We know many styles of leadership such as autocratic, situational, participatory, and many more. Among them, a new style of leadership is emerging in the corporate world, inevitable in the post-globalization business scenario, and highly competitive with rising expectations. The life and lifestyle of Hanuman, the most prominent character in the epic Ramayana, who is selfless, a symbol of sacrifice and without arrogance.
Hanuman, who has surrendered to his ‘Chief’, Lord Rama, is always within His Master’s reach to obey his orders with all humility and commitment, from the moment he was introduced to him. Hanuman was never competitive and always kept a low profile. But when the time came, he was the first to jump into action, which is the quality of results-oriented action leadership. He helped his ‘Boss’ find his wife Sita, who was kidnapped by Ravan, the demon king. He was one of the ‘bravest followers’ whose qualities were mentioned by Ira Chaleff in his award-winning book ‘The Brave Follower: Defending and Defending Our Leaders’. Hanuman is an ideal and courageous subordinate, who is always ready to guide even his boss when he needs it.
Corporate leaders are trying to emulate the qualities of servant leadership seen most prominently in successful post-globalization Indian corporate leaders, such as Ratan Tata, NRNarayan Murthy, Azim Premji, Nandan Nilekani, whose background in house management Commercial giants forced the government to use their services on different occasions, provided there is a need for their services to serve the general public.
The Eight Habits of Servant Leaders
1. Patience – show self-control
2. Kindness: it is an act of love.
3. Humility: shows an absence of pride
4. Respect: treat people as if they are important.
5. Disinterest: meeting the needs of others
6. Sorry – letting go
7. Honesty: be free from deception
8. Commitment: stick to your choice
Legitimate leadership and influence are based on service, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the highest good of those to whom it is addressed. Influence does not come from a title or an army. Influence must be earned. There are no short cuts.
Every time we reach out, we sacrifice and serve others, we build authority and thereby influence. If you give your people what they need, they will give you everything you need. So leadership will not be defined by what we achieve, but by what we achieve through others. The servant-leader must constantly ask himself: How can I use myself to serve better?
Leadership requires selflessness. The willingness to serve and sacrifice for others, the willingness to put aside our wants and needs in the pursuit of the highest good for others – this is what it means to be selfless. That is what it means to be a leader. The path to servant leadership does not lie in trying to fix or change others, but in working to change and improve ourselves. “Everybody wants to change the world, but nobody wants to change himself.”
Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and your solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get down to business and take care of them. Servant leaders ask, ‘How can I help you do your job better?’
To conclude, if you want to become a successful corporate leader, emulate Hanuman’s qualities with the perspective of global Indian corporate leaders.