Visionaries alone can lead a generation. Only those with the foresight to anticipate future needs can be true guides to others. Likewise, intelligence is a prerequisite, without which farsightedness is not possible. A vision provides direction and the incentive to reach the goal, which cannot happen without intelligence.

We all work hard, and set targets for ourselves, but often lack the vision to back up our work and goals. Understanding the ultimate purpose of our endeavours is essential. For instance, the opening of a school may fulfil the immediate goals. However, it is important to know its ultimate purpose. Is it to earn money or fame, to achieve power or social welfare? A visionary leader possesses clarity of purpose and a long-term perspective. His wisdom empowered decisions benefit both the community and society at large.

In addition to far-sightedness, the leader must guide with enthusiasm, dynamism and dedication to achieve immediate goals. When faced with eagerness and commitment – obstacles fade away. True leaders confront challenges head-on, devising solutions without succumbing to setbacks. They are exceptional motivators with an unending zest for life, and the desire to live and face challenges. Equanimous, regardless of external circumstances, they inspire confidence in others. They take learnings from all experiences and appropriately apply them to deal with the vicissitudes of life.

Upholding values is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders who demonstrate integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct inspire respect and set examples for others. They must be humble enough to listen to and accept other opinions when appropriate. Listening is important to gain knowledge, whether in one’s profession or on the path of spirituality. Often, we become so inflexible that we do not listen to others. Sometimes opportunities come, but we become blind to them; sometimes solutions are simple, but we do not listen.

There is a remarkable case that illustrates this point. A Japanese company received complaints from customers that some of their cartons were arriving empty. After an investigation, they found a defect in the packaging unit. Every hundredth carton would go empty.

Numerous engineers were approached to find a solution to repair the machine. Meanwhile, a worker in that department requested an audience with the CEO. Unfortunately, the CEO thought the worker was approaching him for personal gain or favour and disregarded him. Eventually, the worker barged into the CEO’s office and told him that he had a solution to the packaging problem – only a hundred dollars were needed to install a powerful fan that would compel the empty cartons to fly off! Sometimes solutions are very simple, if only we pay attention; a CEO, a leader, must listen.

A competent leader reflects on the obvious, larger issues and detects subtle and hidden concerns. He must transcend personal biases, exercising control over his ego to ensure impartial decision-making. In an organisation, the evaluation of a person should be based on the quality of his work and not on the boss’s likes and dislikes. Favouritism can cause immense damage to any organisation.

A critical feature of leadership is integration, a personality, whose mind and intellect operate harmoniously. Honesty in thought and deed is possible only when your mind cooperates with your intellectual decision. The best illustration of the lack of unison is when the morning alarm clock rings. The intellect says, ‘Get up!’ The mind says, ‘Shut up!’ Unless the two work together, our energy gets dissipated.

Besides a leader should possess the qualities of compassion and empathy. Compassion fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the community. Also, lifelong learning is essential to leadership – continually seeking knowledge, honing skills, and adapting to changing times.

The above key attributes of leadership, apply not only to those in formal positions but to anyone who aspires to lead by example. Leadership does not mean becoming a president or CEO. Anyone who can inspire help, motivate and guide even one person is a leader!

The author is the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission.