The Dalai Lama on Why Leaders Should Be Mindful, Selfless, and Compassionate
‘Leadership is a privilege, an opportunity to shape not just organizations but the world itself. When done with heart, humility, and humanity, it becomes a force for transforming lives—and that is the most profound legacy a leader can leave behind.’
I once had the privilege to listen to the true wisdom of the Dalai Lama in person before I set up my consulting firm ADGES. Spending two days with him and his group of Tibetan monks left me in no doubt about his boundless compassion, his infectious sense of humor, and his genuine wish for the best of humanity. He spoke with an energy that bridged kindness and truth, especially on subjects like how we should treat each other, the importance of world peace, and the value of freedom for his own people. When he began sharing his vision of the future of leadership—the kind of leadership the world needs—I couldn’t help but fully embrace his ideas. It made me reflect deeply on what’s missing in organizations today.
Leadership That Changes Lives
Leaders hold the power to transform lives and steer the world toward progress. They inspire, guide, and leave legacies that ripple through generations. However, it’s easy to overlook a profound truth—the brevity of our existence. According to the Dalai Lama, “We have, at most, 100 years to spend on this planet. What matters is what we do with that time. How do we leave this world better for the next generation?”
The Dalai Lama believes leadership isn’t merely about results or accolades. It’s about elevating the human condition. A better world, as he puts it, is defined by greater happiness, deeper connection, and less emotional turmoil. This vision, simple but profound, feels urgent in our modern era. Stress, anxiety, and depression are at all-time highs, and the gap between “us” and “them”—be it rich versus poor or CEO versus employee—has never been wider. Too often, profits overshadow ethics, society, and the environment.
At its core, the Dalai Lama’s philosophy reminds us that leadership is an extension of humanity itself. To lead well, we must first recognize our interconnection—how every decision we make impacts not only us but also those around us. “The world belongs to humanity, not this leader, that leader, or that king,” he notes. “We are all in this together.”
What’s Missing in Leadership Today
Imagine a colony of bees. There are no police, no written laws, no training manuals, yet they thrive on cooperation, working tirelessly for collective survival. Contrast this with humans, who have constitutions, legal systems, and advanced intelligence that should encourage collaboration. Yet, we often fail to work together effectively. Why is that?
The Dalai Lama attributes this divide to our obsession with materialism. He states, “Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way—everything is interdependent.” The overemphasis on wealth and power has clouded our vision, diverting us from what truly matters—kindness, care, and meaningful connection.
Within organizations, this issue becomes painfully clear when employees feel isolated and undervalued, even while working alongside others. Leaders have a responsibility to address this crisis by fostering environments of trust, understanding, and collective purpose.
The Dalai Lama’s Three Pillars of Leadership
Leadership, as defined by the Dalai Lama, rests on three foundational pillars—mindfulness, selflessness, and compassion. These principles transcend organizational strategies and touch the very heart of what it means to lead.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is more than trendy meditation apps or wellness seminars; it’s the ability to stay calm and present, especially in challenging times. “A calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence,” the Dalai Lama says, “so that’s very important for good health.”
When leaders act out of anger or fear, their vision becomes blurred, decisions rushed, and relationships strained. Mindfulness clears the fog. It helps leaders pause, reflect, and address challenges with clarity and determination. By fostering inner peace, leaders inspire stability and resilience in their teams. “If we make peace with ourselves,” he reminds us, “only then can we hope to bring peace to the outer world.”
Be Selfless
Selflessness doesn’t mean ignoring personal needs. Instead, it is about aligning one’s interests with those of others. Positive leadership fosters cooperation, which, in turn, stems from trust, kindness, and transparency.
The Dalai Lama teaches that selflessness begins with authentic concern for others. “Once you have a genuine sense of concern for others, there’s no room for cheating, bullying, or exploitation,” he emphasizes. Selfless leaders set an example for fairness and integrity, creating a culture where people feel valued and empowered.
By balancing ambition with generosity, leaders show that success isn’t a zero-sum game. “Too much self-centered attitude… brings isolation. Result? Loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering,” the Dalai Lama explains.
Be Compassionate
If there’s one quality that defines the Dalai Lama’s leadership philosophy, it is compassion. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Compassion humanizes leadership, transforming workplaces into spaces of empathy and mutual support.
Recalling those days I spent in the presence of the Dalai Lama, his emphasis on compassion stayed with me the most. He spoke about how compassion isn’t just an emotion but a conscious choice—an act of courage that often goes against our selfish instincts. “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them,” he said. These words resonated deeply, underlining how genuine care for others lies at the heart of impactful leadership.
The Dalai Lama believes compassion is not just emotional but deeply rational. It reduces destructive tendencies like greed and anger, replacing them with wisdom and understanding. Compassionate leaders inspire trust and loyalty, creating ripple effects that enhance organizational and societal well-being.
Beyond Leadership to Humanity
The Dalai Lama reminds us that leadership isn’t confined to corporations or politics—it’s a human endeavor. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy. But happiness is not something ready-made; it comes from your own actions,” he states. Leaders, in every capacity, must realize their decisions shape lives and futures.
To create a world that thrives, leaders must look inward. By cultivating mindfulness, selflessness, and compassion, they don’t just lead—they uplift. Indeed, as the Dalai Lama eloquently puts it, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
Dr. Nattavut Kulnides
Inspired by HBS Article on: The Dalai Lama on Why Leaders Should Be Mindful, Selfless, and Compassionate
by The Dalai Lama with Rasmus Hougaard