6 Leadership Lessons From Buddha

1. Leadership Lessons FromBuddha

2. The Buddha has often been described as one of the greatest leaders of all time.
But just what characterizes a good leader? What are the duties and qualities of
goodleadership? And what can we learn from the Buddha as a leader that we can apply
to our chaotic world?
3. Lesson # 1 : The Leader as VisionaryLike the captain of a ship, a leader must have
a definite goal; only then can he chart his courseand steer his ship in the right direction.
Having given up his royal rights, wealth and family, PrinceSiddhartha had one goal - to
find the cause of suffering and a way out of suffering. Despite muchhardship and
setback, he never veered from his course but persevered till he gained Enlightenment.
4. He made it his mission to lead all sentient beings out of the samsaric cycle of
suffering. It is this vision which defined his forty-five years of teaching and shaped his
role as leader of an order (sangha) and a following that is still growing strong today.
5. Guided by this vision, the Buddhas mission was an all-embracing one. It is a
missionfounded on compassion and love for all sentient beings, regardless of race,
creed or status quo. Addressing his first group of disciples, the Buddha instructed them
to go forth and spread the teachings for the good and happiness of the many.
6. Lesson # 2 : The Leader as Role ModelA leader must be an exemplary figure,
someone we can respect and emulate. The Buddha,having purified himself through
many lifetimes, embodied all the Perfections (paramita). Hewas extraordinary, virtuous
and righteous in every thought, word and deed. He says as hedoes and does as he
says. Such integrity and consistency won him the trust of his followers.
7. As a leader, the Buddha led by example. His simple and humble lifestyle is a
reflection of his teachings. In his daily routine, the Buddha wasted no time on idleness
and frivolity. For forty-five years, he devoted his time and effort for the good of others,
starting his day before dawn and working till midnight.
8. Compare this with many world leaders who live in the laps of luxury while half of
the worlds population sufferfrom poverty and hunger, andwe can understand why

manypeople lament the lack of good leaders in our times. In his advice to the rulers of
histime, the Buddha emphasized the importance of leadership according to the Dharma.
9. Lesson # 3 : The Leader as MediatorAs a leader, the Buddha demonstrated both
skills in mediation and impartiality in judgment.In the Ummagga Jataka, as Prince
Mahausadha, the Bodhisattva (the Buddha in a previousbirth) showed his ability to
resolve problems and arguments. As advisor to the King, hedisplayed wit and
intelligence in the protection of his people.
10. The Buddha displayed his skills at resolving conflicts between opposing parties
on severaloccasions. Once a dispute broke out between the Sakyans and the Koliyas.
Unable to arrive at an agreement over the distribution of the waters of the river Rohini,
the two parties were on the verge of war. The Buddha settled the dispute by
asking:"What do you consider as more valuable - water or human lives?"
11. Lesson # 4 : The Leader as ManagerThe Buddha was a great human resource
manager. With an acute knowledge of human beings,he knew the strengths and
weaknesses of those around him. He delegated duties to his followersin accordance
with their abilities and temperament. In addition, he showed his appreciation
byconferring upon them due respect and recognition.
12. Based on their dominant traits, the Buddha categorized people into six groups:1.
those lustful and passionate2. those with hatred and anger3. those with delusion4.
those with faith and confidence5. those with wisdom and intelligence6. those with
hesitation and doubt
13. Lesson # 5 : The Leader as ProtectorAnother aspect in which the Buddha
exercised his role as a protector is in teachingsof the Buddha was open to all, in the
Buddhas four-fold party of monks, nuns, laymen and lay women followers, admission
was not so liberal.
14. It is necessary not for Buddhas personal interests but to protect the Buddhist
community from corruptive and evil forces and to ensure its long-term survival. The
Buddha also set out criteria and rules and regulations, especiallythe vinaya code, to
protect the well- being and order of his community.

15. Lesson # 6 : The Leader Shows the WayDuring his 45 years of missionary work,
many followers became enlightened after listening to histeachings. 2500 years later, the
Buddha continues to inspire millions of people around the worldto follow his path. This,
above all else, is the most important role of the Buddha as a leader onewho is able to
inspire others to develop their full potential and gain the ultimate goal of Nirvana.
16. Behold, O monks, this is my last advice toyou All component things in the world
are changeable They are not lasting Work hard to gain your own salvation Thank You
Very Much Sompong Yusoontorn