The Corporate Whirlpool

I was listening to a song sung by the great Kishor Kumar about the tale of “Abhimanyu and the Chakravyuha” from the “ Mahabharata”. The tale is one of bravery, skill, and ultimate betrayal. A warrior who, despite his immense talent, was essentially trapped in and by a system designed to defeat him. There are parallels in corporate life, where talented and well-meaning individuals take on projects, only to find themselves ensnared by internal politics, lack of stakeholder support, and organisational inertia.  Corporate life is not easy to say the least. What could one learn from the story ?

In the modern corporate world, skilled and talented folks often take on complex projects that require strategic thinking, resilience, and execution excellence. They are recruited for their expertise, much like Abhimanyu was trained in warfare. They understand the technical and tactical aspects of the challenge ahead and are confident in their ability to navigate it. However, much like Abhimanyu, they may not have been taught the hidden complexities of the system—how to exit a deadlock when stakeholders are uncooperative, how to manage political manoeuvring, or how to survive in an environment that may not always play fair.

The Chakravyuha or whirlpool as described in the Mahabharata is not just a military formation; it is strategic entrapment, designed to wear down an opponent and exhaust their resources. In corporate life, this takes the form of bureaucratic roadblocks, shifting goalposts, conflicting interests, and silent sabotage. Identification of such a situation is quite simple.

1. Unclear or changing expectations – Like Abhimanyu, who knew how to enter but not exit the Chakravyuha, folks are often given incomplete information. They are assured of support in the beginning, but as they move deeper into execution,  the rules keep changing.

2. Lack of stakeholder alignment – Just as the Kaurava warriors surrounded and isolated Abhimanyu, corporate stakeholders sometimes withdraw support at critical moments. What starts as a collaborative effort turns into a one-man battle. Sponsors may backtrack, budgets may be cut, and influential figures may turn silent when their help is most needed.  

3. Organisational politics and resistance – Abhimanyu fought valiantly, but his enemies did not fight fairly. In corporate settings, individuals often underestimate the resistance they will face. Departments with conflicting priorities, leaders who feel threatened, or teams reluctant to change can act as silent obstacles.  The resistance will wear down the most talented of individuals; an organisation that does not come to terms with this resistance is doomed much like Abhimanyu was doomed.

4. Fatigue and burnout – Just as Abhimanyu was ultimately outnumbered, a talented person caught in a hostile work environment often faces exhaustion. Without an escape route or meaningful support, they will burn out, become disengaged, or leave the organizationentirely, a fate similar to Abhimanyu’s tragic end.  

What then could be the solution or perhaps a way out for a talented person ? One would not want to end up like Abhimanyu, who was doomed by his lack of critical knowledge. I guess a corporate professional can learn from his failings and probably do a combination or one of these things- 

1. Ensure full knowledge before stepping in – Understanding the complete picture—including risks, political landscapes, and key influencers—is crucial. No matter how talented a person is, they must know both entry and exit strategies.

2. Build alliances and backup plans – Having the right allies and mentors can make a difference. In the Mahabharata, Abhimanyu was abandoned; in corporate life, one has to ensure they are not fighting alone. Talented people leave when they feel abandoned or alone.

3. Recognize when to step back – Unlike in war, in the corporate world, retreat is sometimes the best option. If a project is doomed due to organisational sabotage, it is wiser to exit early rather than fight till the bitter end. 

4. Become political - not something I subscribe to but at times maybe the best way is to politically out outmanoeuvre one’s detractors.

In essence the story of Abhimanyu is one of the dangers of incomplete preparation and isolation. A hero yes but due to the skill displayed in odds that were against him; not because of his lack of prep. In the corporate world, talent and skill are valuable, but without the right strategy, alliances, and political awareness, even the best people can be trapped in an unwinnable battle. It’s unfortunate but one has to decide to enter the whirlpool with full knowledge and support or then walk away without being consumed by it.

C