Disclaimer: This article has nothing to do with religion. Lord Ganesha, the Hindu God is immensely popular in Asia and widely respected by Hindus and non-Hindus around the world.
I don't remember much but in my childhood days itself I chose Ganesha among all the Gods. Probably because he is different, the elephant head, big ears, one teeth and a big belly. He is cute and adorable. And his stories of coolness, wit and fun quickly connects a child with him.Over a period time I realized that Ganesha, the 'Lord of the Beginning' has several attributes which inspire an individual to be a leader.Whether I am travelling, at office desk, home or in the car, I keep a Ganesha Idol with me or near to me. It gives me lot of strength.
Large head of Lord Ganesha signifies to Think Big'Look at the bigger picture.' It is easier said than done.In our day to day lives no matter who we are, where we are; we all get stuck in small things and issues. And there is a temptation to lose focus, hunker down and get involved. Be it a small task, argument or situation.And while facing such issues when I suddenly look at him, his big head reminds me to use brain and be wise.
The Vision & the Decision
Remember the story in which Gods were asked to circumambulate the World thrice? It was to decide who should be worshiped first. All the Gods started on their vehicles and wanted to prove their superiority. But Ganesha realized that his World is his parents. So he goes around them thrice and won. And by the way his vehicle is mouse. So if he would have thought on the same lines as of other Gods, he would have never won.
What made him win? His simple vision of not just to win the race but adhere to values, no false ego or superiority which lead to an effective decision.Today's World is highly competitive. This story gives a simple moral of how one can win even with less resources and presence of mind."Make the most of what you have."
Enjoy Small Things
We all know that Ganesha loves Laddoos or Modak (Indian sweet). And it is also said that offering Laddoos to Vinayak makes him happy and he fulfils all your wishes. (Vinayak is another name of Ganesha which means leader of its own).All such traditions or sayings hold a special significance if we pay attention to them. Big things are important in life but so are small. I feel his love for laddoo symbolically means that we as humans should also enjoy small things and moments in life.
Quick to Forgive
Ganesha is known for his friendly nature and easy going attitude. Be it with his fellow Gods or the followers.Once Moon laughed at Ganesha when he couldn't walk properly and fell down after eating many laddoos in the night. Ganesha became angry on moon and cursed that he would never be visible to anyone but when Moon apologized, he quickly forgave him and reduced the curse only to a single day.
Be Approachable
Ganesha's big ears signify that you should listen more.A leader must have listening skills. Listening someone's woes, worries or thoughts help you understand about him. It also helps in connecting to the person emotionally and building trust.People of all castes and religion adores Ganesha because of his friendly personality. Similarly a leader should be empathetic and approachable by all.
No Gain without Pain
It is said that Sage Vyas chose Ganesha to write Mahabharat (the longest Epic in the World). Vyas narrated and he wrote it. But there was a condition put by Sage Vyas that it had to be written non-stop.
While writing Ganesha's pen broke and since he couldn't stop he broke his tusk and started writing with it.
This is symbolic to the message that knowledge comes with sacrifices.
Final Words:
Lord Ganesha is bestowed with a very special body and appearance. Similarly we all are born with some special qualities.
Like my mentor says, Leaders are either born with such qualities or imbibe the qualities.
Important is to understand our own self and work accordingly.
Note: This is a guest post written for Merrybrains.com