ABSTRACT
A Buddhist approach to leadership attempts to synthesize Buddhist teachings, specifically the interconnected unity of all things, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. The chapter explores several themes including: leadership is a personal journey one must make to self-discovery; the Buddhist teaching of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path guides this journey; leaders are to be role models for their followers; in turn, followers are to defer to the leader’s wisdom; and leaders should make their decisions based on wisdom and compassion for the good of the community. The chapter uses Hermann Hesse’s classic novella Siddhartha: An Indian Tale as a case study to explore leadership in a Buddhist cultural context.
