Etiquette in Management

by Bhakti Caru Swami

ISKCON is a spiritual organisation personally established by Srila Prabhupada. We must to take care that it doesn't become material. Anything (husband-wife relationship, Deity worship, even prasadam) can turn material by one's consciousness. In any Society, there must be some organisation and management, otherwise there will be chaos. Even in the spiritual world, Krsna's friends are subdivided and supervised (Lord Balaräma is group leader for his cowherd boy friends; Candravali and Radharani head up left-wing and right-wing gopis, etc). ISKCON is no different. In order for people interact in a harmonious fashion, dealings and activities must be regulated and orchestrated.

1. The material nature is the world of exploitation but the spiritual nature is the world of service.

2. ISKCON is a spiritual organization. Regardless of position everyone is first and foremost a servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. No one should exploit his position for selfish interests.

3. Higher position means greater service. Position means an opportunity to purely represent Srila Prabhupäda. Hence our management must be based on humility and tolerance.

4. Treat your subordinates as younger brothers.

5. Leadership is based on spiritual qualification, not on anything material. A mature, dedicated preacher makes the best leader.

6. A leader's character must be spotless.

7. Leaders must feel for their followers, then the followers will naturally trust them.

8. It is important to lead with detachment and guide with a strong sense of duty.

9. Krsna conscious management is autocratic and democratic.

10. Talk to devotees and be open to new ideas.

11. Don't hide anything from the Vaisnava's.

12. There should be more than one signer for bank accounts, buying of properties etc.

13. It is best if all incoming funds are declared before the Deities, Srila Prabhupäda, and the Vaisnavas.

14. All incoming funds should be deposited in the bank and then spent from the account.