Recently I've been doing a lot of thinking around what leadership is, and the role of leadership. One consequence of that interest is that I’ve been doing some fascinating reading (and some listening) on the subject of a specifically Ignatian approach to leadership.
The primary source has been two books by former Jesuit Seminarian and JP. Morgan Managing Director Chris Lowney. The first book was his 2003 publication: Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company That Changed the World, while the second is his recently released publication Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads (pub. Oct. 2013 / brief review here).
“Drawing on interviews with people who knew him as Father Jorge Bergoglio, SJ, Lowney [in this latest book] challenges assumptions about what it takes to be a great leader. In so doing, he reveals the “other-centered” leadership style of a man whose passion is to be with people rather than set apart. Lowney offers a stirring vision of leadership to which we can all aspire in our communities, churches, companies, and families.”
Joseph Tetlow SJ, himself a well regarded author, writes “Pope Francis by Chris Lowney is that rare and splendid work that leaves you keenly excited and spiritually moved. The writing is lucid, vivid, inviting, and rich. It’s a major achievement. I strongly recommend it to any Christian in a leadership role.”
Both are highly regards texts.
Some of you might find this summary of an Ignatian approach to leadership helpful. See also this more detailed paper – Enriching Management Education Using Tools from Ignatian Spirituality.
Also helpful were these two podcasts featuring Chris Lowney. Here and here.
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