Leadership Series Part 1 Shri Ram: The First Authentic Leader

Pt. Jaidath Maharaj M.Ed. (dist.); EMBA (dist.)

President, SWAHA Inc.

Authentic leadership is a type of management style in which people act in a real, genuine and sincere way that is true to who they are as individuals. Proponents of authentic leadership say this type of leader is best positioned to inspire trust, loyalty and strong performances from those in their charge.

An authentic leader expresses his natural goodness and humanity onto those around him or her and this inspires confidence in the leader. This authenticity is reflected both in the leader’s professional and personal life. Research has shown that authentic leaders are able to motivate and inspire those around then through their sincerity, compassion, servitude and humility. Authentic leadership is associated with transformational leadership and servant leadership.

Authentic leadership hinges on the belief that man is imbued with goodness and Godliness. By nature, man is good, albeit this goodness may manifest at varying degrees in each person based on different factors, inter alia, environmental factors, family life, karmic history, social-economic status and associations. The example of the lamp is given in Shri Raamcharitramanas. The brightness of the lamp is determined by the opacity of the shade and not the presence of the light. If the shade is covered in soot, the glow will be diminished. However, if the shade is cleansed, the glow will be bright. In both cases, the actual light is the same but its visibility is impacted by the opacity of the shade. So too with humanity, the goodness present in all is sometimes diminished due to five Kleshas-:

1. Avidya – ignorance
2. Asmita – egoism
3. Raag – attachment
4. Dwesh – aversion
5. Abhinivesh – fear of death

In Tulsi Shri Raamcharitramanas, the Lord utters the words “Bare bhaagya manush rtanu paavaa”. The essence of the line is that the human form is great and by nature we are imbued with all positive traits. Therefore, the nature of man is to be good and to exude an aura of radiant light unto the world that leads to feelings of goodness, wellbeing and inspiration to those with whom we associate.

Shri Ram possessed this authenticity as a leader, at a time when the concept of authentic leadership was not a formalized subject area. He reflected this humility and goodness towards all persons and was the champion of the downtrodden. Shri Ram uplifted those who were condemned by society and showed his grace to those whose hearts were filled with love.

As a leader, Shri Ram led with fairness, spirituality and justice. This led to a utopian state still unachieved by all societies in the modern world. This spiritual (authentic) leadership displayed by Shri Ram ensured that every citizen was treated with equity, all needs were met, crime was eliminated and there was no sickness and suffering.

As we continue with out leadership series, we will explore the issues of positive leadership contained in our scriptures.