The birthday of His Majesty the King, which people across Thailand celebrated last week, provides an opportunity to reflect on all the great things our beloved king has done for our country and his people. During his 68-year reign, His Majesty has shared his views on numerous important issues and performed as a role model for us.
A true leader by any definition, His Majesty has been mentioned many times in the context of dasavidha-rajadhamma or the ten-fold virtues of kingship, as taught in Buddhist dharma. While these virtues or duties are characteristics of a great king, they can be applied by anyone in daily life or the workplace. In this regard, I would like to share my view on how dasavidha-rajadhamma can be applied to a leader in the corporate world.
First on the list is Uprightness (avirodhana), which can refer to adhering strictly to principles and righteous actions. At first glance, it seems not that difficult to think and do the right things. However, in the real world, it is not that easy since leaders face tough decisions that can directly and indirectly affect people, the environment and their competitors. But without a true belief in the right principles, a person cannot be a true leader.
In broad terms, this quality also relates to the long-term vision of the business the leader is running. The best top executives remain true to the beliefs they hold in their hearts and will not enter any business that does not comply with their own principles.
Honesty (ajjava) is the second essential quality of a leader. In addition to adhering to righteousness, leaders must be honest and sincere when they make decisions, must keep promises and deliver what they have already committed.
Leaders must practise Morality (sila) which can be demonstrated through their behaviour and attitudes. Behaving in a way that sets an example for employees is critical to reinforcing corporate values and culture in the right way.
Self-control (tapa) reflects a leader's ability to be disciplined and committed to completing work without distractions or idle time. Leaders will push themselves tirelessly until the task is achieved. In addition, this quality of non-indulgence can also be related to the sustainable economy since leaders with this quality tend to spend time and financial resources only for necessary and meaningful activity.
The fifth dasavidha-rajadhamma is Patience (khanti). No matter how hard the work is or how little support he is receiving from others, the true leader will never give up.
Kindness and gentleness (maddava) is another essential quality. A good leader will have a humble manner and an ability to easily engage with employees, who will feel comfortable with their superior. Listening is important. When leaders listen to others, displaying their full attention, they will win their subordinates' hearts.
One of the most common traps for many people is that of anger. Even a brief outburst from a leader can cause great harm. Like broken glass, once the damage has been done it cannot be repaired. Leaders who are aware of the trap of anger strive for Calmness (akkodha), which also helps them in a high-pressure environment.
The virtue of avihimsa is usually referred to as non-violence, but in the corporate context, it can mean working without causing trouble or problems for others. In a situation such as labour negotiations, for example, it can mean acting in a way that does not lead to greater disputes and ill feeling. Leaders can try to avoid any action that will have a negative impact on both internal stakeholders and the external environment. Promoting harmony among all stakeholders should be a key purpose of a great leader.
The ninth ingredient is Charity (dana). Successful leaders always contribute money and belongings to help others. This also leads to greater acceptance of the leader's organisation by the community.
Last but not least is Altruism (pariccaga) which demonstrates the selflessness of a leader who is willing to sacrifice time for the happiness and well-being of others.
In my opinion, the 10 virtues can also be categorised in three groups. The first three — Uprightness, Honesty and Morality — apply mainly to principles or beliefs. The next five – Self-control, Patience, Kindness, Calmness and Non-violence — concern the way a leader behaves toward others. The last two — Charity and Altruism — relate to how leaders support their people.
It is clear that dasavidha-rajadhamma relates to the "soft" side as opposed to the "hard" day-to-day realities of the corporate world. However, it is the former that usually separates the leader from the follower and the mere manager. After all, everyone has to have the hard skills necessary to perform work, but few have the virtues required to inspire and lead others. For those who have already mastered the functional side of their careers, applying the 10 dasavidha-rajadhamma can help them move to the next level.
Sorayuth Vathanavisuth is the principal consultant and executive coach at the Center for Southeast Asia Leadership and lectures at Mahidol University's College of Management. His areas of interest are corporate strategy, executive coaching and leadership development. He can be reached at sorayuth@sealeadership.com