Leadership

"... your leader, he (the Lord) himself will be with thee: he will not leave thee, nor forsake the ..."

Deuteronomy 31:8, The Holy Bible, DRV

“If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of them; take good care of them and then be seated; when you have fulfilled your duties, take your place, that you may be merry on their account and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.”

Sirach 32:1-2, The Holy Bible, RSV, CE

Leadership has often been described as the ability to persuade others to do what they would otherwise not want to do.  This definition echoes more of manipulation than of authentic and true leadership and may account for today’s seemingly universal question – where have all of our leaders gone?  Whether it’s in the home, the schoolhouse, the local council chamber, or the national stage, be it government or business; where are the leaders?  One plausible explanation, perhaps to intolerant and judgmental for today’s sensibilities, is that the current vacuum of leadership is due to an overabundance of sin.  How is a society to raise-up authentic leaders when we have allowed our culture, through indifference and a radical tolerance of sin, to transform us into its image instead of being a reflection to the world of the One who made us in His image and likeness?  Can a society sustain itself without virtuous, that is, moral leaders?  Apparently, this is the current day expectation.  Anyone who dares to use moral justification to dissuade others from engaging in activities that are detrimental to the culture are automatically accused of trying to impose their moral or religious beliefs on others.  As a result, good people remain silent and evil prevails. 

Do I need virtue to be a leader?  Can someone “naturally” be a good leader without resorting to this moral and religious “stuff”?  Absolutely, they can.  Just as someone can “naturally” be a good father or mother, it is possible based on natural gifts and personal effort to develop the skills to become a good leader.  But, what does it take to become a transformational leader?  It takes a heart formed and rooted in virtue, both human and divine.

Pope John Paul II is the ideal model for someone that wants to become an exceptional, transformational leader in whatever state-of-life or vocation they have chosen.  Naturally speaking, Pope John Paul II was a man of extraordinary intellectual breadth and depth, which was equally matched and perfectly complemented by his magnetic and charismatic personality.  Nonetheless, what made John Paul II an extraordinary leader was his willingness, in humility, to surrender his life to the Virtues of God – Faith, Hope, and Charity.  In turn, the cultivation of these theological virtues allowed him to heroically live-out the human and cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.  He sought after and allowed the Holy Spirit to build upon and transform his natural gifts and, most importantly, his heart into a supernatural reservoir of love dedicated in leadership to the service of others.  This is the true nature of leadership – loving and, if necessary, sacrificial service to the beloved.