Lesson 3: Personal Ability vs. Personality
- Devaki R Menon
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
In life and in organizations we often come across people with extraordinary abilities: top-notch skills, deep knowledge, and impressive accomplishments. But what truly defines how far they go isn’t just what they can do. It’s who they are in the face of decisions, dilemmas, and power.
Take the example of two brothers from the Ramayana—Ravana and Vibhishana. Both were born into the same lineage. Ravana was a scholar par excellence, often referred to as Dashamukha or "the one with ten heads", symbolizing his mastery over six shastras and four Vedas. He was an exceptional warrior, a brilliant musician, and had even won admiration from the Gods for his penance and knowledge.
But for all his brilliance, Ravana was also driven by ego. His inflated self-worth clouded his judgment. When his brother and minister Vibhishana advised him to return Sita to Sri Rama and uphold dharma, Ravana refused to listen. His ego-defensive personality silenced wiser counsel even when it came from someone close and loyal.
Vibhishana, on the other hand, embodied a balanced personality that was grounded, clear-headed, and guided by values. He wasn’t as decorated in skills as Ravana, but his moral compass led him to take the side of righteousness, even if it meant standing against his own brother. And ultimately, it was Vibhishana's shift of allegiance that contributed to Ravana's downfall.
This teaches us a timeless truth:
It’s not just your abilities that define your journey, but your personality—how you behave, respond, and act in alignment with values.
In organizations, too, we may value expertise and talent, but what sustains success is character. Those who are driven by purpose, empathy, and humility often end up creating impact far greater than just those with technical brilliance.
Let’s reflect:
Are we allowing our egos to cloud wise counsel? Or are we choosing clarity over pride and humility over noise?
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