Asteya In Leadership: Are You Unintentionally Stealing?

When we hear the word "stealing" in a corporate context, our minds usually jump to embezzlement, fraud, or perhaps walking out of the supply closet with a box of pens. Most leaders pride themselves on their integrity. We don’t cook the books. We don’t rob the petty cash. Therefore, we assume we are practicing the third Yama, Asteya, or non-stealing. But in the nuance of leadership dynamics, theft is rarely about physical objects. It is far more subtle, pervasive, and damaging. Asteya challenges us to look beyond material possessions and consider what else we might be taking that doesn't belong to us. Are we stealing credit for a team member’s idea? Applying Asteya to leadership requires a deep introspection into how we value the resources, energy, and contributions of the people we lead. It shifts the focus from "what can I get" to "what can I give," transforming a culture of scarcity into one of abundance and trust.