The keys to St.
Patrick’s leadership, from which we can learn for our own leadership
development today, most closely relate to Servant Leadership. The Spears
Center for Servant Leadership
identifies 10 characteristics to Servant Leadership, and St. Patrick’s
approach, work, and impact fit perfectly into each of these characteristics.
1.
Listening
– The time he took to listen, talk, and answer questions was a recurring theme.
2.
Empathy
– Based the trials of his own life, St. Patrick's empathy was displayed when he
encountered the trials of others. This was especially clear in his Letter to
the Soldiers of Coroticus.
3.
Healing
– At the end of his letter, he offers the opportunity for them to repent, even
after what they had done, he offers the chance for healing.
4.
Awareness
– St. Patrick was clearly aware of his own weaknesses and the culture of the
Celtic Irish.
5.
Persuasion
– His ability to convert strong leaders, Chieftains and Kings.
6.
Conceptualization
– The use of the shamrock to articulate the Trinity.
7.
Foresight
– The strategy he employed in charting his mission throughout Ireland,
carefully choosing each step.
8.
Stewardship
– St. Patrick saw the future of Ireland and the care of its people as the core
of his mission.
9.
Commitment
to the growth of people – He trained clergy and so sustained and consolidated
each location before moving on to the next.
10. Building community – The sites he used
as churches were at or near the seats of Chieftains and Kings, many were
founded as monastic settlements and became population centers at a time when
few existed.
Regardless of a
person’s beliefs, there’s no denying Saint Patrick’s enormous influence as a
leader. He is an example of leadership that can influence us in our daily work
lives.
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