Thirukkural verse (in Tamil script)
இயற்றலும் ஈட்டலும் காத்தலும் காத்த
வகுத்தலும் வல்ல தரசு
Transliteration:
Iyatralum eettalum kaathalum kaatha
Vaguthalum valla dharasu
English translation:
A ruler (or leader) is one who can create wealth, acquire it, preserve it, and distribute it wisely.
Startup application: This Thirukkural is highly relevant to modern business leadership, especially for startup founders and executives. Let’s explore its applications:
- Value creation: The ability to “create wealth” emphasizes the importance of innovation and developing products or services that generate value.
- Revenue generation: “Acquiring” wealth relates to effective sales strategies, marketing, and business development to bring in revenue.
- Financial management: “Preserving” wealth points to the need for prudent financial management, cost control, and risk mitigation.
- Resource allocation: “Distributing wisely” highlights the importance of strategic investment in different areas of the business for growth and sustainability.
- Balanced leadership: The Thirukkural suggests that a good leader must excel in all these areas, emphasizing the need for well-rounded leadership skills.