“Since in our movement many leaders made many mistakes, we presently have a lot of mistrust and criticism of leaders, but htat will not be helpful in gaining excellent spiritual leadership as Srila Prabhupada desired.”

— AKRURA DAS
Editor Vaisnava Excellence Journal, Inis Rath Island Temple, Northern Ireland.

Since in our movement many leaders made many mistakes, we presently have a lot of mistrust and criticism of leaders, but that will not be helpful in gaining excellent spiritual leadership as Srila Prabhupada desired. Whatever we want to develop and improve, the only way is gradual cultivation and nurturing - to gain long-term quality results.

In my understanding, the duty of each ISKCON member is to contribute to the development of good leadership. It's not very hard to criticize, but it's necessary to contribute to a positive change. If we want good leaders, then we must nurture them. Help them grow and develop, become empowered. A few ideas how to assist in this endeavor:

v      -develop sincere relationship with a leader

v      -wish him/her success in his or her service

v      -give and receive feedback both negative and positive

v      -appreciate the leader's willingness to accept responsibility

v      -induce him or her to develop skills and constantly learn in order to improve

v      -be friendly but firm when the leader makes mistakes or is criticized

v      -attend to the leader's needs or induce others to do so

I am sure any devotee could come up with more ideas, but the main point is to start with the understanding that it requires time and cultivation. Leaders must have around them people who will support them and assist them in their leadership service. Assistants should be nonenvious and friendly.

We may wish success to our leaders. Someone has to be a leader. So if one cannot take up a position of a leader oneself, one may help others improve in their service as leaders.

© CHAKRA 11-April-2000

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