Leadership as it Should be

The entire world watched as our Roman Catholic Church witnessed the final illness and death of its beloved leader. Men and women of enormous political, military and economic power and influence knelt in reverence near the earthly remains of the aged John Paul II, whose power and influence—which was both moral and spiritual—helped transform the world.

We then witnessed an ancient process unfold in ritual splendor for the first time in a quarter century.

When the white smoke ascended from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of Saint Peter's confirmed that an election had taken place, I was in an airport on my way to a funeral. Everyone around me was focused on the TV screen. A young maintenance worker stopped her cleaning, looked at the television and said: I don't care who it is, as long as we have a pope again.

I thought, how right she is; we are all a bit uncomfortable when the See of Peter is vacant. Even in the Lord's church leadership is important. Shortly we heard the Latin words that the whole world understands, "Habemus Papam!" And we saw for the first time the new shepherd of the Lord's whole flock, who honored the father of our Benedictine order by taking his name, His Holiness Benedict XVI.

During the weeks of historic events in Rome, we reflected on leadership more than we have for a long time. What is it that makes a good leader? What qualities do we seek in those whom we would want as leaders? How do we teach our students what it means to be a principled leader? There have been countless articles, speeches and books on the subject. For us at Saint Anselm, a foundational document contains insight as relevant for 21^st century leaders as it was in the 6^th century when it was written.

The Rule of Saint Benedict , familiar to us and to our new Holy Father, points to a number of qualities that the abbot—and thus every leader—should possess: equanimity, integrity, responsibility, and wisdom to name a few. But Saint Benedict also prescribed that the abbot should possess what he called the mother of all virtues, discretion, the ability to see and understand what needs to be done; and then to do it. Whether for the good of an individual or for the community as a whole, Saint Benedict wanted the leader to possess the skill and the strength to decide well.

In all of our leaders we should look for this ability to think clearly, to understand implications and consequences, to make decisions that are based on what is right. We see in this issue of Portraits examples of successful leaders. In one way or another they are examples of what Saint Benedict sought in a leader. May their stories encourage others to lead as well.

Sincerely,
Rev. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B.
President