Leadership in the Shadow of Bias: Drona’s Cautionary Tale

Let’s start with a question:

Have you ever been on a team where one person always gets the spotlight? The best projects. The manager’s trust. All the growth opportunities.

Meanwhile, others — equally talented — are left in the shadows.

If yes, you’ve witnessed the injustice of modern-day favoritism. But did you know this played out centuries ago… in the Mahabharata?

Drona was the royal teacher of the Kuru princes, including the Pandavas and Kauravas. A master of warfare, he was tasked with grooming the next generation of warriors.

But Drona had a favorite: Arjuna.

He gave Arjuna special training in divine weapons — the most powerful and coveted skills in that era. No one else was taught the same. Not even:

• Ekalavya, a tribal boy who self-trained in archery, did so out of sheer devotion and discipline.

• Karna, born with divine armor, is arguably equal or even superior in talent to Arjuna.

Both were denied guidance and recognition. Why? Their backgrounds.

And that favoritism? It didn’t just wound egos — it altered destinies.

What happened next is a lesson in itself.

• Ekalavya was forced to cut off his thumb — an act of loyalty that Drona demanded to protect Arjuna’s supremacy.

• Karna, pushed away despite his worth, aligned with the Kauravas, not because of values, but because of rejection.

Drona's partiality cost him the trust of capable warriors… and possibly, peace itself.

1. Bias Limits Potential. When leaders invest only in their “Arjunas,” they risk overlooking the untapped potential of other team members. It can lead to disengagement, resentment, and even active opposition. It can stifle the potential of your team and lead to missed opportunities. It can create a culture of unfairness and distrust. Great talent doesn’t always come in the expected package.

2. Exclusion Breeds Resentment. Ignored or sidelined team members may disengage—or worse, become actively opposed to the system. Loyalty can't grow in unfair soil.

3. Fairness Builds Trust. Consistency in feedback, opportunity, and recognition is not just a nicety. It's a necessity that fosters a culture of ownership, creativity, and performance.

Drona was a brilliant teacher, but he failed as an inclusive mentor.

He saw Arjuna’s light but was blind to the fire in others.

Modern leadership demands more. Today’s leaders must:

• Cultivate inclusive ecosystems, not elite clubs.

• Judge by effort and potential, not background or bias.

• Empower everyone to access their version of divine weapons — whether that’s mentorship, tools, or visibility.

Drona trained one Arjuna. You have the chance to build many.

So, ask yourself: Who in your team is waiting to be seen, trusted, and trained?

Don’t let a modern-day Ekalavya walk away because you never turned around.