Spiritual and Human Characteristics of Leadership LEADERSHIP Catholic Principals

Now, I am revealing new things to you, Things hidden and unknown to you, created just now, this very moment, Of these things you have heard nothing until now, so that you cannot say, ‘Oh, yes, I knew all this.’ Isaiah 48: 7

The Catholic Education of School-age Children – NZCBC JANUARY 2014 “At the heart of the Catholic character of a school are the Catholic hearts of those who work in the school, principal, teachers, chaplains and other staff. They are witnesses to the students of a mature faith, and an integration of faith with life……” 47

The power for authentic leadership Not in external arrangements Found in the human heart Authentic leaders aim at liberating the heart……

We teach, preach and witness who we are We also lead and serve WHO WE ARE

“A Leader is a dealer in hope.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“The Bishop, Servant of the Gospel, for the Hope of the World.” Pastores Gregis John Paul II

Pastores Dabo Vobis 43 They need to be: balanced people, strong and free, capable of bearing the weight of responsibilities, people educated to love the truth, to be loyal, to respect every person. They need to be: balanced people, strong and free, capable of bearing the weight of responsibilities, people educated to love the truth, to be loyal, to respect every person.

have a sense of justice, be true to their word, be genuinely compassionate, be people of integrity, be balanced in judgement and behaviour,

Prudent and discreet, generous and ready to serve, Encouraging others, and quick to understand, forgive and console. Prudent and discreet, generous and ready to serve, Encouraging others, and quick to understand, forgive and console. Of special importance is the capacity to relate to others. “man of communion” Not arrogant, or quarrelsome, But affable, hospitable, sincere in his words and heart,

Finally, fill your minds with everything that is true, everything that is noble. Everything that is good and pure,, everything that we love and honour, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Characteristics of Leadership Characteristics of Leadership It is difficult to lead when you are afraid “Be not afraid ”

It is difficult to lead when you are resentful. “ There is no limit to what you can achieve provided you don’t mind who gets the credit.” Former U.S. President Harry S Truman “ There is no limit to what you can achieve provided you don’t mind who gets the credit.” Former U.S. President Harry S Truman

It is difficult to lead when you have lost your passion. ‘ Are you prepared to break your heart in pursuit of the vision of true leadership?’ Archbishop Rowan Williams ‘ Are you prepared to break your heart in pursuit of the vision of true leadership?’ Archbishop Rowan Williams

It is difficult to lead when you are too safe, too cautious or too closed.

It is difficult to lead when the notion of service is far from your mind. John 13: 1-15

It is not easy to empower others when your own confidence is only surface-deep. Confidence is infectious Psalm 139

One of the greatest assets a leader has is that of drawing on an inner authority. Do you listen to your ‘inner voice’? Are you familiar with that voice? Lying at the heart of all this is self-awareness

St Paul Spirit driven Leadership Galatians 5: 22

Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Gentleness Self-Control Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Gentleness Self-Control

Anything which makes us more human makes us more Christ- like We are called to be deep in the MYSTERY of Christ, only then will we be involved in COMMUNION and MISSION

The non-negotiable basis is the contemplative dimension of our lives. It is here, during that silent, daily time set apart for meditation, reflection that the spiritual dimension of leadership is nourished and maintained.

Intense prayer......by opening our heart to the love of God it also opens it to the love of our brothers and sisters, and makes us capable of shaping history according to God’s plan. NMI 33 Intense prayer......by opening our heart to the love of God it also opens it to the love of our brothers and sisters, and makes us capable of shaping history according to God’s plan. NMI 33

“our witness, however, would be hopelessly inadequate if we ourselves had not first contemplated his face….” N.M.I 16

Reflection - Question 1 1. How do Pope John Paul’s words about cultivating a series of “human qualities” speak to you as a leader in a Catholic School?

Reflection - Question 2 2. Are you able to identify times when you have not been able to lead or plan effectively because you were too Afraid? Resentful? Had lost your passion? Were too safe, cautious or closed? Had lost the ideal of service? Lacked courage? Had no inner authority? 2. Are you able to identify times when you have not been able to lead or plan effectively because you were too Afraid? Resentful? Had lost your passion? Were too safe, cautious or closed? Had lost the ideal of service? Lacked courage? Had no inner authority?

Reflection - Question 3 What is your understanding of the spiritual dimension of leadership? How has prayer/contemplation assisted you to be a more effective leader, and planner ?

“Holiness, a message that convinces without the need for words is the living reflection of the face of Christ.” NMI 7 “Holiness, a message that convinces without the need for words is the living reflection of the face of Christ.” NMI 7

“At the heart of the Catholic character of a school are the Catholic hearts of those who work in the school, principal, teachers, chaplains and other staff. They are witnesses to the students of a mature faith, and an integration of faith with life……” 47 The Catholic Education of School-age Children – NZCBC JANUARY 2014