Growing up, I was surrounded by portraits of great leaders. These included Mahatma Gandhi, Gopabandhu Das, Madhubabu, Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru, and my grandfather. Their faces watched over us from our school walls. Their stories of the freedom struggle kindled a wish within me. I aspired to become a leader who positively influences those around me.
One morning, filled with determination, I approached my father. “Can you teach me to become a leader?” I asked eagerly.
My father smiled gently and said, “Go ask your mother.”
I found Mother in the kitchen, the aroma of lunch filling the air. She paused her cooking. She drew me onto her lap. She said softly, “My child, you are already a leader. You must find it within yourself.”
Puzzled, I asked, “If it’s already within me, why must I search for it?”
Her eyes twinkled as she replied, “It’s like a precious gift. Would you give someone a gift unwrapped? God has given you this gift, wrapped in layers, so you can enjoy the journey of discovering it yourself.”
“But how do I start unwrapping?” I asked, practically bouncing with anticipation.
“Go ask nature,” she said mysteriously. “Each element will teach you how to unwrap a different layer.”
“How many layers are there?”
“The more you ask, the more you’ll discover. And with each layer unwrapped, you’ll become a more refined leader.”
Without another word, I darted out, my mother’s proud gaze trailing me as I disappeared into the village.
At the village’s edge, I looked up at the brilliant sun. I asked, “Sir, can you help me find the leader within me?”
The sun’s voice was clear and unwavering: “A leader establishes and enforces rules. Like me, rising and setting with precise timing, never deviating. Some call this bureaucratic, but structure and discipline create order.” As if to show, a cloud drifted by, temporarily veiling the sun’s authority.
Nearby, farmers were burning hay in their fields. I approached the dancing flames and asked my question again. The fire crackled its response: “Leaders need clear vision! Focus on your goal and follow the prescribed path. No detours!”
When I tried to ask more, the fire snapped, “Don’t question—execute!”
The wind whistling past and feeding the flames pulled me aside and whispered, “That one’s rather authoritative, isn’t it? But there’s truth in those words.”
“But how do I find my leadership style?” I persisted.
“Follow me!” the wind commanded, rushing ahead. “Don’t just talk—act! Set the pace, be the example!” The wind’s speed increased until I stumbled over a bush, tumbling onto the ground.
Mother Earth embraced me with her warmth. “I see you searching for leadership,” she said tenderly. “True leadership is service to others. Like your mother, create the best in everyone around you. Listen with empathy and build supportive communities.”
A flock of birds alighted nearby, chirping, “Mother Earth embodies altruistic leadership!” She smiled as they continued, “We represent innovation. We are always finding new ways to build nests. We gather food creatively.”
The ancient Banyan tree’s leaves rustled in agreement. “Indeed, they’re exemplary leaders.” The birds turned to the tree, saying, “And you, sir, are democratic. You give equal shelter to all, from the smallest snake to the largest elephant.”
As I headed home, I met a mountain, its peak touching the clouds. “You’ve unwrapped much today,” it observed. “Let me share another secret: help others reach their peaks. Your success as a leader lies in others’ growth. Coach them, guide them, watch them soar.”
A small forest nearby added its wisdom: “Create harmony through collaboration. Build a place where everyone feels safe to take risks and grow together.”
That evening, I shared my discoveries with Mother. She smiled knowingly and said, “Now work on these teachings, and you’ll find the leader within you.”
Years later, I’ve grown to embrace different leadership styles. The forest’s affiliation approach focuses on building safe spaces. The mountain’s coaching philosophy is about developing potential. The Banyan Tree’s democratic spirit emphasizes inclusive decision-making. I’ve cultivated innovation. Still, I’m still working on mastering the authoritative clarity of fire. I strive to achieve the bureaucratic discipline of the sun. I also aim for the pace-setting drive of the wind.
For leadership, I learned, it is not about choosing one style. It’s about understanding when to use each approach. Nature uses all its elements to nurture life in the same way.
Life as Sakti 