This story is an example of why we emphasize in our leadership training that courage is a non-negotiable for leaders.
This scene is set in Chinnakkalpet on the southeast coast of India on December 26th, 2004. Unsuspecting fishermen were returning with their daily catch, their kids playing along the shore while their mothers got to their daily chores. Little did they realize that the sea was going to embrace them all, in one giant leap, in a short while.
At 8.30 am the Tsunami struck with a vengeance.
Dinakaran was the oldest of three children; he was 7 years old. His parents felt that he had the greatest chance of survival independently so they gathered up their two younger children and ran to safety. But the wave was too high and too quick for Dinakaran. Before he knew it, he was being dragged into the depths of the sea. He tried to grab at the shrubs and the trees as the water pulled him with great force. He was exhausted and he had resigned to die when suddenly he felt a bite on his shorts that penetrated his skin. He thought it was a tree stump but for some reason, it stemmed his flow into the sea. When he looked down, to his utter amazement, he noticed that he was being dragged back to the shore by his dog, Selvakumar.
The leader in this story is none other than Selvakumar. The courage, selflessness and commitment he displayed are very desirable leadership qualities.
“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” – Sally Koch
Do we have the courage that Selvakumar displayed? Do we handle situations with always the thought, “What is in it for me?” Can we display the selflessness that this animal showed in rescuing his friend?”
Cheryl Robinson’s article titled “How To Become A Courageous Leader. What It Means For Career Success” emphasizes the importance of courage in achieving professional success. Moreover, the author emphasizes the indelible role of self-reflection and continuous development in honing one’s ability to lead confidently and fearlessly.
Selvakumar teaches us to do what we shy away from doing most of the time – to help without expectations. While we race to compete and excel in our lives, we must pause for a second and lend a helping hand to those in need. We would be living in a better world if only we could criticize less, ridicule less, mock less and help more.
Leadership requires helping others and demonstrating courage, which are emphasized and cultivated in the Leadership Training conducted by Momentum Training Solutions.