Abstract
Iran, or Persia as it was known in the West until the early part of the twentieth century, was one of the great empires of antiquity with many celebrated leaders and a rich tradition of science, philosophy, and literature. Starting with Zoroastrian teachings dating back 2,500 years ago, through myths presented in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (Book of Kings) in the tenth century, and Saadi’s Golestan (The Rose Garden) in the thirteenth century, the leadership themes have remained the same. They present the ideal of the courageous, caring, humble, and moderate leader-hero who rises to save the nation against various supernatural, foreign, or domestic evils, while showing unwavering loyalty to country, king, and family, kindness to the weak and his enemies, and caring for his followers. These leadership themes, their links to current leadership theory and other ancient philosophies, and their applicability to today’s organizations are explored.
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Notes
- 1.
The names Iran and Persia will both be used in this paper. When referring to past concepts and historical documents that predate the official change of name from Persia to Iran in the West, the name Persia will be used.
- 2.
There are two spellings for the name: Saadi and Sa’di. The former will be used in this paper. Similarly his book the Golestan is also spelled Gulistan; the first spelling will be used.
- 3.
When Iranian publications are cited, the original dates are used. They are based on the modern Iranian solar calendar that started at the Islamic era or on the imperial calendar that was instituted during the Pahlavi era; equivalent Western dates are provided in the reference section.
- 4.
“The members of the human race are limbs one to another, for at creation they were of one essence. When one limb is pained by fate, the others cannot rest. You who are unsympathetic to the troubles of others, it is not fitting to call you human” (Saadi 2008).
- 5.
Mirza Abol Ghassem Ghaem Magham (1779–1835) was the chancellor for Mohammad Shah of the Qajar dynasty. He wrote a governance and political treatise in verse providing specific and direct advice to rulers. The treatise is part of a collection of his work (Divan Ghaem Magham). Reference based on personal communication with Professor Hassan Khoubnazar, former director of the Pahlavi University Asia Institute.
- 6.
Saadi’s Advice to Rulers has not been translated from Persian. All quotes used in this paper are based on the original writing and are the authors’ translation. The original material is organized into 150 distinct recommendations or advice. References to the material will use the number of the recommendation rather than the page number.
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Nahavandi, A. (2012). Iranian Mystical Leadership: Lessons for Contemporary Leaders. In: Prastacos, G., Wang, F., Soderquist, K. (eds) Leadership through the Classics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32445-1_13
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