The sacred heart of leadership
As we approach Easter and, perhaps, choose to reflect on the greatest act of sacrificial servant leadership the world has ever known, I am struck by these words of Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky ("Leadership on the line", 2017) -
The most difficult work of leadership involves learning to experience distress without numbing yourself. The virtue of a sacred heart lies in the courage to maintain your innocence and wonder, your doubt and curiosity, and your compassion and love even through your darkest, most difficult moments. Leading with an open heart means you could be at your lowest point, abandoned by your people and entirely powerless, yet remain receptive to the full range of human emotions without going numb, striking back, or engaging in some other defense.
On pp 227-330, Ron describes how he came to understand the 'sacred heart' of leadership as "the essence, or heart, of God's promise, not to keep you out of the fire and water, but to be with you in the fire and water". As a Jew, Ron had learned this from the writings of the prophet Isaiah (43:2) -
When you pass through the waters,?I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;?the flames will not set you ablaze.
May we know the grace that enables us to become open-hearted and vulnerable leaders.
Amazing People Worldwide
8 个月Thanks for sharing. Have sent you a personal note.
Trust and Leadership
8 个月A very powerful and pertinent reflection. Thank you for sharing Nigel Grant. Vulnerability is so risky, so frightening, but also so powerful. We trust people not because they are 'perfect', but because they are brave enough to be vulnerable, to be human.