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 the following lessons of leadership through Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Leadership Lessons from Lord Ram
Lord Ram was the true leader and front-end fighter of his army. He was supreme in deciding strategy during the fight of Ramayana. He directed his team to meet 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 directs them on what to do in tough times.
Lord Ram –
- Skill Warrior
- Leading Team from the front
- Gives specific roles and instructions – Tells
- Showing the 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 would not fight any battle. He will be there as a charioteer to Arjun. He does exactly the same. He never fought the battle and never picked up any weapon. He was just a 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 a different perspective to Arjun by delivering Bhagavad Geeta during the battle of Mahabharata.
Lord Krishna –
- Does not fight any battle
- Works with the best professional
- Leading Team from Back
- Allow Team members to take the lead
- Fight for the cause of the team
- Clarifies doubts and guides the 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 a front worrier and leader who leads’s team from the front or do you allow your team to take the lead?
- Do you have unskilled professionals in your team or you are working with the 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 the 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 doubts and guide them.
If your team members are unskilled, then it is appropriate for you to apply the leadership style of Lord Ram.
Which leadership style is appropriate for you – Lord Ram or Lord Krishna?
Do share your views!