“A leader is one, Who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”
John C. Maxwell
The world is gifted with exemplary, excellent, powerful and eloquent leaders. Most of the leaders have done so much for the world while some have ruined the universe with their power. Among all, Jesus Christ is the only perfect leader and my model. It is not merely because that I was born to a Catholic family, but of His exemplary life style and the powerful spiritual impact. That is precisely why, I choose to follow Him wholeheartedly to continue His mission and to share His story of love. He was able to inspire others with His exemplary life style. With His life example, he demonstrated leadership qualities so perfectly which can be of help to any leader.
Having reflected upon the leadership qualities of my model, Jesus Christ, a good leader must acquire many qualities. Out of all, I feel that, the most important quality is to have a good vision and clear goal. (Come and see. John 1:39) And the ability to do the right things at the right moment. Further, the ability to see the potential of the each individual and to make use of their talents to achieve the common goal. In order to do that, the leader must know the group well and need to feel with them. When the leader is with them, he can understand them and their back grounds. As the leader does, he can build up a healthy relationship with the members. As a result of that, trust and honestly can flow naturally.
Another quality would be, the power to motivate members and the proper communication. It’s really necessary to provide them freedom and space. It is my experience that, lack of communication and force can course lot of unnecessary issues. In the same manner, the leader must have a compassionate heart and a listening ear. A great leader must listen not only to others, but also to his conscience. So that, he can lead the group according to his right conscious and passionately. In the same way, he ought to work hard and show the way with his example.
All of us need work to learn to be a good human being first before we aspire to be a leader. It’s really necessary to be aware of once strengths, weaknesses and fears. Then, he can face them confidently and can understand others well. Self-awareness can lead to be humble and to say, ‘I don’t know’, for the things he is not aware of.
As a student, it’s possible to practice the leadership qualities in the seminary setting. The given opportunities are the best ways to practice what we read and hear. Further, readings on grate leaders can be a way to enhance the leadership qualities. Then as a priest, its bit easy to lead a group with the past experiences of our formation. I like to emphasize that, the relationship with the Master is very important. It’s a common tendency especially among young priests to work hard and to forgo the prayer life. I truly believe that, as we ask His help to lead His people, God will surely help, graced and send the power of wisdom upon us. We will find it very difficult to be significant leaders unless we recognize the reality of the perfect leader, Jesus Christ. Let God be the light by which we see the way!
Bro. Aruna Jayan C.Ss.R
