On the Catholic Calendar, today’s memorial is the Passion of St. John the Baptist. After Mass this morning, our priest stopped right before the final blessing and encouraged us all to do something bold and courageous in honor of St. John.
This made me reflect on my work and daily life. What is my ratio of “bold” to “meek”? And how does this complement the contemplative leadership concept that I claim to practice?
We think they go hand-in-hand.
Frequently you will hear us describe leading contemplatively as leading boldly but compassionately. We contrast this with a form of leadership that masquerades as bold, but can simply be tyrannical.
Is being more humane in schools, classrooms, and public school central offices akin to taking bold and courageous action? Some days it can feel that way, especially when it seems that the majority of your colleagues are not like-minded.
I’ll pass along the same charge to you, then, that I received this morning: today (and tomorrow, and the next day) be bold and be courageous. And I’ll add: be humane in your classroom, your school, or your office (wherever that may be) … especially when you don’t feel like it.
Comments