To be a leader requires knowing what to do, and why to do it. Enthusiasm, motivation, skill and knowing how to do things right is not enough. We have to know whether it is the right thing to do. For that, moral leadership is required.
Leadership is about “who we are” and “what we do”. Along with learning to act as a leader, we must possess the characteristics, behaviour and habits of mind and heart of true leaders. True leaders have the courage to confront the meaning of existence. They have the courage to live in a manner that offer meaning to others, By their example, they inspire hope in others that they too can become one of God’s noble works. Such leadership transcends organisational leadership and also moral leadership.
Many focus on the routines of life, such as waking up, getting dressed, eating, driving, working to earn a living, coming home and repeating the cycle the following day. They conclude that there is a higher power within that guides us. That inner spiritual power is the source of morals, virtues, power and life. It does not matter what name we call it — whether God, consciousness, soul — that power is within, enlivening each of us.
Once we contact the eternal spiritual power, we connect with the source of the qualities of true leaders. We automatically and effortlessly inculcate the virtues and characteristics associated with great leaders.
The second aspect of leadership is service.
Great moral leaders of history have said that service before self was the key to a full and rewarding life.
Those who are spiritually aware see the same power enlivening all creation. A life of service is based on deep spiritual and moral principles that are understood and internalised when we contact the truth within. Intellectually understanding service does not provide the conviction we need when we are tested, as we most certainly will be, by people and circumstances.
Becoming a true leader is about becoming a true human being.
Leadership is a product of deep, ongoing self-analysis. We need dedication and perseverance to achieve anything. We do not need to act or pose. Our moral leadership and spiritual strength will flow from our words and actions and will reach the hearts of others as naturally and inevitably as a stream flows towards its source.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji, head of Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission, works towards promoting inner and outer peace. He can be contacted at www.sos.org
