Leading Through Uncertainty: What Leaders Can Learn from Abhimanyu

At just 16 years old, Abhimanyu — son of Arjuna and Subhadra — stood before one of the deadliest military formations ever designed: the Chakravyuha.

This formation was no ordinary battle strategy. It was a spiral of seven concentric circles, each guarded by the fiercest warriors. Only a few knew how to break in. Even fewer knew how to break out.

Now here’s the remarkable part — while still in his mother’s womb, Abhimanyu overheard his father, Arjuna, explaining how to enter the Chakravyuha. This was a moment of mentorship, a passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. But before Arjuna could explain how to exit it, his mother fell asleep. Abhimanyu was left with incomplete knowledge: how to enter, but not how to escape.

On the 13th day of the war, with Arjuna lured away from the battlefield, the Chakravyuha was unleashed. The Pandavas stood helpless — no one else knew how to penetrate it. This was a moment that underscored the importance of teamwork in leadership. Each member of the team brings unique skills and knowledge, and it is only by working together that they can overcome the most formidable challenges.

And then, young Abhimanyu stepped forward.

He said, “I know how to enter. Let me go in. I will fight as long as I can.”

He knew the risk. He knew he might not return. But he chose duty over fear. This is a key principle in leadership: the willingness to face challenges and make difficult decisions, even when the outcome is uncertain.

It is about prioritizing the needs of the team or organization over personal comfort or safety.

Inside, Abhimanyu fought with unmatched courage. He defeated seasoned warriors and stood firm against overwhelming odds. But eventually, the rules of war were broken. Multiple warriors attacked him together. Weaponless, defenseless — Abhimanyu fell.

But not in defeat — in sacrifice.

What does this teach us as leaders?

Duty Above Self True leadership often means stepping forward when no one else will — even if the outcome is uncertain.

Be Fully Prepared Abhimanyu’s partial knowledge cost him his life. As leaders, incomplete information can lead to dangerous decisions. We must prepare ourselves — and our teams — completely.

Sacrifice Inspires. Abhimanyu’s. Sacrifice didn’t end on that battlefield. It ignited the Pandavas’ resolve, leading to their eventual victory. Sometimes, a leader’s courage inspires others long after the battle is over.

Ultimately, leadership is not about titles or comfort zones. It’s about having the courage to step into the unknown, for a cause bigger than yourself.