In Thich Nhat Hanh’s Buddhist community, the members practice the 14 Precepts of the Order of Interbeing. They serve as a way for connection to all members, e.g., one’s happiness is not separate from the happiness of others. You can review the list here: 14 Precepts of the Order of Interbeing
This is my attempt to translate the 14 Precepts to leadership behavior. Here I go.
- Do not be bound to any process, system or ways of doing things. None hold absolute perfection.
- Do not think that you know everything. Avoid being narrow-minded and let go of your attachment and possessive nature to your ideas.
- Do not use your corporate position to coerce others to your way of thinking or doing things.
- Do not ignore or turn away from pain and suffering that people experience in their lives. Be present with it and respond compassionately.
- Do not set forth as your personal goal to accumulate wealth or status.
- Do not harbor anger or resentment. Transform the seeds of anger by deep self-awareness of what is causing it. Then transform it to life giving energy.
- Do not multitask with people and projects. Strive to be present in the moment with everything you are doing and being about.
- Do not use words that create dissonance and friction among people.
- Do not say things untruthful for your personal gain.
- Do not use your community for personal gain.
- Do not work in a position that is harmful to others and yourself.
- Do not cause injury or death.
- Do not take from others what is rightfully theirs.
- Do not abuse your body, mind or spirit.
My sense is if leaders adopted these 14 precepts, their presence would ripple through an organization and people would willingly follow such a leader. I welcome your thoughts.