Leadership Principles From The Bushido Code

(https://upwardsleader.com/2016/07/06/leadership-principles-from-the-bushido-code/)

The one amazing thing about leadership principles is that they are proven truths throughout
time. The application of these principles changes over generations and cultures, but the truths
always remain the same.

If you are a student of leadership, you will always find proof that undergirds these principles. This
was proven in my kid’s karate class by their dojo’s Sensai.

He wrote a post on their social media page about the Bushido Code and how it applies to the
principles he is teaching the kids in the community about being good leaders and citizens. I decided
to look it up and was impressed at the leadership truths it showed.

The Bushido Code was a code of conduct and ethics for the Samurai warrior. It laid out those
principles that were shown to elicit the highest degree of moral character, respect, and order in
society. A Samurai who held to the code also set the example for the culture of the family and the rest
of the community.

While there are a few variations of the Code, the are seven main basics of the code that build character
and an overall respect in oneself as towards others. Here are the seven Bushido Codes, with a general
application to our leadership approach:

 Integrity. Other variations of the code include Righteousness or Rectitude. This means Justice,
fairness in every dealing with other people. Making good on your dealings with other people.
Consider all the factors at plays in dealing with everyone around you. A bushido is a self-
controlled leader will deny themselves those things and privileges which will derail their
credibility. A strong leader, like a strong samurai, will carry themselves with the utmost
integrity, never wavering or compromising what is right.
 Respect. The Politeness and Value one gives to everyone else. Extending Courtesy in that other
lives are valued highly and the responsibility you have to honor those who were before you
(elders/leadership) and train up those who are behind you (children/next generation of
leaders). Bushido leaders know that respect is gained through their consistent dealing with
people, and not outward strength.
 Heroic Courage. Bushidos never waver in the face of fear or the face of compromise. They
hold fast to Principles. Heroic courage is not a bravery to bend or break rules, but a courage to
stand for them. It is also the courage to deny inner temptation that will compromise the Code,
which compromises all others around oneself. Leaders with heroic courage know how to stand
up even to the enemy within themselves.
 Honor. Having a good name in holding to principles, but also in a higher degree of Respect for
others as well. Having a Dignity of worthiness in your work, your cause, and your purpose. The

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 truly authentic leader exemplifies this code by being transparent and consistent in public and
in private.
 Compassion. Benevolence. Showing Mercy by having an attitude of generosity, of sympathy,
and forgiveness. Compassion serves others, even to the discomfort of self. These bushido
leaders go out of their way to serve, and do not “turtle” themselves by hiding within their own
cares. They help others at every opportunity.
 Honesty & Sincerity. More closely defined as Honesty. It’s having a Veracity, a Truthfulness,
to everything you say and do. Their word is their bond, and that bond will never be broken. In
an age where written contracts and even handshakes are marginalized, bushido leaders are
renowned for their commitment to their word.
 Duty & Loyalty. Not just to self or the cause, but loyalty to others, law and order, society, and
family. Exhibiting a personal Fidelity to others through other codes such as Respect, Sincerity,
and Honor. The leader who knows their duty to others will exhibit a fierce loyalty in that as
well, whether to faith, family, company, or nation. They take responsibility for their decisions
and the resulting actions.

Any core value system, like the Bushido Code, should define our leadership both in our careers and
in our personal lives. If more leaders applied time-proven principles such as those in the Bushido
Code, the impact on the workplace and in society would be truly astounding.

Give yourself an excellent code of principles to anchor your leadership and impact the world
around you.
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Pertanyaan diskusi:

1. Menurut anda, apakah prinsip Bushido berpengaruh terhadap perilaku organisasi? Jelaskan.
2. Apakah prinsip Bushido termasuk faktor yang bersifat formal atau informal? Jelaskan.
3. Jelaskan bagaimana prinsip Bushido dapat diterapkan secara formal maupun informal di
organisasi!
4. Berilah contoh budaya suatu negara yang berpengaruh secara positif terhadap perilaku
organisasi di negara tersebut!
5. Berilah contoh budaya suatu negara yang berpengaruh secara negatif terhadap perilaku
organisasi di negara tersebut!