Yogic Principles Of Leadership

 

 

 

 

Leadership is not only defined by power and position. It is finely tuned with self control , vision, compassion , and balance. Modern studies in the field of leadership have outlined numerous guiding principles of successful leaders. One of the most important is self awareness. In his celebrated book, Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman has listed this attribute as the foundation of leadership. Self awareness leads to self management.

 

A self aware individual is able to witness his emotions and regulate them properly. As a result, he becomes aware of the emotions of others also and this helps in aligning his emotions with others. Thus ,he is able to build a good and successful team. This self awareness generates mental resilience also. Mental resilience is the adaptability of a leader to stand up in the face of challenges and come out with flying colours. Research has found that mental resilience helps in building trust and strong relationships. Swadhyaya is a very important principle of Yoga. Literally it means self study and study of scriptures. Self study is the base of self awareness.

 

A practising Yogi is a self aware person. Self study enables a person to self reflect. Thus, this Yogic principle of Swadhyaya well aligns with the concept of self awareness as visualized by modern scholars. While dealing with the concept of leadership, modern thinkers attach great importance to balance and harmony in the approach , behaviour and thinking of a leader. Samatvam is one of the cardinal principles of Yoga.

 

It means equanimity. Yogic practices lead to harmony and equilibrium. Neuroscientific research has found that regular practices of Asanas, Pranayamas and meditation calm the mind and help in developing a very harmonious approach in life. Research in positive psychology has found that service oriented leadership leads to better employee engagement and loyalty. These factors are essential for the successful running of an organization.Service to the community is an important ingredient of leadership. This generates trust and builds collaborative partnership. Seva is a very significant practice of Yoga. Yoga is based upon the principle of wholeness.

 

Yoga believes that each and everyone is the part of the unbroken whole. So everyone needs to be cared for. Firmness and emotional stability have been given great importance in the modern concept of leadership. This quality equips a leader to sail through rough water . Tapas is a very significant Yogic practice. It not only makes the body strong, but builds a very resilient mind also. This firmness and resilience are the building blocks of leadership. Modern thinkers opine that empathetic leadership is favourable for boosting growth and overall well being.

 

Compassion forms an integral part of leadership. It is only through compassion that sustainable growth is possible. A leader must engage himself in collective wellbeing and welfare. Karuna and Daya are important practices of Yoga. Karuna and Daya are compassion and empathy. The sustained practices of Yogic discipline makes an individual kind and empathetic. Thus, Yoga provides a timeless model and blueprint for effective, efficient, empathetic ,and sustainable leadership. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■