Ram and Krishna are two great gods and the main protagonist of Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The central story of Mahabharata and Ramayana is around the victory of good over evil. In the story of Ramayana Lord Ram leads an army to monkey’s to surmount Ravana, while in the story of Mahabharata Lord Krishna guided Pandavas to defeat Kauravas in Kurukshetra. Lord Ram and Krishna teach us following lessons of leadership through Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Leadership Lessons from Lord Ram
Lord Ram was the true leader and front end fighter from his army. He was supreme in deciding strategy during the fight of Ramayana. He directed his team for meeting objectives. His team was happy to follow his orders.
Lord Ram’s leadership style was unique during the fight of Ramayana. He was leading an army of Monkey’s who were unskilled fighters and always looking for directions. His army was fighting for his cause. Lord Ram shows the way to his team and directed them what to do in tough time.
Lord Ram –
- Skill Warrior
- Leading Team from front
- Gives specific roles and instructions – Tells
- Showing way in difficulties
- Motivating people to fight for his cause
Leadership Lessons from Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna was totally different from Ram. During Mahabharata Lord Krishna told Arjun that, He won’t pick up any weapon and he will not fight any battle. He will be there as a charioteer to Arjun. He does exactly same. He never fought the battle and never picked up any weapon. He was just guide to Pandava’s.
Lord Krishna was aware that he had one of the best archers Arjun in his team. Krishna acted as coach to Pandava’s. His main job was to remove cobwebs from Arjun’s mind. He was able to show different perspective to Arjun by delivering Bhagavad Geeta during the battle of Mahabharata.
Lord Krishna –
- Does not fight any battle
- Works with best professional
- Leading Team from Back
- Allow Team member to take lead
- Fight for the cause of team
- Clarifies doubts and guide team
After knowing about lord Krishna and lord Ram, it is time to assess yourself, look at yourself and decide what type of leader you are.
- Are you front worrier and leader who lead’s team from the front or do you allow your team to take the lead?
- Do you have unskilled professional in your team or you are working with best professionals?
- Do you show ways to your team directly or do you ask them relevant questions so that they can find their own solution.
The Younger generation today wants leaders like Krishna. They don’t want anyone who tells them, how things are getting done, but they want to know meaning of their job. Look at your team members if they are like Arjun’s, who are skilled and then they want someone to clarify their doubt and guide them.
If your team members are unskilled, then it is appropriate for you to apply leadership style of Lord Ram.
Which leadership style is appropriate for you – Lord Ram or Lord Krishna?
Do share your views!
A Singh
Great article. You are absolutely correct that both Rama and Krishna had different leadership styles. I would like to add that they had different armies also. And it is east to understand why Rama chose a hands on style. His soldiers were free volunteers with widely different levels of understanding and ability but highly idealistic and committed. Krishna’s army was highly professional and well organised but important and crucial people in it (the commanders) were plagued by doubt in their mission. Would Rama have used the same style if he was in Krishna’s or Arjuna’s place ? Undoubtedly no! And why that is so the basic principles of leadership will suffice to explain. Thanks for using truly Indian examples. It makes your article very effective ‼️✌🏽💐