Chanakya Strategy Coach
Selecting People
Day 15
The Test of a Minister
Some of Chanakya's most detailed writing in the Arthashastra is about choosing people. His must-have qualities, in order: dharma — meaning integrity, doing right — then the ability to actually get things done, then loyalty. A clever person without integrity is dangerous. A loyal person who can't get things done is useless. Chanakya always chose a difficult person with real integrity over a pleasant person he could easily control.
Reflection
Think about the most important person in your current work or project. Are they there because of integrity and capacity, or because of comfort?
Today's Practice
Name one person you have been tolerating who lacks integrity. What is the cost of continuing to work with them? What would a Chanakya-style decision look like?
Arthashastra 1.8