Leadership for an Age of Higher Consciousness I: Administration from a Metaphysical PerspectiveLeaders emerge in every life situation to guide others along a particular path of change and towards a final destination point. Effective leadership is not easy. History has shown that the responsibilities and hazards of leadership are as great as its rewards. Leadership for an Age of Higher Consciousness I was specifically written to help those people who choose a role of leadership at this time in history, when mature leaders are most needed. However, anyone can apply the principles discussed in this book, because they encourage each person, family, organization, or nation to live in a way that upholds the sanctity and stability of all life on this planet.
Part I: Raising Consciousness lays a general foundation, describing principles of higher consciousness and their relevance to leadership. For all human beings, love is a constant preoccupation—a never-ending central theme. The degree to which leaders acknowledge the value of love in their own lives and in the lives of others can determine the success or failure of their undertakings. Leaders have a great responsibility to act as representatives of God; therefore, it behooves them to first raise their own consciousness. We can begin to raise consciousness by developing an essential understanding of reincarnation, karma, the soul, the modes of material nature, the characteristics of energy, and the Kingdom of God. Finally, the mind, which has great range and power, is capable of extraordinary accomplishments. Our awareness of the mind’s vast potential can deepen our appreciation of its contributions to the progress of human civilization, provide us with invaluable guidance in personal and leadership matters, and enhance our ability to serve to our best capacity.
Part II: Developing Skills discusses specific qualities and skills that can be invaluable to leaders in today’s world. Every leader can benefit from the qualities of mature patience, tolerance, and empathy. Leaders should make special efforts to evaluate their own activities to see if they display these qualities, and, conversely, they should also observe the extent that they manifest negative characteristics such as avoidance, apathy, or insensitivity. Another important function of any leader is to create an atmosphere in which people have the opportunity to address conflicts honestly and resolve them fairly. We therefore offer techniques to help a leader work towards conflict resolution rather than conflict management. Time management and stress reduction are also essential technologies for greater health and productivity, which can lead to negative results if not dealt with effectively.
Part III: Taking Action suggests specific policy areas in which leaders can take action to alleviate suffering, protect the planet as a whole, and help people lead more productive lives as they grow closer to God. Leaders are responsible for the safety of everyone in their charge. Not only do leaders who genuinely love their people implement policies for their benefit; they also make personal sacrifices for them. When people feel valued and cared for in this way, secure in the knowledge that their leaders wish them well, they reciprocate with loyalty and support, readily accepting inconveniences and austerities without complaint. Although such attitudes and behaviors may sound idealistic, they are highly possible.
In order to enable each leader to take practical steps towards these seemingly idealistic goals, we offer essential technologies throughout the entire book to focus on and apply. By utilizing these technologies, each of you, as leaders, will gain the skills to make a positive difference in the world and assist in this global effort to raise consciousness.
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