We rejoice with them when the light bulb of understanding turns on, or when they bring back a test that shows vast improvement or they relate the experience of receiving a better grade. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we are building a strong foundation for the future. How students learn to cope with adversity, conquer tough problems, learn new ways of managing their studies, find different tools to help those struggling all these contribute to forming lasting habits of dealing with the world, handling business and professional duties, forming alliances and lasting friendships. In short, we help mold the leaders of tomorrow. This short piece illustrates two types of leadership styles.
Nothing grows under a banyan tree.
That South Indian proverb relates to leadership styles. The banyan is a huge tree that spreads its branches, drops air-roots and develops secondary trunks. Full grown, a banyan tree can cover more than an acre of land. Now, while birds, animals, and humans find shelter under its shade, nothing grows under its dense foliage, and when the banyan dies, the ground beneath lies barren and scorched. Some leaders are like banyan trees.