Leadership is a tough job in today’s competitive world. Stress and tension can take their toll on your team unless you provide effective and competent leadership to guide them. But leadership advice isn’t a product of just today’s age. It has always been around, though it was often embedded in stories and aphorisms. The Indian epics, the Mahabharat and the Ramayana are one of the most popular mythological stories in India, and have been used for centuries to instill various lessons about life in young boys and girls. Let’s take a look at five leadership lessons we can learn from the Ramayana story and its protagonist Rama.
Lead By Example
Don’t expect others to do what you don’t do yourself. Looking for dedication from your team members? Set an example. Leading by example is the best way to create a positive work atmosphere and ensure that your team’s spirits stay up. This is what Rama does with his three brothers. As the eldest, he sets an example for the younger ones by always being fair and courteous yet stern when required.
Integrity
Don’t cut corners or avoid something that makes you uncomfortable. This will send out signals to your team to follow suit. In the long run, maintaining a certain yardstick for yourself and your team will pay big dividends in business and customer loyalty. Rama, despite incredible hardships and misfortune, never steps aside from his chosen path.
Listen
Being a leader isn’t just about what you have to say. It’s also about knowing when to stay quiet and listen to others. Encourage frank and open discussion on every aspect. This will allow your team to find its feet and explore its full potential. Rama listens to advice from his allies and even a mythological talking vulture, and thus learns many valuable clues as to the whereabouts of his kidnapped wife Sita.
Learn
Today’s world is all about change and keeping pace with everything is a tough challenge. You will do yourself a big favor if you constantly strive to learn. Explore new subjects, deepen your understanding of old ones, and refresh your memory if you have forgotten something. Remember, this is the information age and knowledge is wealth. Rama too spends a lot of time in the company of sages and ascetics, and frequently learns much about the nature or life. Significantly, he also learns advanced techniques in the use of the bow and arrow, which serve him well during his final battle with the antagonist Ravana.
Inspire
Learn to motivate your team and reward success and initiative. Understand your individual team members and know what it takes to keep each one going. A leader must also back his team. Once you are confident that your team is right, stand up for them in tight situations. Lakshmana, Rama’s younger brother constantly looks up to his elder brother, and thus is willing to go to any lengths to ensure that Rama overcomes the challenges life throws at him.
