Servant Leadership: Why It Matters Now?

Have you ever encountered a leader who prioritizes the well-being of others over their own personal gain? This concept, known as servant leadership, resonates deeply within the ancient Indian scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. This blog delves into Chapter 4, revealing how Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna embody the essence of servant leadership.

Krishna: The Divine Mentor and Eternal Guide

In this chapter, Krishna gradually reveals his true nature to Arjuna, who sees him primarily as a friend and confidante. Krishna explains their interconnected souls, existing across countless lifetimes. He emphasizes his role as a divine protector, intervening when righteousness weakens and wisdom fades. Throughout history, Krishna has manifested in various forms to uphold this very principle. The epic Mahabharata narrates one such instance, where he guides Arjuna to fulfill his duty and restore balance to the world.

The Path to Oneness: Selfless Action and Universal Connection

Krishna reveals a profound truth: all paths ultimately lead to a unified consciousness. He defines true action as acting without attachment to outcomes or personal desires. This selfless approach, rooted in the “energy of the Self,” eliminates the burden of karma (consequences of actions). “The wise see inaction in action and action in inaction” (Bhagavad Gita 4.18).

Serving Others: The Highest Offering

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of selfless service. True service involves offering our knowledge and skills for the benefit of others, surpassing material wealth. Understanding this core purpose enables us to “destroy delusions” and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings.

Echoes of Wisdom: Kabir and Beyond

The Sufi poet Kabir beautifully reflects Krishna’s message: “Where do you seek me? I am by your side… Not in rites and rituals, Yoga and sanyas. If you seek me true, I am here to see, to meet.” This concept aligns with the principle of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the non-duality of self and universe. The Isa Vasya Upanishad states, “One who sees others in the Self, and the Self in others, is the wise.”

Maslow’s Hierarchy and the Ego’s Influence

Our journey towards servant leadership can be understood through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. As we ascend from basic survival needs to social and self-actualization levels, our desires can morph into “wants” driven by ego attachments. These contrast with the “needs” of the Self, which arise from a desire to serve. Ramana Maharshi aptly observed, “This Universe has enough to fulfill the livelihood needs of all… It cannot fulfill the selfish sensory wants of even one greedy person.”

Krishna’s Eternal Promise and the Path to Yoga

The Bhagavad Gita offers a timeless promise: “When dharma declines and wisdom is lost, I manifest.” This promise serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the potential for renewal.

Krishna frequently refers to “Yoga,” which can be understood as the path to “Oneness.” The initial step in this inner journey involves “sensory control” (pratyahara). By understanding our senses, we reduce distractions, improve focus, and cultivate inner awareness. This allows us to respond to situations calmly and thoughtfully, rather than being controlled by external stimuli. Sensory control also plays a crucial role in stress reduction and enhancing self-awareness, paving the way for a more mindful and peaceful existence. Techniques like focusing on your breath or a mantra can help achieve this. Meditation, a core practice within Yoga, also plays a vital role in achieving sensory control and inner peace.

Modern Expressions of Servant Leadership:

The concept of servant leadership transcends time and culture. Mother Teresa, known for her tireless work with the poor and sick, exemplifies this philosophy. Similarly, Nelson Mandela’s dedication to racial reconciliation in South Africa demonstrates the power of selfless service.

Putting Servant Leadership into Action:

The Bhagavad Gita’s message of service is remarkably practical. Here are a few ways you can integrate servant leadership principles into your daily life:

• Volunteer your time or skills to a cause you care about.
• Mentor a younger colleague or student.
• Offer support to a neighbor in need.
• Practice random acts of kindness, like holding a door open for someone or offering a compliment.
• Be more mindful of your interactions with others, focusing on listening attentively and offering genuine help.

Recent science even backs this approach. Neuroscientific studies have shown that serving others actually enhances our own well-being and happiness. By taking that first step towards a life of service, as Krishna suggests, we benefit both ourselves and the world around us.

Further Exploration & Personal Commitment:

The Bhagavad Gita offers a timeless roadmap for navigating life’s complexities. If you’re interested in delving deeper, consider exploring online courses, joining a local study group, or reading commentaries by renowned scholars.

Remember, the journey towards servant leadership is a lifelong process. Start by incorporating small acts of service into your daily routine.

Ready to cultivate a culture of servant leadership within your team? Join our upcoming ICF ACTC Mega Systemic Team Coaching program led by 6 expert trainers to learn practical strategies for empowering your team members. 

What is your leadership style? What are your thoughts on servant leadership? Tell us in the comments section below or start a conversation on our global coaching community, CoachNook.

(Originally published on Coaching the Spirit – a LinkedIn Newsletter by Ram S. Ramanathan: Servant Leadership, Bhagavad Gita Style?)

Co-Author: Yamini Kandapal