March 22, 2025

Read Time – 3 Minutes

The greatest victories are not always won through strength alone. Sometimes, survival—and success—depend on knowing when to step back.

In 1660, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj found himself surrounded at Panhala Fort. Siddi Jauhar’s army had laid siege, cutting off all escape routes. With dwindling supplies and an enemy too strong to face head-on, Raje needed a different strategy.

Instead of engaging in a losing battle, he devised a layered escape. First, a decoy—one of his trusted men, disguised as Raje, was sent out to draw enemy attention. The deception worked, causing Siddi Jauhar’s forces to chase the wrong target. Meanwhile, under the cover of darkness and heavy monsoon rains, Raje and a handful of warriors made their way toward Vishalgad.

But the enemy soon caught on. As they closed in, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and a small band of men made a fateful stand at Ghodkhind. Outnumbered but unyielding, they fought with everything they had, holding the pass long enough for Raje to reach safety. Only after receiving word that Raje had entered Vishalgad did Baji Prabhu and his warriors fall, giving their lives to buy those crucial moments.

Raje did not retaliate immediately. He did not charge into a battle where the odds were against him. Instead, he regrouped, planned, and waited. When the time was right—on his terms—he struck back, reclaiming lost ground and strengthening the Maratha hold. His patience, just as much as his courage, built the empire.

We live in a world that glorifies constant action. More work, longer hours, faster decisions. But relentless pressure leads to burnout, poor judgment, and missed opportunities.

The best leaders understand that sometimes, taking a step back is the smartest way forward. Whether it’s a military campaign, a high-stakes business move, or a personal challenge, a well-timed pause provides the clarity needed to make the right decisions.

Are you charging forward blindly, or are you stepping back to plan your next move?

Imagine you’re leading a business through a competitive market. A new rival is aggressively expanding, threatening to take a significant share of your customers.

Do you:

✅ React immediately, pouring all resources into countering their every move?
✅ Pause, assess their strategy, and reposition yourself for a smarter long-term play?

Which approach wins in the end? Share your thoughts—top responses will be featured in next week’s edition.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Panhala wasn’t about running—it was about resetting the battlefield on his terms. His ability to pause strategically made him unbeatable.

Now, experience that strategy firsthand.