Leading from within
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A reading from the gospel according to John
I am the good shepherd:
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From Chris Lowney's
'POPE FRANCIS: WHY HE LEADS THE WAY HE LEADS' Some challenges Francis, Bishop of Rome, has articulated:
At the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, Francis challenged his priests to
be: ‘shepherds living with the smell of the sheep’. This is an invitation to all those who are in positions of leadership…. Six foundational commitments that underpin Francis’ style of leadership:
Know yourself deeply, but live to serve others:
You cannot lead others unless you can lead yourself, so leaders dig deeply into themselves, confront their flaws, and, ultimately, achieve peaceful acceptance of themselves and the unique role they can play in the world.
But, after that introspective deep dive within, leaders turn outward. They themselves do not live for themselves alone but transcend themselves to serve others. The wisdom and energy generated from their self-knowledge isn’t bottled up but radiates outward. Immerse yourself in the world, but withdraw from the world daily:
The new leader immerses herself in the world with eyes open to its joys and sufferings
and with hands calloused from sharing the everyday struggles of those around her. She is not apart and aloof but ‘in touch’ and accountable. She cultivates solidarity, especially with those who are neglected or marginalised. Yet, while fully immersed in the world, she is not fully ‘of’ the world. She does not drift on a tide of texts, media stimulation, and phone calls, but withdraws daily to reflect, feel gratitude for all she has, take in the big picture, and remind herself of her values and beliefs. Live in the present and revere tradition, but create the future:
The new leader seizes today’s opportunity fully because it’s the only opportunity he is
certain of having. And he stands for something, honouring the beliefs and values bequeathed by his tradition. But deeply rooted in a tradition does not mean stuck. He is not enslaved by the past. He does not shrink from change fearfully but drives change with hope and optimism. He runs to the future, not from it. (pp 9-10) These six commitments invite leaders
to a rhythm of solitude and engagement….. ….This is reflected strongly in Jesus’ public life.
Is there some action I could begin to take tomorrow?
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Final Reflection
STAY CENTRED Love-driven leadership is:
Chris Lowney – Heroic Leadership p. 170 |
LOVE, SERVE AND REMEMBER
Why have we come to earth, Do you remember? Do you remember? To love, serve and remember To love, serve and remember To love, serve and remember Lyrics and music John Astin Kathy Zavada – In Love Divine |
Thinking and Suggestions:
Francis has captured the imagination of the world. Referring to himself as bishop of Rome sends a message that collegiality is his choice, not authoritarianism or monarchy. He sees the church as a communion of local churches as envisioned by Vatican 11 - a church serving the human community and not an institution focused in on itself and its preservation. Chris Lowney, with a background in Jesuit spirituality and in leadership, has provided an insightful look into Francis’ leadership style. It offers us a framework for reflecting upon, and exploring our exercise of leadership. In the 6 commitments Lowney names, there is focus on the inner journey - nurturing the soul, and the outer journey – engagement in and contribution to community and the unfolding of history. These two foci are essential for anyone entrusted with a role of formal leadership. They enable us to live and lead from the soul and heart – personal authority, rather than from positional power that is associated with a role. 'Pope Francis: Why he leads the way he leads' by Chris Lowney |