Are you a Managing Leader or a Coaching Leader! Lord Ram or Lord Krishna ?
In Hindu mythology there are two great epics. One is Ramayan and other is Mahabharata. The central story of both these epics is around victory of good on evil. In one story Lord Ram leads his army to defeat Ravan. While in the second Lord Krishna oversees Pandavas defeat Kauravas in the battle.
In Ramayan, Lord Ram is the best yodhaa of his side. He leads his army from the front. Strategizes & directs different people to do things which will meet the objectives. His people are happy to follow orders & get all the appreciation for being good executors. Lord Ram sets direction & also tells people what exactly what to do and how to do it. In the end Lord Ram defeats Ravan in the battle.
On the other hand Lord Krishna told Arjuna, that he won’t fight the battle. He won’t pick up any weapon; He would only be there on the chariot as a charioteer. And he did what he said. He never picked up the weapon & he never fought.
Still, Pandavas won the war & final outcome was achieved.
So, what was different? It was their leadership style based on the skills of the people being led.
Lord Ram was leading an army of less unskilled fighters and they were looking for direction from the leader. While on other hand, Lord Krishna was leading Arjuna who was one of the best warrior of his time. While Lord Ram’s role was to show it & lead from the front, Krishna played the role of a coach whose job was to remove cobwebs from his protégée’s mind. Krishna couldn't teach Arjuna archery but he could definitely helped him see things from the right perspective.
Here are some of the basic differences in two leadership styles:
Lord Ram- A skilled warrior, led less unskilled army , gave precise instructions, and motivated his army to fight for his cause.
Lord Krishna: worked with the top professional warriors , so he provided strategic clarity, allowed his team members to take lead, fight for the cause of the team.
Look at your team & reflect what type of leader is required, One who keeps answering/solving problems for people Or the one who asks right questions from their people so that they can find their own solution and learn.
Are you someone who tells/directs all the time Or
Someone who clarifies doubts & allows their people to find their own ways.
Are you someone who has unskilled workers in the team Or has the brightest experts in their area getting stuck with issues?
Younger professionals of today , do not want you to tell or show how things are done, they want to know the meaning of their task and how it makes a difference to your organization.
They are Arjuna’s who don’t necessarily seek more skill/knowledge but they need someone to clarify the cobwebs in their mind, if you still apply Lord Ram’s style on them, you are likely to fail as a leader.
On the other hand if there are people who aren't skilled enough but rely on your expertise to sail you through, then Lord Ram’s style is appropriate.
Isn't it good for us to reflect & think what leadership style will bring the best result for us and our teams ?
Is it Lord Ram style or Lord Krishna style ?
( Original credit to an executive coach friend )
GetSetUp - Managing Director - Business Development & Partnerships
4 年Enjoyed the read and the articulation of the two styles. See them getting played so often.
Professor of Practice, Consultant to Pharma, Ayurveda, MedTech, Cosmetics & Home Care industry. Legal Metrology & Artwork Expert. Technical Due Diligence. Coaching academia for Cosmetic Science & Cosmeceuticals.
4 年Mr Ambwani, Very nicely picked up two well-known leaderships styles from epics. I think many a times mixed of both styles need to be executed based on team composition we have now a days.
Independent Marketing and Advertising Professional
4 年Is it possible that the Leader may have to play both roles in an organisation? Ram in a ‘weaker, poor performing function’ due to absence of skills, some inherent weaknesses which have to be first removed before being strengthened. Then once done with and capable persons in charge step back. And be a Krishna in another department with smart, intelligent high-flyers who need minimal supervision or direction. The duality in fact tests the Leader on how good he/she is in these two very distinct but very necessary roles.
Turnaround & Growth Leader I Ex Johnson & Johnson I Problem Solver | Builder of High Performing teams | MNC | Own Startup | Indian Promoter Led Company
4 年Very nicely illustrated Mr Ambwani. Changing style basis the type of team one is leading is a great learning. Many leaders get accustomed to only one style of leadership and think it is their "trademark". Situational Leadership model is something I have found to be useful.
Retires Scientist G & Scientist In charge MERADO Ludhiana CSIR / CMERI and Ex Commander (Indian Navy)
4 年Point well made