Leadership Lessons From Lord Rama

                                                            Lord Rama

"A leader is a dealer in hope."- Napoleon Bonaparte

Everybody thinks they’re a leader - most are far from it.  The harsh reality is that we live in world full of wannabe leaders. As much as some don’t want to admit, reality is not everyone can be one! If you, however, fall in the latter category, chances are you already know about it. So, what better way than to take few valuable leadership lessons from the ‘ideal’ man himself - Lord Rama. On the occasion of Diwali, we bring you 5 leadership lessons from one of the greatest leaders the world ever saw - the warrior prince Rama

1) A leader doesn’t force himself upon people

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As much as you want to advise your subordinates,  a good leader would never want someone to feel as if he/she is being forced into anything that they may not be comfortable with. All a leader should plead for is his to team to lend him an ear. Take it from Lord Rama, who inspired his monkey army to fight an epic battle and win it! All he did was to lay ground rules for them; how they conducted themselves on the battleground was their own prerogative. And the entire world knows the result! 

2) A leader is exceptional and leads the way

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Technical know-how, strategy, intelligence, skills, commitment, and a restraint of ego are very important factors for a leader to succeed. In the climax of the Ramayana battle, Rama told his army to have these virtues during the battle and no war will ever be lost (according to Valmiki’s Ramayana). Makes sense for any scenario, you too will succeed at your job only when you have the relevant knowledge, if you can ideate, strategize and deliver, if you love your work and if you give due credit to everyone. 

3) A leader is humble

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This is probably the easiest to do as well as the most difficult to achieve at the same time. However, there is no denying the fact that it is also one of the most beneficial traits if used in the right direction. Be a better leader by being humble, smile at everyone as if you really love them show genuine concern and help as much you can wholeheartedly. An arrogant man can never be successful. Lord Rama was a compassionate and a humble man. In fact, Rama asserted his dedication to Dharma when he offered Ravana a final chance to make peace on the battle ground. A humble man is humble to everyone irrespective of the conditions.  

4) A leader has his own point of view

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A leader has a point of view of his own, and that is expressed in his own disciplined way. Those who share that are the closest to him clearly- Lakshmana, Hanumana, Sugriva and Vibheeshana for instance. But that doesn't disadvantage anyone else. There is no bias against anyone as far as the ruler-subject relationship is concerned - the Vanara team. A leader also creates more leaders. Like how Rama helped Sugriva and Vibheeshana to run their own kingdom, the greatest trait of a leader is to create and inspire effective leaders for the future. 

5) A leader has a clear vision

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A foreseen vision will always be a motivating factor to focus on the goal and to not get deviated. Every leader needs to have a clear vision of what he is aiming for and what will it bear him in the future. He also must be in sync with his followers or team members in order to achieve his goals. In the case of Ramayana- Rama’s clear vision was to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana. This clarity about the goals as well as a collaborated process enabled the army to put their heart and soul to the battle.