Fitness to Lead
Life unfolds in cycles, where new ideals rise on the crest of consciousness, spreading through society and the world. When formulated into practical actions, these ideals take root, shaping the culture of their time—sometimes in ways that honor their original intent and sometimes in ways that distort or dilute it. What is less often acknowledged, however, is that these once-revered ideals eventually exhaust their usefulness. They crystallize, becoming stale, rigid, and—because we are imperfect beings—corrupted or misaligned with their initial purpose.
Leadership is one such ideal. The very notion of a leader is noble, evoking the image of a capable guide. A leader, at their best, “goes ahead or before” to show the way. Yet, in modern society, we have come to accept as leaders individuals who undermine the role’s higher purpose—guiding people toward personal and collective well-being, fostering right relationships, and committing to the common good.
We need leaders for the common good—stewards of public, private, and social institutions who serve as beacons of integrity and accountability. Their impact extends beyond bureaucratic roles; they reweave the fabric of trust and interconnectedness, adapting ideas for the benefit of the many rather than the privileged few. The significance of such leadership cannot be overstated—it is the foundation for realizing the ideal of “one humanity.”
Instead, we often find ourselves led by those who ascend to power through charisma, wealth, ruthless ambition, or sheer luck. Many of our so-called leaders are elected not for their wisdom but their ability to serve narrow self-interests. The result is a leadership landscape shaped by qualities that corrode our shared sense of purpose:
Self-interest over collective good—Many leaders prioritize personal or organizational gain above the well-being of their communities, deepening distrust and division.
Short-term focus—A fixation on immediate wins undermines the pursuit of sustainable, long-term solutions.
Authoritarianism and control—Over-reliance on power stifles collaboration, creativity, and the mutual respect necessary for healthy relationships.
Lack of humility—Inflexibility and an unwillingness to admit mistakes prevent modeling self-awareness and adaptability.
Failure to inspire a shared purpose—Instead of uniting diverse perspectives for the greater good, too many leaders foster competition, exclusion, and division.
These traits play out daily in those who dominate our political and institutional spheres. Leaders entangled in scandal, obsessed with self-preservation, or beholden to personal gain erode public trust and hinder the possibility of a just and equitable world. To restore confidence in leadership, we must seek out those who prioritize the common good.
Neither money, celebrity, nor pedigree should define who is fit to lead. To become enlightened—to see beyond the illusions of status and into the essence of character—we must learn to recognize true leaders.
Leadership is not about title or authority; it is about integrity, vision, and the wisdom to guide others toward a higher ideal.
I am unyielding in my resistance to granting deference to those who privilege the few over the many, regardless of their positional power. I am neither awed nor repulsed by those celebrated or condemned. Each individual—whether revered or cast aside—must be engaged in a way that nurtures their growth. The exalted may need humility to keep them grounded, while the forgotten may need the dignity of contributing to something greater than themselves.
We need leaders for the common good—stewards of public, private, and social institutions who serve as beacons of integrity and accountability. Their impact extends beyond bureaucratic roles; they reweave the fabric of trust and interconnectedness, adapting ideas for the benefit of the many rather than the privileged few. The significance of such leadership cannot be overstated—it is the foundation for realizing the ideal of “one humanity.”
To transform our world, we must redefine what it means to lead. The markers of success cannot be wealth or status but rather service, ethical stewardship, and wise compassion. True leaders emerge in every corner of society—mechanics, teachers, students, organizers, politicians, parents. They are not the loudest voices in the room but the ones whose actions inspire others to be better than they were yesterday. Leaders like President Jimmy Carter leave behind legacies not of wealth or power but of what President Joe Biden described as character, character, character.
To lead is to assume the responsibility of becoming a searchlight for those seeking a way out of darkness. It is to venture into new realms of possibility and offer one’s gifts—whatever they may be—to uplift, renew, and restore humanity when the ideals that once propelled us forward begin to collapse under the weight of misinterpretation, mishandling, and misappropriation.
At Common Good Catalysts, we aim to reawaken the ideal of leadership as a force for the greater good—one rooted in unified vision, wise adaptability, and intelligent action.
By embracing leaders committed to real-world impact and the well-being of all, we can restore faith in our institutions and build a more interconnected, harmonious world where pursuing a better future unites individuals, nations, and the planet.
And as always…
Thank you for being here and striving with me to recognize and manifest the fact of the One Humanity.
Namasté