Humility

What does the Lord require of you?
Do justice, love kindness,
and walk humbly with your God? 
-Micah 6:8

Whether we like it or not we are all leaders and we should never underestimate our impact.
You may have heard of the term ‘Servant Leadership’, but what is it and why is it so important?

The term ‘Servant Leadership’ has its origins in Robert Greenleaf’s book, The Servant as Leader where he states, "Good leaders must first become good servants." At the time, the concept of Servant Leadership was vigorously debated amongst professionals in light of the increasing public failings of leaders across a range of fields. The discussion continues to this day as the model of Servant Leadership is still adopted by international organisations, Catholic and non, including Starbucks and Marriott International. So what is it, where did it come from and why does it matter today?

Jesus, the ultimate servant leader, radicalised traditional notions of leaders as strong, powerful men with armies and wealth. He came into the world with no wealth or armies, and inverted the old hierarchy - from leaders being served to leaders in service to others. Jesus modelled service to others with humility, love and communion with God. 

How can the practice of humility draw us closer to leading like Jesus?

Humility Towards God

A true servant leader is one who is humble first toward God. They are obedience to the First and Greatest Commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." There are many historical examples of bad leaders who have wielded power selfishly over others as if they were their own god, but leadership under the authority of God is properly viewed as a stewardship for others.

From the moment of His incarnation to His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus modelled humility in perfect commitment to the Father's Mission through suffering many trials and tests. He prayed in the midst of his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but Thine be done." 

Humility always begins with recognising that we are God’s own, called to animate His Mission, serving with conscientiousness and an eager spirit.

Humility Towards Others

The Second Greatest Commandment: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself," is related to and flows out from the First. A servant leader is one who honours others. They are not prideful or self-seeking but rather empower and encourage others to reach their fullest potential. Jesus commissioned a team of co-leaders and spent His ministry caring, preparing, and equipping them for the Mission. Jesus prioritised human relationships in the work.

There is simply no Servant Leadership without love, and there is no love without humility - before God first and toward others second - in imitation of Jesus.

Adapted from https://www.dbu.edu/news/2021/06/humility-the-heart-of-servant-leadership.html

Click here for a word from Fr Roland on 'Humility.'