Hindu Deep July 2016.compressed (1)

him and this helped him strike associa ons among
fishermen and tribal folks as well; this brings us to a very
important learner p: Equality results in loyalty.
4. Stand courageously in the face of great
adversity
Following Sita's kidnap, Rama wandered penniless in the
forest. Ramayana speaks of pre y vivid details of Rama's
sadness in Sita's absence. However, this did not stop him
from forging es with Sugriv and others even in the face of
a dilemma when the enemy was unknown.
5. Stand for morality but do not engage in
judgmental posturing
Well known for his moral code, Rama endeavored to stand
forth for the values he projected. But nowhere in
Ramayana, was he depicted as a blind puritan who only
wanted his code of conduct in place and rest all be
banished. No! Rama was a person of resolve. He chose to
suspend judgment at all mes. His value systems were
different even from his father; Rama had one wife while
many other kings including his own father had several. A
leader who gives way to crea vity as an open field to his
team mates is revered more as 'suspending judgments' is
s ll the way to go!
This brings out a very important lesson as everybody felt
heard. He empowered his subordinates. Reducing the
power differen al between an employer and an employee
can work wonders.
7. Follow a code of ethics and be ready to sacrice
to follow it
Underpinning the Utopic way of life, Rama chose ethical
decision making process in all areas of his life. Many-aleader
build credibility first with sacrifice first to resort to
unethical means later. The genera on that fought for the
na on's independence degenerated into wheelers and
dealers a er acquisi on of power. The poli cal leaders
now con nue to speak of their glorious ancestral past
while seeking votes. Under the surface of that vote appeal,
they always seek to hoodwink the mul tude in the name of
past sacrifices. Rama never did so. The overconfident
Ravana on day one was disarmed by Rama's chivalry but he
was allowed to return safely to his citadel unharmed
because Rama believed that an unarmed individual must
not be a acked.
Thus experien al learning embedded in Ramayana has a
lot to teach the upcoming startups than just some MBA
prosaic lessons.
6. Consult subordinates on important matters
and allow them to give their opinions freely
When Vibhishan went against Ravana, Rama vowed to
protect him. He consulted his army chiefs and many
suggested Rama that a demon is not to be trusted
especially when he is the brother to the culprit. Instead of
chiding or rebuking their ideas, Rama neutralized their
incredulity and convinced them in his favor.
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