Sunday, February 20, 2011

A healthy conscience does not separate the ends from the means #dmingml

I have been reading and reflecting on numerous texts in preparation for this term's academic essay (in relation to my Doctorate on Global Missional Leadership) where I am exploring if there is a relationship between virtues and leadership behavior, and if so, what is the nature of that relationship, and what virtues may be considered universal and able to be transferred across cultures?

I am currently reading called, Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power & Greatness by Robert K. Greenleaf. In this book, Greenleaf reveals that Ghandi taught there are seven things that will destroy us:

  1. Wealth without work
  2. Pleasure without conscience
  3. Knowledge without character
  4. Commerce without morality
  5. Science without humanity
  6. Worship without sacrifice
  7. Politics without principle

As Greenleaf points out, it is interesting that each one of these admirable ends can be falsely attained

I wonder what Ghandi would say today? Would these seven still be the same ones he would say have the potential to destroy us?

While we may be unable to control outcomes from these seven in relation to how others live and lead, we can allow their wisdom and truth to permeate our thinking and influence us towards making the right choices.

Do you agree with these seven? Would you add anymore that may have emerged after Ghandi's time?

 

1 comment:

  1. Glenn, this is very helpful, incredibly thoughtful. I don't think I have run across these seven principles from Ghandi before, and they certainly offer food for thought. Thank you for sharing, mate! :-) #dmingml

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