St. Benedict On Leadership - For All Us Followers
Let's take a step back from what St. Benedict says about leadership and consider those of us who follow. It takes two to tango. For every leader, you've got to have followers. Which are you?
Before you answer, consider: It's typically not an all or nothing choice here. I suspect many, if not most of us, are both. I know that's true in my case. In fact, that's the case right now, even though I run my own small business.
If you run a small business - or any business for that matter - you'll likely know what I'm talking about. If you don't, you may be thinking that having your own business means you're some kind of top dog who doesn't report to anyone. You may believe that us business-owners do what we want, when we want. In fact, I know folks who aspire to owning a business so they can get out from under having to do the bidding of others.
That's not how it works. You'll see if you ever get the chance to go out on your own.
First of all, you've got your customers or clients. While they may not "lead" you, you answer to them. Then there's your business process (which you really need so things run smoothly). You either set it up yourself, or work with an advisor or consultant who helps you do so. An effective process leads you. If you don't follow it, you're in a heap of trouble.
What about those of you who are employees? Back in the day, I usually found myself both leading and following. As a leader, sometimes I had a formal supervisory title. Sometimes I led a team on a project basis. All the time, someone was "over" me to whom I reported. Those folks weren't all great leaders. Some were pretty incompetent and/or obnoxious. I suspect they never read St. Benedict on leadership. But it didn't matter. I owed them an accounting of my time and my efforts despite their shortcomings (to put it mildly!).
Circling back to St. Benedict on leadership, remember that it's a two-way street between leaders and followers. We followers are equal partners in this leadership thing. But not just because leaders need someone to lead and we happened to be that someone. The fact it, we've got to fulfill our end of the bargain. If you're reporting to someone who possesses legitimate authority, think first: cooperation.
If you get that, then we move to the next level. Cooperation - or in some cases obedience - may be an obligation. But it's how you meet that obligation that matters most. We're looking at this from a spiritual perspective now. If you "do what you're told" in a foot-dragging, even resentful manner, there's no merit in that. On the other hand, if you fulfill your obligation promptly, cooperatively, even cheerfully, you're on the right track.
Of course, following the lead of others with the right attitude has some contingencies associated with it. We're assuming you're not being asked to do anything unethical or immoral. That goes without saying. So what about when you're asked to do something that's acceptable when it comes to ethics or morals?
Just do it!
Not blindly, mind you. You may, in certain circumstances, be asked for, or work for someone who is open to, suggestions - or not.
"For there is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:11) In this regard only are we distinguished in his sight, if we be found better than others in good works and humility..."
He's directing this to leaders (specifically in this context, the Abbot in a monastery). The comment recognizes treating people equally based on the fact that we're all children of God. Note that it provides a degree of discretion based on the demonstration of upright character.
So now just turn it around. We who follow ought to also take this to heart. We also must recognize there's no respect of persons with God. We follow based on our desire to diligently fulfill the duties of our state of life. We don't meet our obligations because the boss is a great guy or gal. (If they are, it's a bonus.) And if they're less than great (or worse), as long as we're doing what's ethically and morally acceptable, who cares what they're like, right?
Put another way, don't make it about the person. Do what you know you ought to do. The only Person Who really matters is - you guessed it - God. Or, more accurately, the only Three Persons. If you want to please anyone please Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Next time we wrap up our discussion of St. Benedict on leadership.
Before you answer, consider: It's typically not an all or nothing choice here. I suspect many, if not most of us, are both. I know that's true in my case. In fact, that's the case right now, even though I run my own small business.
If you run a small business - or any business for that matter - you'll likely know what I'm talking about. If you don't, you may be thinking that having your own business means you're some kind of top dog who doesn't report to anyone. You may believe that us business-owners do what we want, when we want. In fact, I know folks who aspire to owning a business so they can get out from under having to do the bidding of others.
That's not how it works. You'll see if you ever get the chance to go out on your own.
First of all, you've got your customers or clients. While they may not "lead" you, you answer to them. Then there's your business process (which you really need so things run smoothly). You either set it up yourself, or work with an advisor or consultant who helps you do so. An effective process leads you. If you don't follow it, you're in a heap of trouble.
What about those of you who are employees? Back in the day, I usually found myself both leading and following. As a leader, sometimes I had a formal supervisory title. Sometimes I led a team on a project basis. All the time, someone was "over" me to whom I reported. Those folks weren't all great leaders. Some were pretty incompetent and/or obnoxious. I suspect they never read St. Benedict on leadership. But it didn't matter. I owed them an accounting of my time and my efforts despite their shortcomings (to put it mildly!).
Circling back to St. Benedict on leadership, remember that it's a two-way street between leaders and followers. We followers are equal partners in this leadership thing. But not just because leaders need someone to lead and we happened to be that someone. The fact it, we've got to fulfill our end of the bargain. If you're reporting to someone who possesses legitimate authority, think first: cooperation.
If you get that, then we move to the next level. Cooperation - or in some cases obedience - may be an obligation. But it's how you meet that obligation that matters most. We're looking at this from a spiritual perspective now. If you "do what you're told" in a foot-dragging, even resentful manner, there's no merit in that. On the other hand, if you fulfill your obligation promptly, cooperatively, even cheerfully, you're on the right track.
Of course, following the lead of others with the right attitude has some contingencies associated with it. We're assuming you're not being asked to do anything unethical or immoral. That goes without saying. So what about when you're asked to do something that's acceptable when it comes to ethics or morals?
Just do it!
Not blindly, mind you. You may, in certain circumstances, be asked for, or work for someone who is open to, suggestions - or not.
- If you're asked for input on the best way to perform a task, give it. But if your boss decides not to go with your suggestion, suck it up and get on with it.
- If you're not asked, and you just know that your boss's way is really not the most efficient way to accomplish the stated objective, don't clench your jaw or drag your feet. Go ahead and do your best to make it work.
"For there is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:11) In this regard only are we distinguished in his sight, if we be found better than others in good works and humility..."
He's directing this to leaders (specifically in this context, the Abbot in a monastery). The comment recognizes treating people equally based on the fact that we're all children of God. Note that it provides a degree of discretion based on the demonstration of upright character.
So now just turn it around. We who follow ought to also take this to heart. We also must recognize there's no respect of persons with God. We follow based on our desire to diligently fulfill the duties of our state of life. We don't meet our obligations because the boss is a great guy or gal. (If they are, it's a bonus.) And if they're less than great (or worse), as long as we're doing what's ethically and morally acceptable, who cares what they're like, right?
Put another way, don't make it about the person. Do what you know you ought to do. The only Person Who really matters is - you guessed it - God. Or, more accurately, the only Three Persons. If you want to please anyone please Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Next time we wrap up our discussion of St. Benedict on leadership.
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