Swami Vivekananda is a name that inspires admiration and awe around the globe. His words and teachings have influenced the greatest scientists like Nikol Tesla, visionaries like J.R.D Tata to several top leaders of the countries.

When he spoke in Chicago in the parliament of religions in 1891, the world took notice of his message of universal brotherhood. His extra ordinary life and mission changed the perspective of foreign countries towards the cultural superpower, named India.

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings continue to inspire men to live their highest ideals and dedicate themselves to their highest pursuit. He was a leader who is reminisced by generations and continues to be a guiding force for leaders of the world.

Swami Vivekananda preached sacrifice, dedication, service and work with absolute commitment. He aroused the highest capabilities in a man by reminding them of their own divinity that made anything possible.

India celebrates his birthday as National Youth Day to celebrate the wisdom, teachings and mission of the soul that illumined the world with his presence. Here we look at the top leadership lessons from the timeless master.

1. Believe in Yourself

“Believe in yourself and the world will be at your feet.”

Swami Vivekananda

A leader needs to believe in himself, his mission and what he is doing. When you have unwavering faith and belief, you find ways to accomplish things you want in your life. Difficulties, hardships and struggle make a true leader more determined to succeed.

2. Dedication to Work

“Even the greatest fool can accomplish a task if it were after his or her heart. But the intelligent ones are those who can convert every work into one that suits their taste.”

Swami Vivekananda

All great leaders remain deeply dedicated to their work. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, but how you are doing it that makes the ultimate difference. Great opportunities are always possible for the one who is dedicated to what he is doing.

3. Face The Problem

“If you ever feel afraid of anything, always turn around and face it. Never think of running away.”

Swami Vivekananda

A true leader will always have a mission and purpose in life. He will be ready to fight the world for it. You cannot solve problems by running away from them. Sooner or later, you will need to face the problems and conquer your fears. Leaders inspire people to face problems and find solutions for the benefit of all.

4. Focus on the goal

“Whatever you are doing, put your whole mind on it. If you are shooting, your mind should only be on the target. Then you will never miss. If you are learning your lessons, think only of the lesson.”

-Swami Vivekananda

The difference in quality of two men lies in their ability to concentrate. When you focus your mind, energies and work towards your goals, success is assured. Leaders who work with single pointed focus are achieve their goals and vision.

5. Motivator

“All power is within you. You can do anything and everything. Believe in that”

Swami Vivekananda

Leaders empower their people by believing in them, trusting them and they rise to greatness as a result. A leader instills belief in others where they can accomplish things that they never thought were possible. Swami Vivekananda preached about the infinite power that resides in each of us and how it unleashes itself to help us achieve anything we want.

6. Strong Intentions and Resolutions

“There is no impossible word in the dictionary of those who lead. No matter how big a challenge, they can be resolved with strong intentions and resolutions.”

Swami Vivekananda

A leader always has great intentions, big vision and the resolution to try until he succeeds. When you are working on a noble mission with the right intentions, you may face hurdles, but you will make it in the end. Important is not to lose focus, change directions or give up.

Great efforts always lead to great results. Every problem is a challenge that can be overcome when you have a strong resolve.

7. Stay Disciplined

“Leader is one who knows how to obey commands before knowing how to command. Learn obedience first.”

Swami Vivekananda

A leader knows the rules of the game. He is the one who sets the benchmark for others to follow. Leaders take the responsibility, they walk the talk and never ask their teams to do what they wouldnt do themselves. A leader sets high expectations, standards and ideas for others to follow.

To sum up Swami Vivekananda’s life and selfless leadership, he once said “This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.”