In Ego is the Enemy, author Ryan Holiday discusses how unchecked ego can obstruct personal and professional success, advocating for a life led with humility and a focus on collective rather than personal achievements. This theme resonates strongly with the character of Lord Rama in the Ramayana, especially during the events leading up to his coronation and subsequent exile.
Duty Over Recognition: According to Holiday, the pursuit of recognition can derail an individual from their true responsibilities. Similarly, when Rama is chosen as the future king, he doesn’t revel in future prospects of power; instead, he remains focused and modest, exemplifying how subduing personal pride aligns with true leadership qualities.
Grace Under Pressure: Rama’s ordeal of being exiled just as he is about to be crowned demonstrates his extraordinary ability to handle adversity with grace—choosing to uphold his father’s promise over fighting the decision. Holiday suggests that in similar situations, ego might compel one to react negatively, but Rama’s composed acceptance underscores the strength found in prioritizing duty and peace over personal desires.
Leading Without Ego: Rama’s readiness to put the kingdom’s welfare ahead of his own exemplifies selfless leadership. This is a cornerstone of success in any collective endeavor, as Holiday notes, where the focus is on communal stability and long-term objectives rather than short-lived personal gains.
Practical Applications in Workplace Dynamics: In everyday work scenarios, professionals can draw from Rama’s acceptance and Holiday’s philosophy to deal with workplace conflicts or personal slights. If a prince can gracefully accept exile instead of ascending to the throne, it sets a profound precedent for handling professional setbacks or confrontations with similar dignity and calm. This approach fosters a work environment that values resilience and teamwork over individual grievances, promoting a culture where mutual respect and professional growth are paramount.
Adopting such a mindset allows individuals to concentrate on broader career goals, navigate office politics with acumen, and respond to criticism constructively. Embracing the principle of duty over personal ambition helps build a reputation as a thoughtful and steadfast leader, capable of guiding teams through complex challenges with a focus on integrity and shared success.
Here is a wonderful dialogue from Son of Satyamurthy that captures the importance of values, which are constant and have to be upheld at any cost and which keeps our ego in check.
“మనం బావున్నప్పుడు లెక్కలు మట్లాడి కష్టాల్లొ ఉన్నప్పుడు విలువలు మట్లాడకూడదు ….”
“Manam bavvunapudu Lekkalu matladi… Kastaallo unapudu Viluvalu matladakudadhu sir”
Trivikram in the movie ‘Son of Satyamurthy’