Ancient Knowledge as a Source of Inspiration for Everyday Management
Our ability to concentrate is eroding. Thanks to social media. Leadership has generally become extremely challenging, particularly in multicultural and globalised companies. What does this mean for everyday leadership?
Most importantly it means that, besides professional expertise, a leader needs to possess a high degree of social and emotional intelligence. Leaders need to be in a position to maintain an overview - also in turbulent situations - and to communicate in a way that is timely and clear. And to treat all employees and stakeholders fairly. A leader should be able to be empathic and to both challenge and support people. We all know, that only those who make others successful can be considered successful themselves.
But what does all this have to do with Benedict? A lot, because monasteries are living and working communities. Life in a monastery requires good organisation and leadership. The Rule of Benedict is not just one rule, but a kind of collection of rules, or organisational handbook. Benedict compiled it for his community of monks during the 6th Century on Monte Cassino. This work has survived the test of time and is still being followed in the Benedictine monasteries today. It can also still be an inspiration for leaders in today’s secular times.
As examples there are a few key precepts that are worth mentioning, which were intended for the abbot as leader of the monastery, but which are still relevant today:
Leadership
«Leadership is a difficult and arduous task. A leader must serve the unique needs of many.»
Leadership means being responsive to people in a completely individual way. Not all human beings can be addressed or addressed in the same manner. Those who decide to lead other human beings must be ready to be accountable.
In a monastic spiritual context this means accountability to God. In a secular context it would be taken to mean corporate ethics, (compliance) and lawfulness.
Leading by Example
«Make all that is good and holy visible more by the way you live, than by what you say.»
In other words a leader must lead by example. This doesn’t sound too attractive in today’s times but it is the foundation of credibility and the basis for loyalty.
Responsibility
«Of those who are given more responsibility, more is expected.»
A leader needs to have answers. Even for unpleasant questions. A leader is accountable and must take responsibility.
Equal Treatment
«Don't favour anyone because of their reputation.»
This covers the current explosive issue of equal treatment. Wherever this precept is fulfilled, there can be no room for mobbing.
Clarity, determination and empathy
«Show the resolute seriousness of the Master and the loving kindness of the Father.»
This describes the balance between orientation towards things and towards human beings, as part of a holistic approach. Hard and soft skills go hand-in-hand, as was recognized more than a thousand years ago.
The right point in time
«Let yourself be guided by a sense for the right moment.»
Kairos. The right point in time. There is a time for every purpose. Today, these precepts are being torpedoed by high speed and excessive striving for efficiency. It’s about knowing when it's time to wait. Or of seeing the wisdom in taking a step back.
Self-Reflection
«Constantly observe what you do and what you don’t do.»
So it’s about looking over your own shoulder. Self-reflection. Understanding ourselves and others as learning human beings.
Self discipline
«Do not let words that are malicious or untrue pass your lips. Do not be fond of too much talk.»
Speaking and acting with calmness and clarity. Not giving space to every member of the inner team. Cultivating level-headedness.
Participation
«Whenever there is something important to discuss, gather the whole community together and explain what it is about. Listen to the counsel of the brothers and then consult with yourself. Do what you think is most beneficial.»
What is striking is that the entire community is gathered together. Irrespective of function, age, or hierarchy. So the opinion of the novice is also taken into account. Such candour, such wisdom! And the leader doesn't delegate. He takes responsibility. It's about translating the essence of the insights from participation into an entrepreneurial context.
Peace
«If you have an argument with someone, make peace before sunset.»
This recommendation is universally important. In everyday management this can only mean: disruptions have priority. Not avoiding or ignoring them. Seeing, addressing and clarifying problems is a management task.
Be aware of death
«Always be aware of death, which is unpredictable.»
Being aware of your own limitations, of death (memento mori) is one side of the coin. The other is the strength drawn from the certainty of death and to act now, to seize the day (carpe diem). Putting our own importance into perspective serves humanitarian leadership, which is described in many company mission statements, such as: For us, people are at the center of all that we do. Hopefully. Given that we are all «mayflies on the windows of this world.» (Erich Kästner).
With these statements, the Rule of Benedict is by no means exhausted as a source of inspiration. And we can also learn from other sources of wisdom, be they philosophical or spiritual, in order to question our leadership behavior, learn and move forward with renewed strength.
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