Love in Action

by John Keyser

A highly regarded leader all around the world has offered an internal goal for his people this year, one that he hopes to be transformative and contagious. Pope Francis has declared this to be the Year of Mercy. He is asking those in the Catholic faith to be particularly mindful this year to seek every opportunity to love and care for others, to be forgiving and helpful.

I recently heard a moving talk about mercy. The presenter, whose humility and deep faith were especially motivating, offered “mercy is love in action”.

Love in action. This concept could be powerful for leaders.

Love and genuinely caring for others are fundamental to why we are here on earth, and they are the source of our happiness.

We are here on earth to serve others, to be encouraging and helpful. That should be our driving force when we are given the gift of leadership, that we are to serve others!

Let’s take to time to reflect, to contemplate about this.

This is the year of mercy – and mercy is love in action.

And what is love in action for a leader?

Love in action is being humble, forthright, encouraging, helping others learn, grow and succeed, giving them timely and helpful feedback, and helping them feel good about themselves.

Love in action is being a servant leader, leading as a shepherd, being alongside our people, leading through our conversations. As people were inspired by the talk I heard about mercy, I am hoping that this message inspires business leaders.

Our team members and other colleagues want to do great work and to succeed, and our humility and mercy will truly help them.

“Let us allow God to fill our hearts with his goodness and mercy.” This is a quote from Pope Francis, who to me, is a humble and courageous leader.

When we ourselves are filled with goodness and mercy, kindness comes naturally. And kindness is motivating. It is love in action.