Insights from a Jesuit Priest and Leader

In a recent newsletter from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Fr. Michael McFarland, S.J., shared his vision which truly captures the essence of leadership.

First though, a bit about the Gregorian University. It was founded in 1551 in Rome by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is a Jesuit University and is truly global, with students of a variety of faiths, helping form them intellectually and pastorally for religious life and lay ecclesial ministry.

And a bit about Fr. Michael. He was a highly respected and successful President of the College of the Holy Cross, is now associated with the Gregorian, and also chairs the Board of Trustees of Boston College High School.

Certainly, businesses can learn from many of the practices of religious and spiritual leaders, just as religious and spiritual leaders can learn from leaders in business. Whatever our field, we are in a people business, and we must effectively motivate, inspire, and help our people succeed.

We can all learn from one another.

Fr. Michael shared that leadership requires humility, sacrifice, and service.

Indeed it does.

Leadership is our ability to influence others. Our humility is essential. We are no better nor worse than others. We all have talents (gifts) as well as areas of potential improvement. We must understand that humility is the foundation of growth and enables us to continue to learn and grow ourselves and to help others do so, as well. Our humility helps us develop and maintain relationships founded on trust and respect. And success in business and life is grounded on the quality of our relationships.

Sacrifice is our understanding that leadership is a gift, to be shared with others, and to be used to help others develop and be successful. As a leader, it is not about us and our recognition and rewards. Not at all. Successful leaders share the credit and shine the spotlight on others. As Cathy Becker told me, “Leadership is how we help others feel about themselves”.

Service is our genuinely caring about our colleagues and their well-being and our striving to help them learn, grow, and succeed. As a leader, we serve our team members. We never really “get there” or arrive as a highly accomplished leader. Rather, our leadership formation is an ongoing journey. We want to be lifelong learners, always striving to improve and share our gift of leadership. In fact, I heard Patrick Lencioni state at the 2019 Global Leadership Conference that he does not use the term servant leadership as that is redundant. Unless we serve others, we are not a leader! Very true!

I find Fr. Michael’s words – humility, sacrifice, service – an ongoing inspiration and challenge to all of us who have been entrusted with the gift of leadership.