Many people hesitate to work under someone else’s guidance—whether in a professional setting or even as volunteers. The common belief is that working under someone’s direction means giving up your freedom and having to report to others. That’s why many choose to start their own businesses, hoping to be their own boss. But running your own business means you have to answer to many people. If you’re unable to be accountable to even one person, how will you manage accountability to many? This is the paradox. In fact, having your own business can tie you down more than working for someone else.
Refusing to work under guidance is not a sign of strength—it is a sign of weakness. A strong person is comfortable working under anyone’s guidance because they are aware of their inner strength. The weak or insecure dislike working under others because they don’t recognize their own capacity. Such people will struggle both in business and in a profession. Even when guided by a wise leader, the fearful and insecure will feel uneasy. But those who know their own strength can perform efficiently even under the leadership of a fool.
This applies equally to volunteers. Often, volunteers resist working under someone else’s direction, but this attitude only reflects their limitations. With that mindset, they can accomplish very little.
When you recognize your own strength, you can skillfully turn any disadvantage into an opportunity. A fool can actually help you develop excellent communication skills. If you feel uncomfortable working under someone’s direction, it’s a clear indication that inner strength needs to be cultivated. Seeking freedom from people or situations is not true freedom. True strength is knowing that no one can take your freedom away. When this strength becomes unshakable, you become capable of working under any leader.
The Nature of Seva
There is selfless service that flows from you so naturally that you don’t even realize you are doing it. You don’t label it as service—it’s simply who you are.
There is service you do because the situation calls for it.
There is service you do because it brings you joy.
There is service you do with the hope of gaining merit or benefit in the future.
And then there is service you perform just to enhance your image or gain recognition in society or politics. This kind of service is draining. In contrast, the first kind of service brings no fatigue at all.
Wherever you begin, the goal is to move toward the higher, purer forms of seva.
Knowledge Organizes
Knowledge is the force that organizes. The more deeply rooted you are in knowledge, the more naturally organization happens through you.
Never underestimate the value of your organization. When you doubt it, you lose the ability to build it. Stand firm in your intention to do good. When you constantly justify your actions instead of returning to your original purpose, you feel regret and become ineffective.
Sometimes you work best alone, sometimes in a team. Both experiences are necessary for your growth. Challenges will arise in both cases. The key is not to resist either, but to stay focused on your goal.
If a friend makes a mistake in a task you’ve assigned, don’t try to defend them out of loyalty. Defending mistakes hurts the team and prevents learning. Excessive softness or misplaced compassion can damage both teamwork and the broader mission.
Avoid justifying mistakes through anger, shouting, or flawed logic. These only confuse right and wrong and shift focus away from learning and growth.
When working with volunteers, remember that roles may feel fluid. Stay calm and grounded. Simply ask whether the task was completed.
In dynamic organizations, decisions won’t always follow a predictable path. This isn’t a corporate job with set routines. When working with volunteers, change happens quickly and unpredictably. Expect some chaos. Making space for uncertainty helps avoid stress and creates room for creativity and resilience.
—Excerpt from Celebrating Love by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
