Dare To Tell The Truth To Your Boss (TCH#9)

The story of Lord Hanuman in the Ramayana's Kishkindha Kand teaches us that a genuine leader has no fear of telling the truth, even to their superiors. Hanuman believed it was his duty to remind Sugreev of his duties as monarch, despite the fact that doing so meant going against his superior's orders. Hanuman believed that a leader who acted irresponsibly could not expect his or her adherents to act responsibly, and that it was essential to prioritize one's responsibilities and assist one's friends. Hanuman therefore walked to Sugreev's private chambers and offered him a lesson on the nuances of ethical norms. Though Sugreev's initial reaction was wrath, he soon realized that Hanuman's intrusion was warranted. Sugreev was eventually motivated by Hanuman's words and ordered the hunt for SITA. This narrative illustrates how true leaders prioritize their responsibilities and are unafraid to speak the truth, even if it means contradicting their superiors.

To support the above, let's examine the entire circumstance as described in Kishkindha Kand, sarg 29 of the Valmiki Ramayana. In this chapter, Maharshi Valmiki describes Hanuman's realization that Sugreev has become immersed in various lustful pursuits and has nearly forgotten his promise to Shri Ram. Hanuman, however, knew it was time to break his reticence because time was running out, and if he did not intervene, Sugreev's life would also run out.

In shlok 7, 8, and 9 of sarg 29 Maharshi Valmiki mentions the following:

“Prasdhya vaakyervividheyrhetumadbhirmanorame.
vaakyavid, vaakyatatvagyam harisham maarutatmajah.
Hitam tathyam cha pathayam cha saamdharmarthneetimat.
Pranaypreeti sanyuktam vishaaskrutnishchayam.
Harishwarmupagamya Hanumanvaakyambraveet.
Rajyam praptam yashashchaiv, kauli shreerabhivardhita.”

Hanuman was a visionary who always understood what needed to be done, due to his extensive knowledge of diplomacy and profound understanding of various shastras. Moreover, he possessed exceptional communication skills. Hanuman took it upon himself to remind Sugreev of his responsibilities when he observed that Sugreev was engaging in lustful activities and had neglected his promise to Shri Ram.

Hanuman believes that leaders who act as if they are infants cannot expect their followers to act as if they are adults. Hanuman approached Sugreev's private chambers with the intention of instructing him on the nuances of morality. He understood that words that are easy on the ego weigh heavily on our conscience, so he only spoke what was reasonable, advantageous, pragmatic, profitable, impressive, flawless, imperative, and impartial. Sugreev becomes enraged upon seeing Hanuman, but then realizes that Hanuman must have a valid cause for barging in.

Hanuman reminds Sugreev that a stable kingdom is supported by four pillars: an abundant treasury, a strong army, the king's absolute authority, and true companions. He explains that a king who neglects to aid his friend will soon lose everything he has gained, so Shri Ram's assistance must be prioritized immediately. Hanuman reminds Sugreev that by assisting Shri Ram, they are not doing him a favor; rather, they are expressing gratitude for what he has done for them.

Inspired by Hanuman's words, Sugreev immediately orders the search for SITA. He instructs Neel, the commander of the Vanarsena, to assemble the entire army of monkeys within fifteen days; any monkeys who arrive even one day late will be executed immediately. Sugreev, however, resumes his revelry, and Hanuman is aware that many leaders adopt warm, casual policies privately for themselves while adopting frigid, strict policies publicly for their followers.

In conclusion, Lord Hanuman's leadership qualities and virtues are exemplary for the contemporary business world, and his actions in the Ramayana's Kishkindha Kand serve as a valuable example of how leaders should prioritize their responsibilities and assist their allies.