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 Vibishana decided that surrender unto Sri Rama was the only proper thing for him to do. He mentions to one of his ministers: 'I have not seen Rama as yet. My heart melts with love for him when I think of him. I do not know why. May be He is the one who ends the cycle of births and deaths.' He reached the other side of the ocean where Rama had camped. The vanara guards mistook him and his companions and were all set to fight with him. Hanuman sensed the pandemonium and sent two of his deputies to find out the reason.
The messengers of Hanuman collected information on the Rakshasa and reported to Rama. From a later verse, it is apparent that Rama decided what should be done even at this juncture. However, like his father when he ascertained the opinion of his counsellors on the proposed coronation of Rama, he remained calm and did not give room for others to read his thoughts from his countenance.
'Listen my friends!' He addressed the chiefs of the vast army Sugriva, Nala, Nila, Jambavan and Hanuman. 'You have heard the report on the rakshasas.' By this single sentence he implied, 'You have heard that he advised Ravana to adhere to the path of Dharma and return Sita. You have also heard that Ravana was angered by his words and that he has thrown him out.'
 'Now tell me.
'Ivan kaip pugar paalanO kaziyar paalanO.' Is he worthy of joining us (shall we grant him the surrender that he seeks) or should we decline?' He spoke just two sentences.
This is the most important point to note. The person who seeks advice, especially from his followers, should in the first instance be calm and should limit his question to a dispassionate short sentence. He should not give out any clue to his followers about his own views in the matter. Expressing any view at this stage would only colour the views of others. That would not enable them to speak their heart out. Only the most carefully phrased query can elicit the real opinion in such circumstances. This clue is observable in the councils of Dasaratha and Sri Rama.\
Ravana's war council is in sharp contrast to the assemblies called for by Dasaratha or Rama. He opened his council with an emotional and strongly prejudiced peroration. He expressed his views at the very beginning and that discouraged his followers from speaking what they really thought. The opening speech sets the tone of the council. It took the most courageous and steadfast of them to speak out the truth - but alas, Ravana was not in a mood to listen to it.
 It is important for a leader to first listen to the opinion of his followers, whether or not he agrees with them. He may accept with a viewpoint or he may not. That is a different issue altogether. Getting the view of all, and convincing them of a particular idea, get their acceptance and support is the first task of any leader, on all matters of importance. Know your team. Make them feel comfortable with what you do. Your team has to be convinced first, for it is the team that is going to execute your decision. Nobody can expect a ready and willing co-operation from a team, unless it is properly convinced and imbued with conviction. We have examples of how to do it and how not to do it!
Let us come back to our council. Sugriva, the chief of Vanaras, rose up to speak first. Now, Sugriva is an interesting character. He is strong; valiant; but highly emotional. He is brave; bold; but too impulsive. He had many traits that did not befit a leader at all. But, who could not do wonders, if he had a deputy like Hanuman!
Hari Krishnan
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