The Alphabet of Leadership: A Practical Guide

Many people are talking about leadership nowadays. But what kind of leaders did Srila Prabhupada see? Here we will discuss fifty values and skills of a leader in a spiritual community that he repeatedly emphasized in his books and talks.

Some may think that the word "leader" refers to someone who manages a society or organization, and if I am not in such a position, then this book is not relevant for me. However, this is not the case at all. In reality, almost every person, whether they realize it or not, is naturally a leader for someone: for their children, family, group, society, etc.

In genuine human civilization, the role of a leader has always been occupied by highly spiritually developed individuals. In the "Srimad Bhagavatam," 5.5.18, it is stated: "One who cannot deliver his dependents from the cycle of birth and death has no right to become a spiritual master, husband, father, mother, or demigod worshiped by ordinary mortals."

So what does it mean to be a spiritual leader in the role of a father, mother, group leader, or community leader? When we hear the word "leader," we usually envision a person who acts as a kind of "master" for a group of people. However, this is a distorted view of leadership imposed on us by the culture of the material world. A true spiritual leader always remains a humble servant and disciple, regardless of the position they hold. How can we reconcile these seemingly incompatible concepts: "leader" and "servant"?

In this book, through the example of the perfect spiritual leader Srila Prabhupada and the Lord Krishna Himself, we can learn this mysterious art of spiritual leadership or the art of being a devotee.