“Follow me” - the words of true leadership

Leadership has always fascinated me – understanding why some individuals inspire others to achieve a common goal.? Initially, my studies focused on business leaders. I quickly discovered that leadership is more about human skills than technical expertise. This led me to delve into psychology, sociology, neuroscience, and other fascinating subjects.

In the past two years, my interest in ancient wisdom led me to explore leadership principles in classic texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Yoga Sutras, Upanishads, and the Bible. I was surprised to find numerous teachings on leadership within these very pages!? Unfortunately, I had previously dismissed them as religious texts, a perspective that blinded me to their true value.? While religion can be used for harm, the core message of these books transcends human rituals and traditions. They offer a profound and poetic explanation of the universe, our consciousness, and our interactions with other beings.? They explain our emotions, suffering, and the potential for happiness regardless of circumstances.

This exploration convinced me that anyone who aspires to be a strong leader needs a basic understanding of these ancient teachings.

Great leaders inspire action. They have a clear vision and possess the ability to motivate others to follow it. They are humble enough to acknowledge their limitations and foster a culture of continuous learning with honest feedback. They are courageous risk-takers who challenge the status quo. They make difficult decisions when necessary and stand up for their values.? They empower others through clear communication. But perhaps most importantly, great leaders connect with others on a human level.? Figures like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, and Mahatma Gandhi embody empathy and compassion, demonstrating a deep caring attitude that motivates them to alleviate suffering and bring prosperity.

We don't need to spend a fortune on leadership courses.? The best example the world has ever seen is Jesus of Nazareth, whose teachings are readily available in the New Testament.

Once we move beyond the religious context, it's astonishing how simply Jesus explains leadership principles.? His words are a must-read for anyone aspiring to be a true leader.? Consider this: after 2,000 years, roughly 2.4 billion people revere him as their spiritual leader. His message has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on history, art, culture, laws, and politics. Western society is deeply shaped by Jesus' teachings, even our calendar system is based on his estimated birth date. It's clear that he left a legacy worth studying, especially for those who want to lead in today's world.

More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus exemplified the very leadership principles taught in the most prestigious business schools today:

• Servant Leadership: By washing his disciples' feet, Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is about serving others, not being served. Business leaders who embody this principle empower their teams, foster collaboration, and prioritize employee well-being.
• Compassion and Empathy: Jesus' teachings emphasize treating others with love and understanding. Leaders who practice compassion are better at understanding their teams, motivating employees, and creating a positive work environment.
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Holding onto grudges hinders progress. Jesus stressed the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Leaders who can forgive and move on foster a culture of trust and open communication, leading to growth and progress.
• Moral Courage: Jesus challenged the status quo and spoke truth to power. Leaders with moral courage are willing to make difficult decisions that align with their values, even when unpopular.
• Integrity and Humility: Jesus lived a life of integrity and humility. Leaders who embody these principles are honest, ethical, and open to learning. They are aware of their limitations and value the contributions of others. No challenge is insurmountable for a team empowered by these principles.
• Focus on the Bigger Picture: Jesus' teachings emphasized a purpose beyond earthly concerns. Leaders who understand this principle can inspire their teams by connecting their work to a larger purpose that benefits their families, communities, or society as a whole.

Human society is undergoing a massive transformation. It's time to look to the greatest teachers from the past and glean their wisdom to tackle the challenges we face as a species. By viewing Jesus as a teacher rather than solely a religious figure, we can unlock valuable insights on moving forward and transforming our society.? His teachings can empower us to become better people, stronger leaders, and ultimately, contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

Jesus' message was so powerful that it resonated deeply with his followers, requiring just two words: "Follow me." That, in essence, is the true language of a leader – inspiring others to pursue a shared vision while fostering a deep care for the world around them. Jesus' teachings offer a timeless roadmap for leadership, readily available and waiting to be explored.? There's no need to reinvent the wheel or spend a fortune on courses.? Let go of preconceived notions and embrace the wisdom readily available. Go for it!