He is the most humble man in the room, born into leadership with most of life under scrutiny, duress, and exile. Yet, the monk adopted the action statement borrowed from Shantideva: "As long as space endures, as long as sentient beings remain, until then, may I too remain and dispel the miseries of the world." It would be one thing if this was the philosophy of a great leader, but it is compounded many times over when it is pure action.
Perhaps the most humble task leaders can start with is to recognize we are in a position to help others. To remove our ego from the equation and act As H.H. the Dalai Lama does, with a principled purpose: “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” To be compassionate leaders.
Compassionate leaders have no concerns for their longevity. In a recent statement to his constituents, H.H. the Dalai Lama says it is time to consider whether the Dalai Lama position is still needed. He personally feels the position has served its purpose. Despite this, the Bodhisattva says it is up to the people to determine the answer.
It has never been more clear to me that compassionate, ethical leaders put the people first. To be a leader of this magnitude requires deliberately removing the self or ego from the position. To do what is right for your people rather than yourself. To be honest, ethical, and compassionate is within the possibility of all human beings but it should be at the forefront of a No Excuses leader. Although H.H. the Dalai Lama has balanced his karma long ago and found enlightenment, it is a wonderful example to all of us the karma of leadership is what allows the leader to return or reincarnate again and again and again.
Om Mani Padme Hum.
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