June 27, 2019

A recent article in INC. Magazine provided insights from the Dalai Lama on three qualities that all great leaders must practice. With over 60 years of interacting with world leaders, corporate executives, and others, his Holiness certainly has some good advice that we can all put into practice.

  1. Compassion – the key is to be “warmhearted towards others but remember to use logic alongside action.” As leaders, we need to have an authentic and empathic concern for those who work with us, keeping in mind the bigger picture of how caring for our staff can lead to overall success.
  2. Mindful – “when your mind is calm – only then will you be able to use sense or reason.” It is incumbent upon all of us in leadership positions to ensure we are not acting out of anger, fear or anxiety when addressing any challenges (whether at work or at home). Being able to step back and put your mind in a calm state will ensure we are making sound decisions.
  3. Selfless – “Once you have a genuine sense of concern for others, there’s no room for cheating, bullying or exploitation.” When interacting with fellow co-workers, or with anyone you meet in life, having a genuine concern for others is one of the key attributes of a great leader. The key is that the concern must be genuine, honest, and transparent.

Bob Waller, Jr., CAE is the President & CEO of Association Headquarters