Leadership Inspirations

by Paruadi Ramasamy

Teaching is not my worldly vocation, nor was I ever trained and learned in that discipline. I would say my encounter with the Teachings of the Buddha and subsequent link to Sunday Dhamma School, as that of a continuation of what was probably suspended in time from elsewhere. A natural progression of ripening conditions, perhaps!

I am sharing here my own experiences, thoughts and observations with the leadership roles associated with managing a dhamma school and a Buddhist Society. When one is in a leadership role in a spiritual environment, one needs to have a few key traits and awareness. These qualities will enable one to progress happily for the benefit of oneself and the benefit of others all around.

Number 1 - Servant Of The Dhamma

Strive to be a true servant of the DHAMMA. Let the Dhamma be our matchless guide. A good leader needs to be aware of his/her role within the community. Allow the Dhamma to reside deep within ourselves. A leader needs to be confident, full of unshakeable faith, has awareness, control and understanding of worldly emotions to be in harmony with others. A good leader needs to cultivate a skillful, expansive heart and mind (like the vast sky and ocean) to accommodate anything, everything and even everyone! Connect ourselves in every aspect to the TRIPLE GEM, day and night.

Let me share a story with you: One day a lady had a dream. She told her friends, “I have three hundred Ringgit and a vision to build a temple”. “Sister,” her friends chided gently, “with three hundred Ringgit you CAN’T build a temple!”. “I know,” she said smilingly, “but with faith in the TRIPLE GEM and three hundred Ringgit, I CAN do anything.”

Number 2 - Goals And Vision

A visionary leader has deep faith and understanding of what she is doing and where she is heading. Get excited in planning your goals and visions, but do not take the lonely path. Be inclusive and share your vision with your team.

There was this story of 3 stone-cutters working on a building site for a temple. The first stone-cutter considered his job as merely cutting and carrying stones. It was a back-breaking and mind-numbing job, with conditions dusty and hot. The second stone-cutter took his job as merely building a wall for the temple from the stone he cut. But the third stone-cutter was always filled with joy and happiness, knowing that the stones he cut were being used to build a beautiful, grand temple dedicated to promoting peace, happiness and the well-being of countless devotees. He saw the majesty in each stone and cut it lovingly and with care. He also experienced the same heat, dust and weary conditions, but his mind and heart were elevated. Which stone-cutter would you rather be?

Number 3 - My Second Name Is Humility

Even the Buddha, the perfectly enlightened being, was subject to abuse and enmity. So, what more us? Many of us are motivated to serve the community by the desire to do something for the well being of others. But along the way we get frustrated and give up after a short time. Why is that so? It is because we do not know how to take care of ourselves, to work and live in harmony with others, and to practise humility and respect to the one who holds a contrary or opposing view to ours. Overcome the fear of lessening our ego. Do not hesitate to ask for forgiveness, even if we may not be in the wrong. Make humility our second name.

Number 4 - Are You A Transformer?

For those who watched the show “Transformers”, you will notice how the machines can transform themselves into different forms. Likewise, as a leader, we can transform our hearts to the better. Do not maintain anger or hatred within. As these negative emotions arise, transform our hearts and vanquish them. Be mindful of speech that can create discord and break-ups in the group. Transform our speech and commit to using words that elevate others. Note that in every being there are positive and negative qualities. The moon shines brightly in the night sky. But it is the sun’s rays that give the moon its brilliance and enduring beauty. Therefore, we can transform ourselves first and thereby transforming others too, along the way.

Number 5 - Be A Team Player & A Mentor

A visionary leader has respect for other team members. She places responsibilities and entrusts her team-mates with authority to decide upon their job-scopes. The visionary leader also has a succession plan. She grooms and paves the way for others to take up leadership roles. Walking through with them in a nurturing and encouraging pace, the leader readies her next-in-line to take over the reigns confidently.

I would like to end by quoting John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States of America :
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”