Good Karma for Leaders: Leadership lessons from Eastern Philosophy of Karma

ln leadership, it’s often not the external challenges that bring down great leaders, but internal ones — specifically, the destructive force of hubris. Rooted in excessive pride and overconfidence, hubris blinds leaders to their own limitations.

But what if there’s a way to break this cycle? By understanding the karmic principles of destiny, non-doership, and selfless service(sewa), leaders can avoid the pitfalls of hubris and create a legacy way after end of the work life or for that matter life.

Discover how karma offers valuable lessons that every leader needs to thrive without falling victim to their own ego.

The Difference Between Hubris and Narcissism:

Though hubris and narcissism share traits of excessive self-confidence, they are distinct in nature.

Hubris refers to overconfidence that arises from power or success, often leading leaders to make reckless decisions based on their inflated sense of ability. It is typically situational and grows with the leader’s increasing power.

Narcissism, on the other hand, is a personality disorder characterized by a persistent need for admiration, a deep sense of entitlement, and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissism is more pervasive and deeply ingrained in an individual’s personality, influencing all aspects of their behavior.

While hubris can manifest temporarily during success, narcissism is a long-term, fixed trait. Both lead to negative outcomes, but hubris is more likely to emerge due to external circumstances, whereas narcissism is a more constant internal condition.

Non-Doership: The Key to Humble Leadership

In contrast to arrogance and narcissism, the concept of non-doership offers a path to humble leadership. Non-doership is the recognition that while leaders may perform actions, they are not the ultimate doers.

Instead, they are instruments in a larger organisational or cosmic destiny. They act without attachment to outcomes, reducing the chances of accumulating negative karma.

A leader practicing non-doership accepts both success and failure with equanimity, understanding that their role is to serve rather than control or dominate.

This mindset is the antithesis of hubris, as it eliminates the desire to inflate one’s ego through power or accomplishments.

Destiny: Acceptance as a Path to Humility

A common misconception about humility is the belief that it means seeing oneself as lesser than others. In reality, humility is the recognition that everyone is equal, each playing a vital role in the larger picture. It’s not about elevating or diminishing anyone, but about understanding that no one is inherently better or lesser — everyone contributes to the whole in their own way.

Destiny plays a crucial role in curbing hubris. In karmic terms, destiny is the unfolding of past actions.

What we experience today is a result of actions taken in the past, whether in this life or previous ones. This is not just dependent on the leaders karma but all the stakeholders involved. Who are living out the play of their destiny.

Leaders who understand this concept realize that they do not have complete control over outcomes. Instead of clinging to the illusion of total power, they accept that some things are beyond their control and rooted in past karma.

Hubristic leaders, on the other hand, believe they can defy destiny through sheer willpower and control.

By understanding and accepting destiny, leaders can act with purpose while letting go of the need to control and excessive micromanagement.

This acceptance fosters humility and prevents the accumulation of karmic debt related to ego-driven actions.

Sewa: Selfless Service as a Cure for Hubris

Perhaps the most powerful antidote to hubris is sewa, or selfless service.

Sewa teaches that leadership is not about personal gain but about serving others. Leaders who practice sewa focus on the needs of their team, organization, or community, rather than on their own desires for power, recognition, or status.

Real leadership is the boring and not as grandiose as the movies- it replaces the drama of the daily highs and lows to equanimity of a larger purpose.

By prioritizing the welfare of others, they dissolve the ego, which is the root cause of hubristic behavior.

Furthermore, sewa reinforces the principle of non-doership — leaders serve because it is their destiny, not because they seek acknowledgment or admiration.

A Balanced Leadership Path

Hubris is a dangerous trait that can derail even the most successful leaders.

However, by embracing the karmic principles of non-doership, destiny, and sewa, leaders can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and narcissism.

Non-doership encourages leaders to act without attachment to outcomes, while an understanding of destiny fosters humility in the face of circumstances beyond their control. Sewa, as a practice of selfless service, ensures that leadership is rooted in compassion and the greater good, rather than in ego and power.

In the end, true leadership is not about personal glory, but about guiding others with the intention of a greater good.

By aligning with these karmic principles, leaders can maintain balance, avoid the negative consequences of hubris, and create a lasting positive impact on the people and organizations they lead.

Reference on Karma : Karma Sutra by Hingori