Ethical Leadership

Prof. C. Panduranga Bhatta

Management Centre for Human Values

Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

Major Points
Ancient Views on Leadership
Exploring Spirituality A Case on Ethical Leadership

Reinventing the Past

Ancient Views on Leadership

Spiritual Inclusive Responsible Values-driven Holistic Enlightened

Effective Leader Ancient Indian Perspective

Self- control Cultivation of intellect in association with elders Ever active in promoting security & welfare of the people Ensures the observance by the people of their duties & responsibilities by authority & example Improves his own discipline by continuing learning in all branches Endears himself to his people by enriching them & doing good to them

Exploring Spirituality
What is Spirituality? Spirituality is the basic feeling of being connected with ones complete self, others, and the entire universe Or interconnectedness
-Mitroff and Elizabeth, 1999

Spirituality Based Views

Life is sacred Sacred element is within oneself and within each living beings Regardless of extreme differences, we share a commonality From this sacred commonality springs core values of human decency And, if we honour these values, they influence our decisions and relationships
-Ira Chaleff, 1998

21st Century Connotation of Spirituality Quest for meaning and purpose in life Realising the interconnectedness & interdependence Going beyond self-interest Making a difference Living-the-values Positive attitude towards the world Making a contribution to society Leaving a legacy

A CASE STUDY ON LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

ASHOKA THE GREAT (299B.C to 234B.C)

ASHOKAS Vision Mission & Action

Vision

To achieve the material and spiritual welfare of the whole world

Ashoka, the Great

The Universal Mission Statement

To improve the economic wellbeing and quality of life of all stake-holders

-Stephen R Covey, Principle-Centred Leadership

Mission
Universal human welfare Pluralism Generosity Compassion Conquest by love
Global mindedness Timeless service Benevolence Welfare of all beings

-Ashoka the Great

Action
Persuasion Prompt despatch of business Practising pluralism Humility Benevolence from within Leading by example 24hrs leadership

-Ashoka the Great

Practising Pluralism
All religions should reside everywhere, for all of them desire selfcontrol and purity of heart

-Ashoka the Great

24 hrs Leadership
I shall receive and consider official reports at all times; even at dinner table, in the inner apartments (harem), in bed, the toilet, on parade inspection, in the royal park, or anywhere else shall the reports about the condition of the people be brought to me

Benevolence from within

Along roads I have had wells dug and trees planted for the benefit of humans and animals. Whenever medical herbs suitable for humans or animals are not available, I have had them imported and grown
-Ashoka the Great

Making of Ashoka

Ten Commandments of Lord Buddha for a Leader

1 Dana 2 Sila 3 Pariccaga 4 Ajjava 5 Maddava 6 Tapa 7 Akkoda 8 Avihimsa 9 Khanti 10 Avirodha Charity, Generosity, Liberality Moral character Sacrificing for the good of people Honesty,Integrity, Sincerity Kindness, Gentleness Self control, Austerity, Simple life Freedom from anger,hatred, ill will Non-violence, Promoting peace Patience, Tolerance, Understanding Non opposition, Ruling in harmony
Buddhist Jataka

Introspection
How can the welfare and happiness of the people be secured? How can the people be encouraged to grow through the promotion of the Dhamma? How can I elevate people by promoting the Dhamma?
-Ashoka the Great

What is Dhamma?

Dhamma

minimum sins maximum virtues compassion liberality truthfulness purity service

-Ashoka the Great

Leaving A Legacy
This dhamma edict has been written on stone so that it may last as long as my sons and greatgrand sons shall reign and the moon and the sun shall shine

Take Refuge in Three Jewels

1. Buddha (Awakened Consciousness) the guide 2. Dhamma (Human Values) the path 3.Sangha (Harmonious Community) the companion along the way
-A Buddhist Prayer

3 Eyes of Lord Buddha

( )

Past Present Future

-Shoji Shiba

Reinventing the Past

7 Principles of Highly Effective Persons

1.Sense of responsibility 2.Defining a mission, goal & purpose of life 3.Living by values 4.Mutual respect and trust 5.Mutual understanding 6.Creative cooperation 7.Continuous introspection
-Stephen R. Covey

Servant Leadership
1. Listening 2. Empathy 3. Healing 4. Awareness 5. Persuasion 6. Conceptualisation 7. Foresight 8. Stewardship 9. Commitment to the growth of people 10.Building community -Greenleaf

Five Leadership Practices

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Model the way Inspire a shared vision Challenge the process Enable others to act Encourage the heart
-Kouzes and Posner, 2002

Ingredients of Effective Leadership

Love Care Intuition Optimism

Humanism Enthusiasm Curiosity Euphoria

-Anita Roddick, Founder of the Body Shop quoted by Kouzes and Posner

Five Essential Factors of Life and Leadership 1. EARTH Emotional stability 2. WATER Purity, Sanctity

3. FIRE
4. AIR

Energy, Power
Change, Movement

5. SPACE Creativity, Innovation

-C. Panduranga Bhatta, 2001

THANK YOU cpbhatta@iimcal.ac.in