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RSS 'Shakha Way' - Lessons for Corporate CEOs

Aziz Premji, Chairman of Wipro recently delivered a key note address at a RSS meet. Aziz Premji participated in a forum organised by Seva Bharati - the philanthropic arm of the Sangh Parivar,  active in delivering service to people in need. 

Seva Bharati is the largest NGO of its kind in the world with 165,000+ active service programs across India. Its due to the work of Seva Bharati that RSS is known as an organisation which is always "Ready for Selfless Service". 

While Premji must have had some learnings on how to go about his and Wipro's philanthropic initiatives, there is a lot that corporate CEOs can learn from RSS and its famed 'shakhas'. Here are a few attributes of the RSS's 'Shakha Way' ....

1) People make the organisation (not the other way around) - RSS shakhas focus on the growth and personal development of every individual (called as a Swayamsevak). An organisation can only grow when every individual grows. Programs at the 60 min shakas are meticulously designed to bring about all around development of an individual - physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual. RSS describes its mission as that of 'Man Making'. 

2) De-centralization/ Empowerment - RSS shakhas are highly de-centralized where in all decisions are taken at the shakha level. The organisation provides support for hygiene factors only. As organisations reach critical mass, de-centralization is the only way to sustain growth. The age of centralised corporate driven strategy and planning are all but over.

3) Team Building is an every day affair - One cannot build high performance teams with quarterly team building events. No RSS shakha is complete without team building exercises.

4) 3P model - Purpose/Passion/Perseverance - All RSS activities are designed around the 3P model. When purpose aligns with passion, one is bound to persevere no matter what the challenges may be. This is the reason for the survival and growth of RSS despite all odds.

5) Culture as a 'glue' - Culture is the glue that binds organisations. Nurture the culture and the organisation thrives, contaminate the culture and the organisation will eventually dis-integrate.

Its is no surprise that most of the leaders in India today have their roots in the 'Shakha' way ...for at the shakha one learns people management, project management, organisation building, strategy  & planning with bare minimum resources....

There is no need for a fancy GMAT score or an admit at a Ivy League college...your leadership journey can now begin at local RSS shakha.....








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