Leadership Lessons from King Mahabali

Onam is not just a festival of flowers and feasts; it’s a reminder of the timeless leadership of King Mahabali (Maveli). His reign is celebrated in the famous song “Maveli Naadu Vaneedum Kaalam, Maanusharellarum Onnu Pole” – a world where everyone lived as equals. Though the authorship of this song is debated, with many attributing it to Sahodaran Ayyappan, its essence is clear: Inclusion.

Inclusion is about more than just being fair. As Bernardo & Ferdman (2010) explain, it is creating a space where people are fully engaged, feel safe, and are valued regardless of their differences. Wasserman et al. (2008) and Barak (2011) emphasized that inclusive cultures reduce attrition and promote a sense of belonging. Carmeli et al. (2010) went a step further, noting that inclusive leaders are open, available, and accessible, thereby encouraging employees to share fresh ideas, even those that challenge the norm.

Inclusive leadership was the hallmark of King Mahabali’s reign – a world where people felt safe, equal, and valued.

That’s exactly what made Mahabali unique. His leadership was not about power, but about people. He created a society where no one felt excluded, everyone’s voice mattered, and prosperity was shared.

Now imagine the impact if today’s leaders, whether in business or politics, followed this example. An inclusive leader doesn’t just listen; they create psychological safety, nurture innovation, and ensure that every member feels they belong to the larger vision. This is what transforms teams into powerhouses and societies into thriving communities.

Inclusive leadership was the hallmark of King Mahabali’s reign – a world where people felt safe, equal, and valued. If today’s leaders embrace even a fraction of this quality, they can build organizations and societies that thrive on trust, creativity, and unity.

As an entrepreneur, how inclusive is your leadership style? Do your team members feel truly valued and safe to share their ideas? Comment.