Selfless

Real leaders are not in it for themselves. John Hume once commented: “I never thought in terms of being a leader. I thought very simply in terms of helping people.” By their decisions, actions and words, powerful leaders inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. Embodying true selflessness, such leaders are uninterested in personal fame and selfish gain, but are instead completely focused on bringing out the best in others. In modern terminology, they call this servant-leadership.

Selfless leaders are attractive. Since they are constantly meditating on serving others, people are magnetically drawn towards them. When leaders are preoccupied with selfish thoughts and personal agendas, people are repelled. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura once commented that spiritual institutions are a “necessary evil.” When there is organisation, facilities, structure and support, so much can be done to proliferate spirituality. There is, unfortunately, always a danger that materialistic mindsets and competition for power and prestige can creep in. Selfless leaders inspire people to become selfless followers, and as that culture perpetuates, it generates incredible vibrancy. But where leaders are selfish and exploitative, followers will naturally lose faith, trust and confidence, and will also start ‘looking out for themselves.’ Such a situation creates scepticism, stagnation and chaos in any group.