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BECG
The classical epic, the Ramayana, is an essential learning tool for the Hindu
people during both modern and ancient instills the ideology of Hinduism and
upholds the principles of dharma. Through the actions and thoughts of the
Ramayana shows how to incorporate dharma into ones life.
It also exhibits the differences in dharma and artha, to which one leads either
to moksha or samsara. Dharma ethics and duty that befalls all living beings,
to act upon perfect conduct. The end result of living the life of dharma enters
moksha, the liberation from the cycle of rebirth also called samsara. Whereas
artha is wealth, greed and the wanting of power that can easily consume
ones self. Throughout life there is a constant battle between these two, it is
the choices made that shape the outcome. The Ramayana is a guide how to
follow dharma and reject artha through the experience of its characters; it
also shows the effect of characters actions.
Devotion to the guru should be the aim of the students. But students are not
having regard for their teachers and the teachers are not imparting anything
good to them. In such a situation, everyone needs to follow the ideals of the
Ramayana. The Ramayana speaks of the true identity of the individual, the
real significance of the family, and the sanctity of the society. The Ramayana
teaches the importance of human values. Today, corruption is rampant in all
fields such as business, education and politics. Under these circumstances,
the principles of the Ramayana are very important. It explains in details the
relationship that should exist between brothers, the father and the son, the
preceptor and the disciple.
The Ramayana teaches these values in the simplest way. But man has
forgotten the message of Ramayana and is leading the life of Ravana.
Ravana did not understand this principle of divinity. There was no
transformation in him, though he had acquired all forms of knowledge and
had done severe penance. He ruined himself on account of excessive
desires.
High on Motivation
To me, the Ahalyaa episode is all about a good leader enthusing a team of
demoralized members who have become zombies over a period of time and
have stopped delivering results. Once woken up, they are fully charged and
start performing along expected lines.
Rama wages a war on Lanka with very limited resources, backed by an army
which is pretty out-of-the-box or unconventional. It is an army which is highly
motivated, expecting minimal facilities. Goes on to show the superiority of
motivation levels over the availability of physical resources.
A CEO who is out to increase his market share needs the back up of a highly
motivated sales staff which if motivated well would go all out to win the
hearts and wallets of the companys customers.
Succession Planning
Dasarathas plans for installing Rama on the throne of Ayodhya do turn
topsy-turvy, but the existence of a clear succession plan can never be
denied. This is meant to ensure continuity in governance. It helped that
besides being the eldest son, Rama was liked by all and hence chosen to
lead the kingdom once his father passed away.
Excellence in Execution
The plan to locate Sita gets brilliantly executed by Hanuman. The wisdom
with Ramayana 3 which he conducts the search and the single-minded
pursuit of the goal is an example worth emulating by managers at all levels.
While crossing the sea, he declines an invitation from Mount Mynaaka to take
some rest on the way.
The manner in which he assures Sita of his genuineness exhorts managers to
conduct commercial negotiations by first setting the anxieties of the opposite
party at rest.
Creatures living under his shelter he cannot forsake, but surely a shallow
area can be shown where a causeway can be built.
Rama accepts the sea-gods apology and orders the building process to start.
Thus, the objective is met without damaging the eco-system.
In the current context, governments all over the world are realizing the
importance of striking a judicious balance between economic growth and
environmental concerns. Ramas approach inspires us to strive to find the
middle path and ensure that Mother Nature is not unduly disturbed to pave
way for crass commercialism.
Dependence on Yes-men!
Ravana is a highly learned and accomplished person. One of the reasons for
hisRamayana 2 downfall is to neglect the advice of nay-sayers. His wife,
Mandodari, brother Vibheeshana and grandfather Malyavaan all advise him
to return Sita to Rama. Instead, he chooses to listen to his courtiers who play
on his ego and pride and advise him not to do so.
A couplet in Sundara Kanda of Ramcharitmanasa clearly advises us to ignore
the advice of a paid deputy, a doctor and a teacher who speak positively out
of either fear or expectation of a gain. A king who acts upon such motivated
advice loses his kingdom, his body and his righteousness (dharma) as well.
Humility in Victory
When Ravana is on his death-bed, Rama exhorts Lakshmana to learn the
tenets of good governance from him. Lakshmana approaches Ravana rather
haughtily first and fails. Rama then advises him to approach Ravana with due
humility, whereupon Ravana speaks of the pitfalls of procrastination and
shares his knowledge about statecraft and diplomacy.
Power of Attorney
The sincerity with which Bharata takes care of the kingdoms affairs while
Rama is away speaks of true values of follower-ship. Upon his return to
Ayodhya, Bharata informs him that the kingdoms revenue had gone up tenfolds during the fourteen years he was away.
Here is an excellent example of a kingdom held in trust and good faith, much
akin to the present day concept of a power of attorney getting appointed to
take care of administrative and legal matters of a business when owners are
not readily available.
Leadership Traits
With the possible exception of his handling of Sita upon her return from
Lanka, Rama conducts himself in an exemplary manner throughout the
narration. Whether it is befriending Nishaad Raaj, refusing to return to
Ayodhya when Bharat approaches him in Panchavati, conducting the last
rites of Jataayu, accepting Vibheeshana in his fold or even when reuniting
with his mothers and brothers upon his return to Ayodhya, he sets a high bar
for humanity in general.
In the corruption-infested times we live in, his leadership traits inspire
managers to do their best even under the most trying circumstances.
Ram Rajya
The concept of being fair to all is the bedrock on which modern management
is based. For those in power at the top, an impartial conduct of those in
authority is a sine qua non for the morale of the people. Sita gets banished
to the Valmiki ashram when an ordinary citizen casts an aspersion on her
character. Ramas role is not much different from that of a true-blue CEO
whose loyalty to the companys overall welfare is unflinching.
Skirt-groping CEOs who have a roving eye and managements which look the
other Ramayana 1way just because they accord a higher priority to business
goals than to the character of their top honchos could take a leaf out of
Ramas conduct.
There are several instances when management has to divulge information on
a need to know basis. However, if the basic practices are perceived to be
fair to all, even management policies which impact the employees adversely
like a down-sizing are not taken amiss across the company.
Ramayana is rich with several other narratives which could be useful to
management practitioners. Also, each narrative may be interpreted in
several ways, depending upon how one goes about analyzing it.
3. SWOT Analysis
Once mentally prepared for the job, first thing which Hanuman did after
reaching Lanka was to do a complete analysis of the situation. He did a
complete study about the Lankans, assessing their strengths and
weaknesses, the various threats and opportunities which he had in the
enemys camp.
Lesson: The SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis
is one of the most important aspects of modern day management. First you
need to ascertain the goals, or job to be done. Then, get mentally prepared
for it and have a right plan. And then, analyze the strengths and weaknesses
of the competitor and what threats and opportunities are there in the
business.
In the same Ramayana, again and again Ravana has shown the signs of a
bad manager, and hence led to the demise of his kingdom. From the starting
itself he ignored the suggestions of his managers and got his kingdom in the
state of war with Ram
. Lesson: A good manager is the one, who can get his work done even from
the rivals. A good manager listens to what his subordinates has to say and
tries to keep them together especially when the organization needs them the
most. But Ravanas mismanagement was responsible for Vibhishan (one of
the wisest manager) leaving him amidst a crisis.
and tried to repeat the magic. But it did not work. It was not "branded" with
"Rama". Moral of the story is that the Brand is bigger than the "owner" of the
brand. A manager should feel good, when people recognize him by the name
of his company.
8. Importance of communication
When Bali fought demon Mayavee and entered a cave during their fight,
Sugreeva was ordered to keep a watch outside till Bali emerged. After nearly
a year' wait when neither Bali nor the rakshasa (demon) came out, Sugreeva
thought they had both been killed. He went back to Kishkindha and became
its ruler and made Tara, Bali's wife, his queen.However, Bali returned and
seeing Sugreeva as king, Bali thought he had been betrayed.
Lesson: The cause of mortal enmity between brothers Sugriva and Bali
originated in a terrible miscommunication. The turn of events helped Rama
do his bit. Lesson is to be beware of miscommunication at any stage,
whether in acquisition or in management of talent.
Kalidasa, when the time comes to relinquish his body, Rama divides it
equitably between his two sons Lava and Kusha.
Lesson: All well-managed companies ensure that the career development
plans of their top performers are directly linked to succession plans. Good
leaders should invariably groom the managers under them.
hours and in doing so inspired his army to not only continue the unequal
fight, but also win it.