A Higher Standard of Leadership

by Nair, Keshavan

• ISBN13: 9781881052586
• ISBN10: 1881052583
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1994-10-01
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Pub

Summary

This is the first book to apply lessons from Gandhi's life to the practical tasks faced by contemporary leaders. Nair offers a pragmatic guide based on the concepts Gandhi exemplified: Service is the purpose of leadership * Moral principles must be the basis of goals, decisions, & strategies * A single standard should be employed in public & private life. Using illustrative examples from Gandhi's life & writings, Nair identifies commitments-to conscience, openness, service, values, & reduced attachments-& describes the courage & determination necessary to work & lead by them.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: The Challenge of a Higher Standard	p. 1
A Single Standard of Conduct	p. 11
Develop a Basis for the Single Standard: Commit to Absolute Values	p. 19
Acknowledge the Ideal: Commit to the Journey	p. 27
Develop the Guide That Will Keep You on the Journey: Commit to Training Your Conscience	p. 33
Reduce Forces That Lead You Astray: Commit to Reducing Attachments	p. 37
Be Willing to Stand Scrutiny: Commit to Minimizing Secrecy	p. 43
The Essential Quality: Courage	p. 49
The Spirit of Service	p. 57
Focus on Responsibilities	p. 63
Emphasize Values-Based Service	p. 71
Make a Commitment to Personal Service	p. 77
Understand the Needs of the People You Wish to Serve	p. 83
Reconcile Power With Service	p. 89
Decisions and Actions Bounded by Moral Principles	p. 95
Establish Principles of Governance	p. 101
Create Integrity in the Decision Process	p. 109
Change the Criteria for Decision Making	p. 117
Implement Decisions Within Moral Constraints	p. 129
Conclusion: Taking Up the Challenge	p. 139
A Brief History of Gandhi	p. 141
Suggested Readings	p. 145
Notes	p. 149
Index	p. 153
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