20th Oct, 2023
Leadership has precious little to do with authority, management acumen, or even being in charge.
Instead, leadership is all about inspiring people to believe that the impossible is possible, developing and building confidence in people to perform at heights they never imagine.
As is wisely said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a true leader.”
In Hindu mythology there are two great epics, The Ramayana & The Mahabharata.
The central story of both is around the victory of good over evil.
In Ramayana, Lord Ram leads his army to defeat Ravana in his land while in the second Lord Krishna oversees Pandavas’s defeat Kauravas in the battle at Kurukshetra.
In Ramayana, Lord Ram is the most accomplished yodha (Warrior)of his side. He leads his army from the front.
He adopts strategies and directs different people to do things which will meet the objectives.
His people are happy to follow orders and want to help achieve Lord Rama’s goals & get all the appreciation for being the best executors. Lord Ram sets direction & also tells people what to do during difficult times.
Ultimately, they win the war and the Lord Ram’s mission is achieved.
On the other hand, Lord Krishna told Arjuna, I won’t fight the battle, I won’t pick up any weapon; I would only be there on your chariot as a charioteer and he did what he said.
Still, Pandavas won the war and the final outcome was achieved.
So, what was different?
It was their leadership style and it was also dependent on the type of people who were being led.
Lord Ram was leading an army of monkeys who were not skilled fighters and they were looking for direction.
On the other hand, Lord Krishna was leading Arjuna who was one of the best archers of his time.
While Lord Ram’s role was to show and lead from the front, Krishna played the role of a coach whose job was to remove cobwebs from his protégée’s mind.
Krishna couldn’t teach Arjuna archery but he could definitely help him see things from a very different perspective.
Here are some of the basic differences in two styles:
Lord Ram- skilled warrior, led monkeys, was emotional, gave precise roles and instructions, and motivated the army to fight for his cause.
Lord krishna was working with best professionals, hence he provides strategic clarity, allows team members to take lead, fights for the cause of the team and controlled emotions.
Look at your team/family and reflect what type of leader/parent you are: one who keeps answering/solving problems for people/kids or who asks relevant questions from their people/kids so that they can find their own solutions.
Are you someone who tells/directs all the time or someone who clarifies doubts and allows their people/kids to find the best way to achieve the goal.
Are you someone who has monkeys in the team or do you have a team of brightest experts, but getting stuck with emotional & strategic issues?
The younger generation doesn’t want you to tell or show how things are done, they want to know the meaning of their task and how it makes a difference in this world.
They are the Arjuna’s who don’t necessarily seek more skill & knowledge but they need someone to clarify the cobwebs in their mind.
If you still apply Lord Ram’s style on them, you are bound to fail as a manager.
On the other hand if there are people who aren’t skilled enough but rely on your expertise to achieve, Lord Ram’s style is appropriate.
Let’s introspect, reflect and think what managerial style will bring the best result for you and your team/family and help you achieve the goals?
Is it Lord Ram style or Lord Krishna’s style of leadership?
Adopt a suitable leadership style in your daily life & stay blessed forever.