COMPLETE BUT NOT PERFECT

In a relationship it is natural to find diverse interactions so when the interaction is with multiple people it is bound to be diverse.  When a person is conditioned to experience either continuous success or failure, conflict or indecision, then such a person sees every one from their perspective which is saturated with their experience of repeated monotonous interactions.  

This kind of conditioning is challenging for everyone including  leaders, especially for those who have experienced success in dealing with the subordinates who submit without questioning for a long time. Sometimes  when subordinates question their leaders or managers on reason and logic and over a certain decision, they might answer, “do you not trust my experience?”

Time, situation and people do change and therefore strategy will need to change. The superiors have to understand this  and act, flexibly without changing the principles.

The Pandavas approached Lord Krishna to go as a peacemaker. They requested him to ask for only 5 villages to administate, even though they had taken a vow before walking out of the gambling arena where they were cheated by the kuru elders. Their vows were fierce, Arjuna had vowed to destroy the kuru army and he had promised that he will kill Karna in battle. Bhima had openly proclaimed he would kill all the 100 sons of Dhritharasthra, while drinking the blood of Dushashana and breaking the thighs of Duryodhana.  But when they realized that the war would cost too much financially  as well as in terms of human life they were willing to live with only 5 villages.

This flexibility is the large heartedness of good people which was not understood by the non-flexible and stubborn Duryodhana, who said, “not even as much space that can fit the head of a needle will be given to the Pandavas.” He would not listen to any good counsel. He had tasted the power of position.

Leadership in Dharmik tradition is “Samavada” based, meaning when there is decision making the leader also becomes a part of the decision making . He is fully responsible for the decision made but to be successful in the venture, he chooses to be a part and studies the pros and cons.  Therefore a leader as part of his life has to interact with people who are his equals, his superiors  and his inferiors.  In differnt scenarios sometimes his opinions are taken seriously, sometimes his opinions are laughed at, sometimes he has to accept other’s opinions and at decisions are simply not taken . In these multiple situations, a leader grows and realizes  life in the world of muti-facets.  

Yudhisthira was such a leader, he heard, he spoke, he was chastised, he was forced to listen, and ultimately he took the responsibility. To deal with such diversity he had his heart and head guided by the supreme Power, the power of Lord Krishna.  In this way he was complete, even though he was not perfectly perfect.