True Leaders Work From Their Core Strength
Throughout history, there have been outstanding leaders in every field - military generals, business moguls, political activists, and social reformers. Yet, the most impactful leaders have been spiritual masters, whose influence outlives their time. When you tap into the Spirit within, you rise above physical limitations, emotional baggage, and intellectual prejudices. You breathe an ethereal air.
Ancient India was led by rajarishis, royal sages, who held immense wealth and power, yet remained wise and centred within. At the heart of great leadership lies a higher ideal. A leader sees beyond personal gain, beyond "I, me, mine."
The Bhagwad Gita guides us to work in the spirit of yajna - sacrifice and service for a noble cause. In this mindset, success and happiness follow naturally, and you begin to grow into your true potential. Constricted by selfishness, success eludes you. And happiness and growth remain distant dreams.
True leaders
work from their core strength, inner calling. They are guided by the sane counsel of the intellect and not swayed by the whims and fancies of the mind. The mind, the seat of emotions, is fickle, irrational, and unreliable. The intellect is steady, rational and dependable. A leader loves his people, is ready to sacrifice for them, but the intellect guides, supervises and controls emotions.
Leadership is hard work, but it never feels like drudgery when fuelled by inspiration. When you are uninspired, you experience boredom. The same work, driven by a powerful emotional motivation, becomes exciting. You break through physical barriers. You become enthusiastic, energetic and creative. Driven by an intellectual ideal, you smash through even emotional hang-ups and achieve the impossible. And when you take the mighty leap into the Spirit, all barriers break down.
One of the most powerful traits of a leader is their sense of oneness with others. Most people live in mental islands of separation. A true leader breaks through this illusion. If a leader is consumed by hatred and rivalry, how can they uplift society? Great leaders see beyond divisions. They find common ground and build unity.
Look at others not as opponents but as partners. Focus on the values that unite us, not on the differences that divide us. Feel for people, work for them, and you will be amply rewarded. Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, and his trusted lieutenant, Tanaji, were like brothers. This bond enabled Tanaji to win the battle against a larger, better-equipped Mughal army.
A leader must be objective and rise above partisan, prejudiced views. Take a step back and view the situation from an outsider's perspective. Act as if your life depends on it, knowing that it does not matter. As Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage, and all men and women mere players. They have their exits and their entrances." You have a role to play. Play it to the best of your ability. And exit when the time comes.
Authored by: Jaya Row
Jaya Row will give a talk on
Awaken The Leader In You
on July 20, in Delhi; call 9820138429 for details
Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3
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