Ram as a transformational leader

 

Ram was true leader and front end fighter from his army. He was supreme in deciding strategy during the fight of Ramayana. He had unique leadership who lead an army of monkeys, who were unskilled fighters and always looking for direction.

            The leadership traits have been passed down for centuries. From the ancient period to present scenario the world has seen various leaders and their traits. Ram had developed transformational leadership style as a process and motivate followers by appealing to high ideals and moral values.

            Transformational leaders can create a vision for the society and the country by transforming their followers into good leaders.

            In Ayodhya Kanda, when Ram leaves Ayodhya to go into exile following his father Raja Dasaratha's will, the people of Ayodhya at large became very much against the idea. They followed Ram's Chariot all the way out of Ayodhya and beyond the outskirts of the capital. they kept Sumantra's chariot and prayed Ram not to leave the Kingdom. Ram exhibited one of the dimensions of transformational leadership. Because people of Ayodhya were full of loyalty and adoration to Ram, That results them to follow Ram and to request him to return back to their Kingdom.

            Further in Ayodhya Kand when vast population of Ayodhya came along with Bharat to the forest of Chitrakut, where Ram along with Sita and Laxman had setup their camp. Bharat along with the people of Ayodhya to persuade Ram to return to the throne and take up his duty.

            Ram was a prince and used to living in opulence, how ever he was sent to exile, where there was totally different life style.

            The resources were limited, he had to stay in a hut and gave up all the luxuries of the palace. Whenever Sita was abducted, he had nothing much at his disposal. Apart from this from the limited resources available, he raised an army, marched to Lanka without any fancy vehicle and defeated Ravan.

Ram as a transformational leader :

            Leadership is not confined to individuals in formal leadership status. It is apparent that the individuals may have a particularly wide remit of influence within the society.

            The qualities of Ram resulted in motivation, Respect, admiration and gaining trust. The base of Ram's transformational leading style are,

·        As visionaries : Ram had great visions, which had further translated into mission and goals to complete the task.

·        Courage : This was the quality of Ram, once taken stand never back down.

·        Empowerment : Ram had empowered his men to show their true potential by exploring themselves. He had strong belief in the ability of their people.

·        Value : Ram had great believe in set of core values and from that he had never deviated.

·        Lifelong learned : Ram has learned from top class Sants and gurus of his era and implemented them properly in real life without escaping from the reality.

·        Complex decisions : Ram has taken several complex decisions in order to uphold the honor of mankind.

·        Interpersonal skill : Ram had freely interacted with their people without considering his reality and status.

            Ram is the embodiment of righteousness. he is the perfect example of how a leader must lead his team towards victory. Ramayana is primarily the tale of triumph of good over evil.

            Presently most of the leaders, who are more of wheeler dealers, striking deals for personal gain. Ram's action is worth emulating when the modern world is throwing leaders with bloated egos.