Thousands of books have been written and thousands of seminars given on the topic of leadership. Many models have been proposed over the years as effective ways of leading others. In recent years, one style that has gained a good deal of affirmation is servant leadership. This type of leadership relies on setting an example, guiding and helping those under you, rather than using authoritarian tactics to accomplish a mission.
St. Francis is perhaps among the greatest historical examples of servant leadership. He led by showing the brothers how to live as effective disciples. He was not perfect, but his way of guiding others has lasted for 800 years.
A few examples will help illustrate his leadership style. Francis knew that the brothers would do things that were wrong, and he did not tolerate this behavior. He would first look at spiritual vices, then bodily faults, and lastly at things that might cause temptation. While this may seem harsh, Francis led by example. He was willing to publicly confess his own faults in his preaching, and the penances he undertook were severe.
Regarding food, he ate little and never wasted anything. Even at dinners given by rich people who admired him, he would not feast as others might. He thought it would be impossible to satisfy necessity without bowing to pleasure. To us, that simply means he was often hungry.
He slept on the ground with a rock or piece of wood for a pillow, shying away from comfort. He would not use a mattress or blankets and often slept sitting up.
Francis’ method of leading the brothers was to teach them and guide them to greater spiritual heights. He trusted that they would learn from the way he lived.
We are not all called to this type of radical life, for sure. However, Francis teaches us two things about leadership. First, the purpose of a true leader is to guide those they lead to heaven. Second, the best way to do that is to guide people through your actions, not your power.
This week, let us consider whether we lead, in whatever role we hold, through our actions rather than our power, trusting as Francis did that example teaches more than authority.
