What is Leadership? The truth is that you are either leading people closer to Jesus or further away by your actions or inaction. We all have an impact on someone. It is easy to get caught up in the idea that leadership is a particular position or title. But that is a manager, not a leader. A manager has to be followed. A leader is followed because they have a vision that inspires others and the character to live it out. You have this capacity!
The Definitions
Alexandre Havard from The Virtuous Leadership Institute says that leadership is about transforming people. It’s about achieving greatness by bringing out the greatness in others. Therefore, we need to begin with transforming ourselves, but we do not need to have it all together to start leading others. Regardless of what state we are currently in, we are having an impact on those around us.
When Simon Sinek discusses what it means to be a leader he says it requires having a vision of a world that does not yet exist, and to be able to articulate it repeatedly to inspire people to believe what you believe and want to see that world built. They join you in that vision.
The Virtues
Two virtues we need to be cultivating to grow as a leader are magnanimity and humility. Magnanimity is the habit of striving for greatness or excellence. It recognizes that through Christ and our dignity as God’s beloved son/daughter, we are worthy to conquer great things. This virtue requires having a vision but also living a life that witnesses with words and actions. Ultimately, this leads to an example that others strive towards, that is attractive and inspiring. It is living an AWESOME Catholic life.
The second virtue is humility, which is the habit of living in the truth. It wants to see and understand the truth about myself and the truth about others. A humble person knows they have skills, gifts, and talents: but that they all came from God! You are purely a creation, or as Mary says, “I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:37).
Servant Leaders
Our Christian leadership is lived out by realizing that “to serve is to reign,” that Jesus calls us to be servant leaders (Lumen Gentium, 36). He is the greatest leader who ever lived. He transformed lives into their highest potential and was able to proclaim a vision that did not yet exist but could exist for each one of us through himself. “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). We do not want to be leaders who lord it over others, who desire their ambitions over the potential greatness of their followers. We want to live out the example Jesus provides us (Matthew 20:25-27).
We Need You
Today in the world and in the Church, we have a leadership crisis. We pray that you will watch the video below and join us in our weekly episodes as we guide you so that you may have the vision to help people attain their greatest potential and live abundantly. We want you to bring your suffering and brokenness to help inspire others that true peace and joy is obtainable regardless of external influences and difficulties. You are inspiring, and we cannot wait to walk alongside you on your leadership journey. The Church and the souls around you need your unique gifts and talents. You were made for this!
Catholic Leadership | Episode 2 Of Thicker Skins, Bigger Hearts
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