Universal qualities of successful leadership

by Anoja Wijeyesekera

Today the world is facing a crisis in leadership, as one leader after another fails to meet the expectations of his subjects and is forced to either resign, or is defeated at the next election. Those who manage to cling on despite being unpopular, are the despots who live in fear of their own people and use every means to crush the very people they are supposed to serve. What are the fundamental causes for this failure of leadership in the 21st century?

Leadership exists at different levels, at state and national level, at the level of organisations or business units or in a family situation. The Oxford English dictionary defines a leader as “the person who leads, commands or precedes a group, organisation or country.”

The world is replete with examples of good leaders and bad, the latter gaining notoriety on account of the mass media that zooms in on examples of failure. In the modern world, at the basic level, the following are regarded as some requirements expected of a good leader. These are:

Qualifications, experience, capacity and wisdom to fulfil the functions of the leadership role. Enthusiasm for the function to be performed and a vision for the future or the task at hand.Commitment and loyalty.Being a team player. Management experts now recognise that much more is achieved by dynamic teams rather than models of a strict hierarchy or autocracy.Flexibility and democracy.Hard work, dedication, knowledge and the desire and humility to learn.Respect for others and commitment to equality.Integrity, honesty and a generous spirit.

Despite these well-known attributes, which should be general knowledge, we see leaders fail. On close examination, it becomes increasingly clear that in addition to qualifications and experience, it is the qualities within a person, the intrinsic attributes of character, ethics, integrity, and values that makes a person a good leader and earns the respect and adoration of others.

The Buddha identified these essential qualities that a leader should possess which are referred to as the Dasa Raja Dhamma [10 qualities of Kingship]. The Buddha gave prescriptions to different people, as a doctor would do, to heal different illnesses. To rulers he gave the prescription of the Dasa Raja Dhamma, a universal and timeless prescription that is valid today, as it was 2600 years ago.

They are:

Dana – generosity/liberality. This refers not only to charity but also to a generosity of spirit. Giving away one’s own wealth and possessions and sacrificing for the greater good of the people, as opposed to seeking power and self-benefits. It refers to a charitable and generous attitude of giving credit to others and placing the welfare of every single citizen before one’s own. It means promoting the Human Rights of every single citizen regardless of any consideration of caste, creed, race, political inclination, gender etc. In simple words it means putting country before self, and making whatever sacrifice required to achieve that including sacrificing one’s life.

Dana also means paying special attention to the needs of the poor and the marginalised, and uplifting their lives and steering the economy for the benefit of all. This does not mean the practice current among politicians today, of using public funds to give away goodies before an election. In Western countries this takes the form of tax cuts or more state benefits. Here in Sri Lanka it takes a more blatant form of outright handouts in addition to tax cuts, thus rendering the exchequer dry. This is not Dana. It is bribery and it is a crime.

In the early years of independence, most leaders in Ceylon, spent their own private funds to run for election and became impoverished as a result. At the end of their political careers, many who were wealthy individuals before they entered politics, ended up with virtually nothing. Dudley Senanayake, a former Prime Minister, had a mere Rs. 200 in his bank account at the time of his death. He did not travel in luxurious cars or ever flaunt his power and position. Judging by the largest ever gathering at his funeral, the judgement of history is that he was the best loved Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

It is public knowledge that Prime Minister, W. Dahanayake came to Temple Trees with one suitcase, in a Morris Minor taxi, and after his tenure of office, left with that same suitcase, also in a Morris Minor taxi with no security guards!

Seela – morality and ethics. This at its basic level is the observance and practice of the five precepts or observation of a moral code. These precepts are universal and can be enumerated as follows:

respect for all sentient life,

honesty and integrity in all matters,

good behaviour/ impeccable sexual conduct,

honesty, integrity, transparency and upholding the truth,

not being addicted to intoxicating drinks and drugs.

In the case of a ruler, the last precept also means not being addicted to power, which is the most potent of all narcotics. The famous words of Lord Acton ring true. “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Examples of this are rife.

Parithyaga – sacrifice, altruism. A leader must be able to sacrifice him/herself for the sake of others. This is the total opposite of selfishness. It is the concept of the captain of the ship taking responsibility and being the last to leave a sinking ship, or the head of the organisation accepting responsibility for the mistakes of his staff or organisation, rather than “passing the buck”.

Sri Lankan history has examples of the Kings going to battle and engaging in one to one combat with the opponent, so that the lives of hundreds of soldiers could be saved. This degree of sacrifice disappeared a long time ago and today leaders remain behind their desks while troops face bullets on the battle front. The King of Bhutan joined his troops on the front line during a short war, to drive away a terrorist outfit from India, that was operating from its southern jungles. This took place in the early part of the 21st century. The King took great care to minimise casualties.

Irju – Righteousness and being perfectly upright. A leader must carry out his duties without fear or favour, regardless of caste, creed, ethnicity, gender etc. This is perfect honesty and integrity in all matters. In the ‘Sigalovada Sutta. (Digha Nikaya), the Buddha says that if a person maintains justice without being subjected to favouritism, hatred, fear or ignorance, his popularity grows like the waxing moon. What we sadly see today is the opposite of this – the systems of accountability and justice being manipulated by politicians.

Irju also means the ability to take tough decisions for the sake of greater good. A leader who practices the Dasa Raja Dhamma would have the support of the public in implementing the tough decisions, as the people will be convinced that it is for their good. The leader being sincere in his/her efforts will have the confidence of his subjects. Such a leader does not go for cheap popularity or what is now termed “populist” policies, which are triggered by prejudice.

Murdu – flexibility/ not being dogmatic. In terms of a leader this means being able to accept one’s mistakes and taking steps to rectify them. It means the ability to apologise and to accept blame. This quality is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is the wisdom to see one’s self more objectively and to have the strength of character to heed advice and expert opinion rather than arrogantly holding on to one’s own preferred options or preferences in matters of state and governance. Queen Elizabeth II is quoted as having said “I take my duties very seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously.”

Thapasa – self-discipline, subduing of passions and carrying out duties without indolence. The leader being completely disciplined, energetic yet frugal and non-ostentatious and a living example of dignity. It is the opposite of engaging in lavish ceremonies and media events organised at state expense. Rather it is the conducting of all affairs of state with poise and grace at minimum expense to the exchequer.

Akroda – non-anger, non-hatred. A leader must not be given to anger and aggression. He must be kind, understanding and compassionate and be devoid of aversion. He must be forgiving and considerate but conform to justice and the rule of law which must be applied equally. The Rule of Law is the basis of democracy and enhances the trust of the people in the system of governance.It is this quality that enables the leader to mobilise the best brains in the country and to obtain trust of those around him, so that they serve him sincerely and honestly giving him true and good advice rather than engaging in sycophancy.

Avhihinsa – non-violence. A leader must never use violence, even when provoked. This means negotiation in preference to war and dealing with difficult situations with utmost tolerance and wisdom. This means dismantling the weaponry of war and fostering qualities of unity and harmony among his own population, as well as fostering true friendship with neighbouring countries so that war and aggression are prevented.

Kanthi – patience/forbearance. A leader must practice forbearance and must never be vindictive. Today we see vindictive leaders using the weaponry of war to settle grudges. In the 21st century, humanity needs to evolve from reptilian disposition of aggression and move towards a world of peace. This means the total dismantling of the apparatus of war and the trillions of dollars spent on weapons which can be used for the upliftment of the poor and the marginalised.

Avirodha – non-enmity, non-prejudice. This is an appreciation of the oneness of man and is the opposite of arrogance and the promotion of self-interest, favouritism, cronyism and nepotism.A leader must necessarily appreciate opposing views and review his/her actions giving due consideration for those opposing views. Opposition is the basis of democracy. It is the respect that is accorded to the opposition that fosters critical analysis and healthy debate. In a true democracy the opposition has to be regarded as the alternative government and given due respect. A leader must see the benefits of considering opposing views to improve and modify a course of action. The opposition needs to be a mirror of public opinion that must be recognised and respected.

This quality necessarily entails press freedom, the freedom of expression and the freedom to engage in non-violent forms of dissent. It is clear that if a ruler observes the Dasa Raja Dhamma, his leadership would never result in a situation where people are forced to come out on to the streets to show their grievances.

A leader practicing the Dasa Raja Dhamma would be so close to his people that he would know the pulse of the nation as his own pulse. The Buddha said that a leader must regard every single one of his subjects as his own children and look after their needs and aspirations accordingly. This is the complete opposite of favouring one group over another. The Buddha said that the leader of the country must be a father to all his subjects regardless of any consideration.

In the 21st century, we see leaders rise and fall in quick succession. If we look at the reason for the fall, we see the character flaws and their lack of understanding of these 10 values, as prominent causes for their downfall. Those whom we consider good leaders are those who have come close to observing these principles which are universal values common to all mankind and not particular to any one religion or belief system.

The Buddha preached to all mankind and not to any one group of so called “believers”. Thus, even the term “Buddhist” is a misnomer. These qualities of leadership explained and propounded 2600 years ago are intrinsic to the character of the person and do not come from outside. They can be practised and perfected by anyone aspiring to be a successful leader. They are a universal formula for successful leadership.

One of the greatest leaders the world has known was Emperor Asoka who ruled India in the 3rd Century BC. Historians refer to him as the “Emperor of Emperors”. Prior to embracing Buddhism, he unified the whole of the Indian Sub-continent through war, but realised the huge loss of life that it entailed and resolved never to engage in violence. He embraced Buddhism which preaches non-violence and turned India into a country that practiced avihimsa – non-violence. He disbanded his armed forces. He embraced the Dasa Raja Dhamma and engaged in programmes to uplift the conditions of his subjects, introduced free hospitals for both humans and animals and brought a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace to the lands he ruled.

Sri Lanka benefited from Emperor Asoka’s generosity. He bestowed the gift of Buddhism to his friend, Devanampiyatissa, the King of Sri Lanka. To carry out this unique diplomatic mission, he sent his own son and daughter Arahant Mahinda and Arahant Sanghamitta, who had both ordained and gained full Enlightenment.

King Devanampiyatissa too followed the example of his friend Emperor Asoka and introduced universal free health care for both humans and animals and reigned over a period of peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka.

Closer to our own times, the 20th century has a few examples of good leaders. Nelson Mandela is one such person who was imprisoned by the Apartheid Regime for 27 years, his crime being his struggle to gain freedom and equality for his people. On being released from prison, Nelson Mandela stunned the world with his forgiveness. He forgave all those who tortured and tormented him in prison and unleashed appalling brutality and violence on unarmed people, thus killing large numbers and subjecting them to untold misery and hardship. He created the rainbow nation where all races, castes and creeds could live in harmony and enjoy a peaceful life. [The South African national anthem is sung in eight languages]. The world honours Nelson Mandela for his enlightened qualities. He is unique among leaders as he relinquished his right to be president for a second term. He displayed his magnificent humility in stepping down after just one term in office.

In general, although man has occupied the earth as its leading species for millennia and brought many benefits in terms of material comforts to his fellow beings through scientific discoveries, he has yet to make strides in the arena of human behaviour. Einstein famously said “the splitting of the atom has changed the world except the human mind”. The human mind that clings to his reptilian and mammalian characteristics, has utilised the global opportunities now available, to pursue his base instincts of greed, hatred and delusion.

It is said that World War II was fought to end all wars. Has this happened? Within a few years of its end the Korean War started, the Viet Nam war followed, internal conflicts in many parts of the world continued and today we have the Ukrainian war. If someone looks down upon the Blue Planet from outside, this little dot of dust in the universe, he/she will see nothing but humans fighting humans in this tiny bit of space. What we have to show for ourselves is a world of wars, nuclear weapons, environmental degradation, mass extinction of species and the prospect of our own destruction.

If man is to thrive, it is time that our leaders look within themselves and subscribe to these universal qualities of good behaviour. It is in this arena of the human mind that real change is possible. It is through the reduction of greed, hatred and arrogance that mankind will be able to save the blue planet on which we all live and save ourselves from extinction.