The Rebbe's guidance for those who lead or work in communal organizations — how to lead, organize and keep going (IK = Igros Kodesh letter number):
What true leadership is. True leadership means empowering others to act on their own, not keeping everything in one's hands (IK 810, 1375). It combines personal integrity with closeness to the community (IK 2101), infuses daily life with holiness (IK 2950), and upholds Torah values without flattery or compromise (IK 2079, 2782). A leader must rise above divisions, honoring elders while channeling the energy of the young (IK 1783), and internalize responsibility rather than rebuke others (IK 2203). Leadership must be accepted with a sense of responsibility: one may not mislead a community, even out of deference to authority (IK 7854). Communal responsibility rests on the three meanings of "arevim": responsibility, pleasantness and interconnection (IK 2982). Before important decisions, leaders should prepare spiritually and consult one another (IK 717); public decisions call for consultation and collective decision-making (IK 8144, 6224). On the symbolism of the key and a leader's responsibilities, see IK 8529.
Personal responsibility, not suggestions for others. Excuses and blame are unproductive; the Rebbe distinguished those who work as hired hands from those who act out of inner commitment (IK 3041, 2243, 3925). He criticized a trend among Anash of suggesting what others should do in Torah and Chassidus instead of taking responsibility themselves (IK 8057). Alumni of Chabad institutions are expected to be active in the Chabad community (IK 2964), and a true connection to Chabad comes through learning Chassidus, farbrengens and joining with fellow chassidim (IK 4084). Inspire others to active involvement (IK 5177), and use every available person despite imperfections (IK 5507). Dedication beyond the call of duty is the standard (IK 7169).
Order, delegation and teamwork. Personal order and delegation are vital in public work (IK 2364, 1981, 5889). Give team members a voice and involve the young (IK 1518), share out communal responsibilities (IK 2114), and give each institution autonomy within a unified framework (IK 1291, 10479). Centralizing activities increases effectiveness (IK 3478). Don't wait for perfect consensus before acting (IK 3391); building a community takes active participation, not waiting for others (IK 3459). Plan carefully, prepare in advance and consult before expanding (IK 3358, 2627, 2737), and don't let new initiatives detract from existing ones or spread efforts too thin (IK 2808, 1975, 5906) — yet never reduce good projects, but always increase (IK 3919). Action matters more than planning (IK 4901). Proceed at the necessary pace and on the largest possible scale, in line with the committee's resolutions (IK 10834); global initiatives may be premature while local work is discussed with local activists (IK 9301). Local decisions belong to those on the spot (IK 4073, 8953).
Politics. Keep education and communal work free of political character and party affiliation (IK 3012, 3068, 8061, 8900); channel political zeal toward the good of Israel (IK 9802).
Institutions. An institution is not anyone's personal property; its existence depends on collective responsibility (IK 10895). When founding one, it must be decided firmly that supporters have no say in spiritual matters, curriculum or hiring teachers (IK 10256), and outside interference in an institution's spiritual matters is unacceptable (IK 3993). Improper independent leadership within institutions must be corrected (IK 5340). Torah institutions should help one another and never try to take each other over (IK 10230); the unity of Chassidus and its institutions (IK 5961), and a unified response to outside criticism (IK 2204). The Rebbe's own institutions carry the Previous Rebbe's mission and need everyone's support (IK 829, 7256, 1918, 629); supporting Torah institutions brings protective merit (IK 4418, 1703). On security measures and publicity for Chabad institutions, see IK 4305; on the division of roles among Chabad institutions in Eretz Yisrael, IK 1347; on Kolel Chabad's leadership and its founders' intent, IK 10241. Handle resignations with clarity and responsibility (IK 8079, 4599); avoid joint ownership arrangements that invite future complications (IK 3908); weigh the risks of a proposed partnership and protect religious interests (IK 5012).
Staff and positions. Appointing or removing officials should be done by written instruction (IK 1117); on dismissing a longtime employee responsibly, IK 2560. Before leaving a position, secure a replacement (IK 2575, 6528), and remain in one's position to lead Torah institutions when needed (IK 8384, 1172). Arrange a salary so that the worker has peace of mind (IK 4938); on incentives for workers, IK 8024. On filling the void after a community leader's passing, see IK 8699; on declining an honorary presidency, IK 6760.
Balancing public work. Communal work does not interfere with Torah study (IK 2712), but public responsibility must be balanced with personal growth, family and Torah study (IK 5355, 6643, 4352).
Tzeirei Agudas Chabad and branches. Guidance to Tzeirei Agudas Chabad and its branches — expanding activities, renewed effort, reports and self-motivation (IK 3059, 4119, 5764, 6426, 6427, 3884, 8186); to Lubavitch houses in England and Beis Lubavitch (IK 6935, 6836); to the work in Chicago, Paris, Italy and Montevideo (IK 1488, 6985, 1399, 3726, 5555); and to new shuls and study halls (IK 3254, 3485, 8771, 8981).
Reporting. Report regularly and in detail on your activities — accountability increases motivation and effectiveness (IK 3171, 3128, 3604, 3699, 3698, 5455, 8305, 3906), and honest private reports are valuable alongside official ones (IK 2549). Leaders of institutions must regularly take an honest accounting of themselves (IK 3780).
Staying with it. Find the communal work that excites you most — success comes with joy in the mission (IK 3251, 5690). Don't resign from communal work; increase your efforts and promote peace (IK 3528, 1182, 5835). Don't abandon your mission because of distance or difficulty (IK 1349, 5339, 7353), and after the loss of a great leader, responsibility grows greater still (IK 1014, 519). Look after your health, which public service requires (IK 2425). Avoid complacency even when there are successes (IK 2195), and seize opportunities for growth when they come (IK 2212). Respond to dissatisfaction with encouragement (IK 4080).
Kfar Chabad — the Rebbe's many letters on building and running the village are gathered on their own page: Land of Israel – Kfar Chabad: building the village and its life.
See also: Leadership – The community rabbi; Leadership – Elections, government and public protest; Communal finances; Education – Running a school; Jewish outreach – Shlichus; Jewish outreach – Spreading Chassidus.