadership.
Drawing from the core principles of Chanakya’s Arthashastra, the book presents a leadership model built on the seven pillars (Saptanga) of governance—Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand, and Mitra.

Published by Jaico, this book illustrates these above described principles with real-life examples from D.Sivanandhan's career in police force. What I found unique in this book is that the book lays emphasis on the importance of relationships, both within and outside an organization.

Some key takeaways from the book are as listed:
1.A leader must always appreciate the success of their team and take responsibility for failures.
2. Continuous learning and seeking knowledge from various sources is crucial for growth.
3. Sharing knowledge with others enhances both personal and collective wisdom.
4. Building strong relationships and maintaining a network of friends is essential for success.
5. True wealth lies in the confidence of money, not the money itself.

Leadership skill is often neglected and hence, I hope to achieve the same with the powerful guidance this book provides. Whether you’re in business, governance, or any other field, the principles outlined in the book offer practical, actionable strategies for success. The simple yet profound writing style, combined with insightful case studies, makes this book a must-read for aspiring leaders seeking to grow and make a lasting impact in their respective domains.

[Rabi Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, Captivating

I have never read so many self-help books but only one whose impact has remained in me. Though I read it 4 years ago, I remember some lessons from it. One of Radhakrishnan Pillai's most popular leadership books "Chanakya's 7 secrets of leadership" explains the age-old rules of Chanakya by giving the example of Maharastra's former director-general of police, Dr.Sivanadhan. He has elaborated everything so minutely and logically which claims to be the most commendable thing this in this book. It captures your attention till the last page. Those of you who are looking for inspiration in life this book can be a great bet.

[Vinay Leo]

The thing about any book is that there will be a reader who loves the genre, and some who cannot digest it as easily. When it comes to non-fiction books, I’m most of the times part of the latter kind. It is because of this personal preference that I didn’t enjoy the book as much, and that I am not going to offer suggestions for improvement. I would say that this book might be helpful in slowly adding some qualities of a good leader into our character.

[Jiten Upadhyay (Team ThinkerViews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting analysis of timeless jewels of wisdom by Chanakya and its implementation in the modern world by exploring the career of the well known police officer Dhanushkodi Sivanandhan.

Detailed #BookReview is available at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis...

[Hiren Shah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many points are repeated back and forth but a good read for once

Many points are repeated back and forth but a good read for once. It may be good for beginners since simple English is used.

[Dipesh Parmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Management 101

Absolutely brilliant adaptation of Chanakyas Arthashashtra with the awe-inspiring stories of the great and unheard Top Cop of Maharashtra. Make it a must-read book if you are studying management or have a goal to become a leader.

[Devendra Nath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth Reading ...!

Really it's very nice book, Everyone must read it, definitely which enhances your leadership skills if you are interested in becoming a leader.

[Amit Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

[Shruty Bagde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah...
Not a great book

[Sumit Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precisely written to show how a leader should act in crisis. Good read!

[Yallappa Sk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the Authur.

very good, many thing i got into know after reading this book, thanks to the Authur for giving such a Wonderful book with practical knowledge.

[Veeresh Erched · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ver good book to read or listen, Chanakay’s principles are explained a simple way to how Shivandana implemented in his tenure to how modern leaders could use it.

[Lawrence Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read. You get some metaphors out of it and some swag that are helpful.

[Wg Cdr A J Mathews · Rating 2 out of 5]

it is a rudimentary analysis and aplication of the principles of Chanayakya.Good for people starting out but doesn't add much value to a person for over 20 years or so in decision making role.

[Shubham Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, at last, am able to read this book, It's a nice book if you read it with full attention and if you are interested in these types of book. am trying to read such type of books but failing even this fail to make me a fan of such books. I don't like this book because I get bored but all the information or facts it gives are worth reading.

[Amit Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chanakya's 7 secrets of leadership by Radhakrishnan Pillai and D.Sivanandhan is a book about the seven pillars of good governance. It depicts the pearls of wisdom left behind by Chanakya, a celebrated leader in 4th Century BC India. The Arthashastra is the prominent work of Chanakya's secrets and theories. It defines the concept of Saptanga, meaning the seven pillars of an established nation, which are: Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand and Mitra iti Prakritya.

These seven footholds have been incorporated by many leaders in their organisational practices and they continue to be devoutly pursued by many to form a successful Kingdom. The co-author Radhakrishnan Pillai, takes the modern day example of D. Sivanandhan, former Director General of Police, Maharashtra. He is proclaimed to be an honest and capable leader and shares his views on being an efficient manager. Forming a relationship between things past and present, Radhakrishnan Pillai successfully delves into the intrinsic workings of Chanakya's Saptanga and applies it to modern day society. How current leaders adopt this treaty and apply it to their respective fields for success is analysed in this book.

The seven pillars of leadership display wisdom and with meticulous research it has been reflected in the work of the author. Second in the series after Corporate Chanakya, the authors delve into the practical example of Police force - their hardships, their trials and tribulations, the problems faced by them on a daily basis amidst harsh circumstances. Resolution to gang war in the early 1990s and almost no difference in professional & personal lives of the police force is abundantly illustrated.

[Saurabh Chatterjee]

the book very well explains the seven leadership quality a person in a managerial level should have,such that he/she can very well achieve the target infront of him/her.The examples given in this book are mostly taken out of the mumbai police department and very well shows the transformation it under went.Preferably useful for people opting for mba or in corporate world.On a whole a good book to read.Did take me some time to finish.

[Hariprasad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book but not too excellent which tells about the principles of management in the view of Chanakya. This is suitable for experienced managers of how to manage people in an existing industry.

[Kamesh Kumar N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usual leadership lessons presented with respect to the Chanakya's principle of leadership. Author focuses on one police leader who had been highly successful in his career and correlates the principles against his leadership style.

[WickedMusings]

Chanakya, who lived in India in the 4th Century BC, was a leadership guru par excellence. The treasure of his teachings can be found in his book, The Arthashastra, which deals with good governance based on ideal leadership. The concept of the ideal nation in The Arthashastra, called Saptanga, holds that there are seven pillars of a kingdom: Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand, Mitra iti Prakritya. For centuries, Indian rulers have used this concept as a model of successful government. In this path-breaking book, Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership, author Radhakrishnan Pillai delves into Chanakya’s Saptanga with the real-life example of D. Sivanandhan. Former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, and the archetype of an able administrator, Sivanandhan shares his guidelines for effective management, highlighting those that make him a dynamic leader. In Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership, theory meets practice, academic research meets vast experience in police supervision and an age-old formula is revealed in a modern-day success story. Together, Pillai and Sivanandhan bring Chanakya’s model to life. Anyone can use the seven secrets of leadership to run a kingdom effectively. Apply them in your life, and the magic of Chanakya’s wisdom will transform you into the ideal leader. Radhakrishnan Pillai, founder-director of the Chanakya Institute of Public leadership (CIPL), has represented India in various national and international conferences and has taught at educational institutes in Germany (Heidelberg, Cologne), UK (Oxford, Cambridge) and India (IIT, IIM and IISc). His best-selling book Corporate Chanakya is used by business schools around the globe. Pillai received the Sardar Patel International Award in 2009. D. Sivanandhan, former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, is one of India’s most highly regarded IPS officers. He has been instrumental in rebuilding the defenses of Mumbai after attacks in November 2008, and has served as member of the special task force in the National Security Council Secretariat. Currently, he serves on the board of several companies and is the Chairman of Securus First India Pvt. Ltd.