During a press conference, former tennis great Billie Jean King was asked how she dealt with pressure, and she responded, “Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who have earned it.” This quote is one of my favourites, but it’s nonetheless hard when pressure gets on your nerves.
I remember. My husband and I were called upon to take a major responsibility some years ago. Bhakti Rasamrita Swami, the charismatic leader who developed a flourishing congregation of thousands in Belgaum, India, had moved out of Belgaum to answer an emergency elsewhere. The congregation, desperate for a leader, approached us. But how could my husband and I—even when put together—match the leadership calibre of Bhakti Rasamrita Swami? Fretful, I awaited an opportunity to seek the guidance of my guru Radhanath Swami before accepting the offer.
In my seventy-odd years in this world, I have often learnt lessons in the most informal settings. And this time I learnt one on a walkway. My daughter-in-law and I were on a stroll. Suddenly, we spotted Radhanath Swami walking out of Vrindavan Forest, his favourite garden in Mumbai, unaccompanied. My daughter-in-law probed me to grab this opportunity to discuss-out the Belgaum issue. So I walked to Radhanath Swami and burst out, “I am scared!”
“Are you scared of ME?” He first faked a quizzical look, before his body rocked in laughter. Even this initial exchange lifted half the pressure off me. “No,” I replied. “I am scared of taking up a leadership position.” I then went on to explain him my situation.
In the conversation that followed he explained how leadership is about becoming a servant of those we lead, it is about giving love to those we lead, it is all about being the best we can be—for the welfare of those we lead. “So just be yourself,” he concluded. “Don’t try to impress, but give love.”
The conversation lifted off all the remaining pressure.
–Kirtida Devi Dasi.
185 replies on “Radhanath Swami’s Lesson in Leadership”
Maharaj is ocean of spiritual wisdom and sweetness !!!
Radhanath Swami is himself the walking talkign example of a leader who simply gives and is not trying to “impress”
very warm and friendly way that Maharaj calmed her down!
Very nice thank you for sharing
Good Leadership principle..
Useful for IITn’s
Radhanath Swami gives a very clear understanding of what leadership should comprise of.
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Haribol!
wow 1 that was really a different and such an appropriate perspective of leadership. thanks for sharing this..
Thanks you for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this article. Radhanath swami is showing how to be a good leader by his example.
“Just be yourself” what a nice way of easing the pressure
dont try to impress people but please them
“Leadership is about becoming a servant of those we lead, it is about giving love to those we lead, it is all about being the best we can be—for the welfare of those we lead. Don’t try to impress, but give love.” These words of H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj should make one humble who generally are proud of very small positions. Thank you Maharaj.
The conversation lifted off all the remaining pressure
Every leader must read this article.
so fortunate to hear this.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Haribol.
Don’t try to impress, but give love. the real key to become a successful leader. amazing statement
I liked the sentence ” Leadership is all about giving the love to one we lead “.
Thank You for posting this article..
Don’t try to impress, but give love
Thanks for sharing such nice pastime .
wonderful leadership principle
Radhanath Maharaj is the True leader leading our lives towards the eternal realm, which is the real goal of life.
amazing article
A million thanks for sharing this wonderful incident of Swami Radhanath
All Glories To H,H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
How exemplary is this lesson of leadership. Only a spiritual leader can give this lesson of loving the people and being their servant.
Hare Krishna.
Principle of Leadership!!
Amazing lessons to apply. Thank you very much
Maharaj really means what He says and applies everything ! Fantastic answer
Wow ! What an incredible lesson on Leadership by Srila Radhanath Swami ! “Don’t try to impress, but give love !”
Hare Krishna !
very wonderful
Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki jai!!
Very nice instruction by Radhanath swami about being a true leader.
Very amazing pastime of Maharaj.
Thank you Radhanath swami for giving a wonderful meaning to the leadership that it is being a humble servant.
Powerful meaning of Leadership, thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful lesson in the form of this pastime.