What is special about this book is first that it combines relevant Eastern concepts especially from Buddhism with Western concepts. Second the starting point is to look at leadership in business from the point of view of the expectations of society at large. This requires that leaders can clearly define the purpose of the organisation, its values and energise all members of the organisation to work with enthusiasm to realise the purpose.

Most business leaders do their utmost to be successful. Many give up or are removed before reaching their normal end of their careers. The main causes are crises or performance below expectations. We believe that the leaders that practice the principles of this book will find it easier to meet expectations and deal fairly with crises. Why? Two main reasons. First, a leader that makes decisions in accordance with Right View will be respected by all, even after he or she makes mistakes.  Second, by training the mind he or she will stay calm, clear and concentrated and maintain self-confidence under all circumstances even adverse ones. A business leader will also find it easier to withstand the temptations of greed and short-termism.

In the book we suggest that the word “capitalist system” is replaced by the “Responsible Free Market Economy”. We believe that a “free” society is endangered when business believe that it is enough when they obey the law. Even respecting the spirit of the law is not enough. Companies have to feel responsible for the consequences of their actions. Society needs and demands, decent, even friendly that is responsible, behaviour. The Dalai Lama often refers to “Universal Responsibility”. This means that companies should enlarge their responsibility as much as they can, spread constructive influence as widely as possible and deliver superior financial performance at the same time. The concept of the Responsible Free Market Economy assigns as much importance to freedom as to responsibility. The word Capitalism is often associated with greed and a total lack of concern for the well-being of all.

You could say that Responsibility is short hand for Right View and Right Conduct. That is the essence of the Leader’s Way. It will lead to a happier world.

The Book The Leader’s Way does not claim to have all the answers to achieve good leadership. Many other books also make important contributions. A few of those books are referred to in the next column.

Jack and Suzy Welch. Winning
Chapter 2 Biggest Dirty Little Secret In business. Reducing defensive behaviour is of make-or-break importance to survive in competition.

Peter Drucker. The concept of a corporation. Chapter one. The function of a corporation in society. Economic policy in an industrial society.

Eric D. Beinhocker. The Origin of Wealth. Part II Understanding the economic system.  Part III. How evolution creates wealth

Friedrich von Hayek. The constitution of Liberty. Chapter five. Responsibility and Freedom

Amartya Sen The argumentative Indian Chapter 7 Reducing birth rates through value change in Kerala

Jean Monnet. The first Statesman of Interdependence.
Chapter six. Europe’s breakthrough. Creating a Responsible Free Market Economy to avoid World War III.