PRELIM EXAM REVIEWER

 The concept of perfection sometimes was used to justify human mistakes and errors Perfection is
understood according to particular set of perspectives and expectations. Christian notions of
perfection contend in union with God by the practice of virtue, it necessitates loving God and
neighbors.
 Human perfection does not refer to the blameless of people before the Lord.
 The essence of perfection includes whole hearted devotion to God without practicing idolatry,
sorcery, and other beliefs of other things.
 There are two basic classifications of perfection. (1)The objective perspective is the concept of
perfection which is patterned after the externals of an object or event. (2)The subjective perspective
view of perfection is basically in the inside, your feelings and insights.
 Matthew 19:15-24 states the young rich man is demanded a close and generous following of Jesus
that prepares for him a total renunciation of his possessions. The formulation of Matthew 19:15-24
requires that our love of God and neighbor must be complete.
 In our effort of self-fulfilment, the focus is the individual person, being intimately connected with
his real self, God and the environment. Spirituality, faith, and mystery are inherent in every aspect
of life. Spirituality involves an awareness of all that there is openness to what is not.
 Christian spirituality involves personal relationship with God in Christ. In the Synoptic Gospels,
Christ said that we should love God with whole heart, whole mind, whole soul and with our whole
strength. The goodness in man attracts the love of others, if they are human.
 Everything in and of man, in the order of grace, is what someone else has made him, and in God,
in His love, acting through them. We can be perfect at the same time a person with spirituality, it
means that a man of reverance and respect is a man of dignity and integrity. A spiritual man does
not live the life of being good and of worth even without someone seeing them.
 In the concept of spirituality or religious belief, the part of the healer and especially that of the
patient does have an important role.
 Objective perspective is the concept of perfection which is patterned after the externals of an object
or event. It is the concept of perfection that is basically in the inside like feelings and thoughts.
 Matthew 19:15-24 states that the young rich man is demanded a close and generous following of
Jesus that prepares for him a total renunciation of his possessions.
 Behaviour is the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others.
 Contingency is commonly defined as a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot
be predicted with certainty.
 According to Fred Fiedler, any person can become a good leader depending on situations and his
capabilities.
 In the situational leadership, Hersey and Blanchard model characterized leadership style of the
amount of direction and support that the leader provides to their followers. Teaching and Learning
is not a category of the leadership styles.
 Directing or Telling is a leadership behavior type where leaders define the roles and tasks of the
followers and supervises them closely. It is also a leadership behavior type where decisions are
made and announced by the leader so communication is largely one way.
 Coaching or Selling is a leadership behavior type where leaders still defines roles and tasks but
seeks ideas and suggestions from the follower. It is also a leadership behavior type where decisions
remain in the prerogatives of the leader but communication is much more two way.
 Supporting or Participating is a leadership behavior type where leaders pass day to day decisions
such as task allocation and processes. It is also a leadership behavior type where the leader
facilitates and takes part in decisions but control is with the follower.
 Delegating is a leadership behavior type where the leaders are still involved in decisions and
 problem solving but control is with the followers. It is a leadership behavior type where the follower
decides when and how the leader will be involved.
 Encouragement speaks of positive welcoming for everyone and inviting someone for the sake of
improvements.
 The main objective of Invitational Leadership theory is to give emphases that leadership is not only
exclusive in the activity of the leaders and members but also to the customers and the people around
who are usually clients of the business units or companies.
 Transactional Leadership Theory is defined as an assistance of buying or selling something. This
concept was first described by Max Weber in 1947 and by Bernard Bass in 1981. This theory
focuses on the importance of interpersonal relationships between the leaders and members, and
managers and subordinates. This theory believes on the rewards system to motivate employees and
give incentives when it is needed to encourage more productivity. This theory says that leaders may
apply corrective measures in order to prevent severe damage of transactions and later improve the
performance of employees.
 The autocratic leadership style has been used in many countries of the world from ancient to
medieval to modern period. This leadership style might sometimes kill the initiatives of
subordinates. This leadership style is prone to abuse from leaders depending on their behavioral
and mental conditions. This leadership style can sometimes lead to tyrannical ruling and
dictatorship form of influencing others.
 Power is defined as the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way.
 Sr. Philomena said that true leadership is not just about power and it does not dominate or control
the members.
 Behaviour is the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others.
 contingency is commonly defined as a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot
be predicted with certainty
 Directing or Telling is a leadership behavior type where leaders define the roles and tasks of the
followers and supervises them closely. It is a leadership behavior type where decisions are made
and announced by the leader so communication is largely one way.
 Coaching or Selling is a leadership behavior type where leaders still defines roles and tasks but
seeks ideas and suggestions from the follower.
 Supporting or Participating is a leadership behavior type where leaders pass day to day decisions
such as task allocation and processes. It is also a leadership behavior type where the leader
facilitates and takes part in decisions but control is with the follower.
 encouragement speaks of positive welcoming for everyone and inviting someone for the sake of
improvements.
 TOPIC 8
THE DEMOCRATIC STYLE ON LEADERSHIP

Objectives: At the end of this lesson, students will able to:

 Analyze the function of democratic style of leadership;

 Appreciate the role of democratic leadership in the life of Christians; and
 Apply democratic leadership in our democratic form of government.

Doctrinal Foundation

Participation in community life is not only one of the greatest as aspirations of the citizen,
called to exercise freely and responsibly his civic roles with and for others but also one of the pillars
of all democratic orders and one of the major guarantees of the permanence of the democratic
system (Pacem in Terris AAS 55, 1963)

Philosophical Foundation

“If God had wanted us to talk more than listen, He would have given us two mouths rather
than two ears.” – Ken Blanchard

LECTURE

We will concentrate on democratic leadership style. This speaks of involvement of leaders

in any responsibilities without dominating the members’ decisions. This is normally used when
leaders have part of the information, and the employees have other parts. The leader is not expected
to be an all knowing subject. That is why a leader employs knowledgeable and skillful employees.
Using this “style is of mutual benefit – it allows them to become part of the team and allows you
to make better decisions.”
What is Democratic? Democratic is defined as “relating to or supporting democracy or
its principles” (Oxford, 2009). In Philosophy, the term “democracy” is interpreted into two Greek
words: “demos” mean the people while “kratia” is power or rule. The theorists believed that in the
world of leadership, democratic style can be effective in terms of tapping the members’ traits and
personality. Now what is democratic style of leadership? How this style functions in the leadership
world? The following discussions will help you understand the role of a democratic leaders and
the essence of democratic leadership. From the encyclical letter Centesimus Annus, (AAS 83,
1991) democracy means assignment of powers and functions on the part of the people, exercise in
their name, in their regard and on their behalf. It is therefore clearly evident that every democracy
must be participative.
 Democratic Leadership. The common definition states that “the leader continues to direct
and closely supervise task accomplishment, but also explains decisions, solicits suggestions, and
supports progress.” Democratic leaders would usually tap the member’s potentials and respect
initiatives for the common good. The leader including one or more employees in the decision-
making process determines what to do and how to do the task. However, the leader maintains the
final decision-making authority. Using this style is not a sign of weakness, rather it is a sign of
strength that your employees will respect.

The democratic leader believes that every member has the ability to contribute fir the
success of the organizations. Thus, leader must respect their initiatives and skills. Usually
democratic leaders will help the members through motivation in order for the members to feel that
they are part of the organizations. The weakness of this leadership lies on the leaders and members.
Leaders might become persuasive when he/she sees something not in accordance to the common
expectations, objectives and goals. Though sometimes democratic leaders may delay decision
making, but this is to ensure that every member are given the part of the decision making to achieve
the best results or solutions on the problems. Consensus is observed in a democratic leadership
where everyone finds fulfillments by the group decisions. E.g. bayanihan

TOPIC 9

THE LAISSEZ-FAIRE STYLE ON LEADERSHIP

Objectives: At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 Define the common definition of Laissez-faire;

 Understand the functions of Laissez-faire in the world of leadership; and
 Evaluate and imbibe some advantage of this style in Perpetualite leadership.

Philosophical Foundation

“Anything worth doing does not have to be done perfectly – at first.” – Ken Blanchard

LECTURE

This topic will concentrate on the idea of Laissez-faire of leadership. This style is “largely
a ‘hands off’ view that tends to minimize the amount of direction and face time required. Works
well if you have highly trained and highly motivated direct reports.” The following discussions
will help you understand the importance and functions of Laissez-faire style of leadership.

What is Laissez-Faire? The Laissez-faire is defined as “the policy of leaving things to

take their own course, without interfering.” In Economics, this is “abstention by government from
interfering in the workings of the free market” (Oxford, 2003). Now, what is laissez-faire
leadership? How would this style functions in a democratic society like the Philippine society? Is
this applicable in classroom setting? The following discussions will help you understand the
significance of Laissez-faire leadership.

Laissez-faire Leadership. The Philippine Society is a democratic society but in terms of

economic system, we are mixed economy. It is in this style of leadership that investors in our
countries are given priorities and decide on their own kind of business for the benefits of profits
except for the illegal businesses. Laissez-faire dictates that every member of organizations has
something to contribute and it should not be interfered, instead, they must be recognized. In
business enterprises, laissez-faire type of leadership is needed to exercise maximum potentials of
members and encourage more initiatives. But when we talk of business management, strategic
control is needed to prevent laxity on the part of employees. Absolute exercise of laissez-faire in
business can be a disadvantage to the company in the absence of monitoring leadership.

In any organizations, the acceptance of members’ potentials is a great factor. It is in this

style of leadership that people have the feelings of being respected and left on their own way of
exercising their capabilities. The weakness of this leadership lies on the member’s initiative or
abuse of freedom. Majority feels being confidents especially when they are assigned to something
which they are in line with their job depending on the interpersonal relations of members and
leaders.

In the classroom setting, Laissez-faire can best apply in group sharing and activities. The
teachers will only monitor the participation of each member from the group. The teachers should
give freedom from students’ ideas and decisions making regarding group presentations or projects.
Teachers on this area will functions as facilitator in the class activities. This is best in teaching
students to become leaders in small group activities and later develop into a big group when they
learn how to manage the members.
 TOPIC 10

THE CALL TO CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP:

THOUGHTS ON THE PRIMACY OF
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

Objectives: At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 Analyze the different principles of Christian leadership;

 Imbibe some of the principles which is applicable to life situations at present; and
 Realize the importance of Christian principles in leadership.

Doctrinal Foundation

The endless inspiration for Christian leadership on political power, recalling that it comes
from God and is an integral part of the order that He created (Social Doctrine of the Church #383)

LECTURE
The term leadership is one of the widest topics that can be discussed, simply because each
of us possesses innate leadership that can be overtly manifested in various ways depending on our
mind frame, perception of reality, beliefs and aspirations.
In this sharing however, the discussion is limited on Christian Leadership. We will share
with you some great leaders define leadership. According to Warren Benis, Christian Leadership
is the capacity to develop and improve skills that distinguishes the leaders from the followers.
Other great minds described it as:
 capability to be at the forefront for others to achieve common goal;
 the capacity to supply knowledge and skills for the realization of agreed objectives of the
organization;
 to be able to see potentials in people and assign them where they can be most efficient and
effective;
 the charisma to influence others to work as team;
 the conscientious practice of one’s intellectual conviction and skills for others to emulate.
These are just few of the many facets and “prism” of leadership in which “Christian Leadership”
must, Christians as we are, radiate with high intensity, though we may be just one of the colors in
a prism of leadership.
The term “Christian” is an adjective that gives primacy to leadership. This describes what
leadership is, particularly in its manifestations, approaches, implementations, and styles. We
would personally advocate that “Christian” in leadership is a certain ‘touch’ (or hagod in Filipino)”
that dominantly characterizes this kind of leadership.
In the 1960’s when scientific management approaches were fast becoming an efficient tool
for Filipino businessmen, a new management touch was also clamored for by many businessmen.
That “touch” that would aptly describe Filipino sense of corporate responsibility, a certain
leadership style on how this scientific management is concretely practiced that would make an
identifying factor among Filipino businessmen. This gave rise to associations that espoused the
ideals of Christ in the multi-faceted manifestations of scientific management, like Christian
Businessmen and the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines. Christian Leadership must
emanate from within of every person. It is re-activation and gearing up of that innate leader in
everyone; manifesting it in every situation wherein we play an active role, coupled with a steadfast
conviction that it is actually the power of God working in our humanity.
FIVE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
Principle Number One:
“If you cannot govern yourself, you cannot govern anyone else.”
One if the ancient leaders Hugo Grotius said: “He know not how to rule a kingdom, then
cannot manage a province; nor can he wield a province, then cannot order a city, nor he order a
city, that know now how to regulate a village, that cannot guide a family, nor can that man govern
well a family that knows not how to govern himself, neither can any govern himself, unless his
reason be lord, will and appetite her vassals; nor can reason rule unless herself be ruled by God
and obedient to Him.”
Christian Leadership is a great package that comes in small pieces. One of the traits of a Christian
Leader is to appreciate every little piece as essential part in relation to the greater whole. Details
are very important foundation of everything that is magnificent like Christian Leadership.
Appreciation of our own selves and a single-hearted quest to attach ourselves to our God is the
beginning of a leader. Acceptance of God as our inspirer-leader makes great task lodged on us that
of God, making us only sharer and collaborators.
Principle Number Two:
You cannot govern yourself unless you are governed by God…
“…and I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my
decrees. “Ezekiel 37: 27
 In scientific management wherein a manager or a business leader adheres to tested and
proven formulas in order to achieve preset and desired goals, in Christian Leadership there are also
rules and decrees that a leader must strictly follow. The biblical passages which serve as guides to
follow and sources of power for self-governance must however be interpreted carefully and digest
their inspirational meaning with guidance from exegetes or biblical experts.

Principle Number Three:

Self-governance manifest in the control of tongue…
“We shall stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect
man, ever to keep his whole body in check, when we put bits into mouths of horses to make them
obey us; we can turn the animal…”
James 3:2-3.
The tongue is one of the most destructive and distractive parts of human body. Although
not it is per se, but what it creates: words. Famous cliché like: “speech can kill” and “words can
hurt more than a kick or a slap” are examples that indeed uncontrolled use of the tongue indicates
uncontrolled self – a very undesirable trait of a Christian Leader.
In a technological advanced world of today, use of tongue has evolved into more
destructive form: text messages! It goes far beyond what biblical people can imagine, it goes much
further that ears can hear and makes a pale comparison of the intent of the inspired author of the
bible of what the tongue can do, for it has actually shifted to the limitless use of the intellect a more
creative, lethal and scheming – a much more destructive compared to the emotion-triggered and
impulsive tongue.
Principle Number Four:
Self-governance starts from the inside and manifested in the outside.
“From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” St. Augustine of Hippo.
Some psychologists uphold that human person who is made up intellect and will is full of conflicts
as he journeys in a society. A lot if time is spent to strike equilibrium and delicate balance to
maintain sanity between the perceived good by the intellect, the objective good as desired by the
will and the utilitarian or sought good as influence by the society. The intellect and will look
goodness in different perspectives which we may call internal motivation. A Christian leader
must first attain and sustain the balance between this two before becoming an effective leader.
Internal motivation is driven by the desires to please God, hence, every step is focus towards
realizing what the will is drawn to and what the intellect perceived to be good.
External motivation is often triggered by fear, punishment and hope for a reward is a part
of human journeying as a social being. This is an essential element towards the realization of our
full humanity when subjugated to internal motivation.
Principle Number Five:
Self-governance begins with a choice everyday.
“Every act should begin with a prayer, accompanied with prayer and followed with
prayer…” St. Augustine.
Our commitment to be Christian and to be a leader must be renewed everyday. Every
waking up in the morning, every time we sleep and in everything we act as human beings must be
a conscious act for this would detach us from pride and humbly attached to God. Christian
leadership is a choice that we have to be steadfast and continually journey, ready to tie a knot at
the end of every journey and hang-on.

TOPIC 11

CHRIST: MODEL OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

Objectives: After the lesson, student will able to:

 Explain the profound meaning of discipleship and the nature of Christian Leadership;

 Propose certain measures and steps in becoming responsible stewards; and

 Present creative synthesis on the idea effective and authentic leadership.

Biblical Foundation

“This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the
servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all. For even the
Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many
people”. (Mark 10:43-45).

LECTURE
In Christian leadership, we cannot deny the reality that we are always looked-up as the
image of Christ. A Christian who lives the life of being an authentic Christian reflects the life of
Christ. Christ is the center and the model of Christian leadership. We will discuss leadership as
Christ is the model and the center.
Why Christians Fail to Live Being an Authentic Christian?
Christian is defined as a “person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in
Christianity.” A person having “qualities associated those of decency, kindness, and fairness”
(Oxford, 2003). Any people who believe in Christ and followed his teachings are called Christians.
In the History of Christian Community, many pagan Kings and Government leaders put their life
in danger because of their faith and by Following Christ and believing on His teachings. True to
the history of the followers of Christ that some were burned alive by anti-Christ authorities in
following and believing in Christ. Some of them became good leaders especially in convincing
others to follow Christ. They were able to manage and lead the followers even in the midst of
dangers and suppressions. For them Christ is in their life. But in our present generations, many of
us become a member of Christian Community and attended Christian worship and other Christian
obligations but many failed to live up being an authentic Christian, not purely because of poverty
but because of material preoccupations and too much concerns on livelihood. Many Christian
today prioritize the possession of things without the intention of doing it for the Glory of God and
in helping others. There are few companies and Christian institutions that fulfilled and continued
Christ’s mission and purpose. Some failed not because “they do not try, but because they do not
make use of their assets, God-given gifts such as talents, skills, capabilities and resources. Being
unfamiliar with resources God has made available, or failing to draw upon them when needed,
many persons limp along the best they can on their human limited resources. Their Christian lives
are pale, thin, shallow imitation of the real thing.” Though over familiarity may lead to abuses or
evil, not using even if they know that it is within them – “God’s gift”, will not create a good
follower and a Christian leader. In Christ, God has provided all the needs of every individual. The
effective Christian, recognizing their own inadequacies, enjoy confidence in the sufficiency of
God’s abundance and by faith draw upon strength and courage. Christian growth is a matter of
learning that necessitates dependence in Christ. The first step in drawing upon the resources,
human as well as spiritual, is to recognize that they are actually available. “Obviously if a man is
unaware of his assets, he will not make use of them. He might as well be without help if he does
not know it is present.” The realizations of Christian potentials, skills, and available God-given
gifts will help us find the way to be an authentic Christian Leaders.
Jesus’ Missions and Purpose. It is in Jesus’ seven (7) last words that He clearly
pronounced his mission and purpose, when he says, “It is finished.” He was being mocked,
insulted, betrayed, and put to death like a criminal for the sake of saving the whole humanity, but
he never turned his back but instead, held on His Purpose and Mission. St. Luke quoted prophet
Isaiah which stated, “The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found
the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to
preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery
of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”. It is a clear
manifestation that He was sent as a sacrifice to save the whole of humanity from sin and evil
because of his overwhelming love and mercy for his people. He is a leader by example and a good
teacher of all time. Jesus repeated His mission when He said, “I must preach the good news of the
Kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent” (Lk 4:43). He never
forced anybody to believed Him. He gave the freedom of choice and the freedom to make
decisions.
“Passion is Power”. Passion is defined as “strong and barely controllable emotion.” It is
an “intense desire or enthusiasm for something” (Oxford, 2003). The book entitled, “Leadership
Secret of Jesus,” by Mike Murdock, stated that “you will never have significant success with
anything until it becomes an obsession with you. Like Henry Ford, the inventor of automobile.
Thomas Edison, the inventor of automatic telegraph, and the carbon filament lamp. Billy Graham,
evangelism. Oral Roberts, healing. The Wright brothers, the airplane.” The author used the term
obsession not in a negative connotation but in a positive one, telling us to devote ourselves if we
want to fulfill something. The author added, “Jesus had a passion for His mission and goal in life.
‘For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which the Holy Ghost and with prayer: who
went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him’
(Acts. 10:38). Jesus focused on doing the exact instruction of His heavenly Father. He healed the
sick. He noticed the lonely. He came to make people successful, to restore and repair their lives to
full fellowship with His Father.” In this way, we can say Jesus is a great teacher and model of
Christian Leadership.

TOPIC 12

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Objectives: After the end this lesson, student will able to:

 Understand the functions of servant leadership in the life of Christians;

 Appreciate the role of servant leaders in our life as Christians; and

 Experience and practice servant leadership by examples as Christians.

Biblical Foundation

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be
first must be your slave” (Mt 20:26-28).
LECTURE

In this topic, we will discuss servant leadership. Servant leadership is much known
especially in the writings of the New Testaments. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus said, “I am among you
as one who serves” (Luke. 22:27). The scriptural bases will be our guide throughout the
discussions.
What is a Servant? The word servant derives from the Latin word SERVIRE means
submission of oneself. In the context, servant is defined as “a person who performs duties for
others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant”
(Oxford, 2009). Usually servant is associated with service rendered with remunerations equated
with the service rendered. In our Filipino community and culture, servants are referred to public
servants, house servants/domestic servants, and servants who guard private houses, things, and
people at the expense of the masters.
Servant Leadership. Servant leadership is different from the common definition of
servant. A servant leader does not expect any payments from the service being rendered but purely
a service. Servant leaders are projected in the contemporary leadership like having medical
missions, charitable works through feeding programs, and serving the community like teaching
Catechism in public schools without any remuneration – purely service for the glory of God and
his people. In any offices and school campuses, anyone can become a servant leader like serving
as faculty officer without any remuneration, a student who serves in the student council, and an
employee who serves for the employees’ welfare associations without any remuneration at all.
Servant Leaders entail servant even to their own expense and giving extra efforts for the sake of
common good and smooth relationship among students, employees and management in the
community.
Biblical Leadership Images. There are “three (3) striking recurrent Biblical images of
leadership in the New Testament, all beginning with the letter ‘S’: Servant, Shepherd and
Steward. Each of these is a rich image with various connotations and worthy of careful study and
application. Authentic Christian leadership is following Jesus Christ as proposed by these gospel
images of Servant, Shepherd and Steward. “The servant is associated with the Leader as Servant
through Service, Support & Empowerment. As Jesus said, “I am among you as one who serves”
(Lk 22:27). A Christian leader, whether in church, business or civic organizations, “must see his
or her work truly as a ministry. What you do must be based on who you are: a Servant, Shepherd
and Steward of the Lord. Through your life and leadership service, you must treat others with
respect, justice, fairness and love. Your actions will manifest to the world about God’s love, justice
and care. “Thus, the image of servant in the holy bible speaks of God’s chosen people.
Characteristics of Servant-Leadership. Larry C. Spears, Executive Director of the
Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership, mentioned the different characteristics of Servant-
Leadership by examples. These are the following:
a. Listening. This is very important characteristic of servant-leadership. A leader knows how
to listen. Some experts would say that listening is a skill. A skill in the sense that when you
listen, you need to be attentive and at the same time you need to be careful not be
judgmental. Listening becomes a skill and art when after hearing for the erring parties or
members, the listener will not be affected by the negative thoughts of the talking party,
instead he can give good advice to a person when necessary. “Listening also encompasses
getting in touch with one’s own inner voice seeking to understand what one’s body, spirit
and mind are communicating. Robert Greenleaf speaks poignantly about the role of
listening: ‘Only a natural servant automatic responds to any problem by listening first.
When he is a leader, this disposition causes him to be seen as servant first” Listening
deepens levels of communication and understanding. A listening leader strengthens others,
helping them clarify who they are and how they might grow. However, servanthood
originates with attentiveness to God first. Listening attentively to God’s leading sets the
direction for servant-leaders. First they listen to God and, from what they hear, they develop
a sense of how God is leading them to meet the needs of those about them.”
b. Empathy. Empathy is defined as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of
another” (Oxford, 2003). The “Servant-leaders strive to empathize with other – to recognize
for their traits and unique talents. They assume the good intentions of co-workers and do
not reject them as people even when one cannot accept their behavior or performance. The
most successful servant-leaders become skilled empathetic listeners.”
c. Healing. If you have the ability and the gift of healing, you are needed in the leadership
world. This is a gift from God. Learning to heal is not easy especially when you as a leader
also suffered and wounded. “Learning to heal is a powerful force for transformation and
integration. One strength of servant-leaders is their potential for healing themselves and
others. Many people have broken spirits and have suffered from emotional hurts. Servant-
leaders ‘help make whole’ those with whom they come in contact with. In The Servant as
Leader, Robert Greenleaf writes: There is something subtly communicated to one who is
being served and led, implicit in the contact between servant-leader and led. It is knowing
that the search for wholeness is something they share.” Giving examples is one of the most
important characteristics of servant leadership.
d. Persuasion. This characteristic states that “Servant-leaders rely upon persuasion rather than
their positional authority in making decisions. They seek to convince others rather than
coerce compliance. The servant-leader is effective at building consensus within groups.”
e. Commitment to Service. This characteristic states that “Servant-leaders believe that people
have an intrinsic value beyond their tangible contributions as workers. As such, the servant-
leaders are deeply committed to the growth of each individual, recognizing the tremendous
possibility to do everything and spiritual growth of employees. In practice, this can include
making available funds for personal and professional development, encouraging worker
involvement in decision-making and actively assisting laid-off workers find other
employment.”
f. Building Community. This characteristic believes that “The servant – leader senses that
much has been lost as a result of the shift from local communities to large organizations as
the primary shapers of human lives. This awareness causes servant-leaders to identify some
 means for building among those who work with them. Servant-leadership believes that true
community can be created among those who work in businesses and other institutions.”

TOPIC 13

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE

Objectives: After the end this lesson, you are expected to:

 Discuss the value of leadership by examples;

 Internalize the value of leadership as important ingredient in Christian leadership; and

 Apply some of the qualities of leadership.

Biblical Foundation

“The one who leads must be like the one who serves… And I am among you as one who serves”
(Lk 22:26-28).

LECTURE

In the context of leadership by examples, this topic will focus on the qualities of a leader
through giving examples or models. The following discussions will help the Perpetualite imbibe
the leadership by examples and live up the value of Perpetualite: Filipino Christian Leader.

Leadership by Examples. In one biblical incident, Jesus asked his disciples: “Do you
understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is
what I am.” The He added: “now what I, your Lord and Teacher, have set you an example that you
should do as I have done… and you will be blessed if you do it” (Jn 13:13-17)

An Important Characteristic of Servant-leadership is giving an example. It is in giving

examples that any person who follow will be motivated especially when the examples are clear
and consistent to the behavior of the leader. “When the Apostle Paul desired to help the Corinthians
achieve a better way of life, he said to them, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of
Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). He realized clearly that the most effective way to teach a behavior is to teach
it by example. The “authoritarian leader imposes the desired behavior in an organization whereas
a servant-leader models the desired behavior. The authoritarian approach may achieve temporary
compliance, but it will also be accompanied by an attitude if resentment. People will carry out
commands because they have to and be on the lookout for ways to circumvent the order imposed.”
That is why many autocratic leaders end up frustrated and produced rebellious followers and
members.
The Servant-leadership approach “creates a spirit of ownership, involvement and
commitment among the people. They will do the work because they want to. The attitude they will
have is, “if it’s good enough for the leader, then it’s good enough for us,” It’s not only easier for
them to take ownership of the leader’s values and ideals, but also this ownership leads to their full
involvement and commitment. The servant-leadership approach is far more effective in producing
lasting beneficial results. The following table is taken from the book of Anthony A. D’Souza, S.J.
“Leaders for Today Hope for Tomorrow”. 2006, pp. 20-21

Authoritarian Leadership Servant-Leadership

 Communication is one-way –  Communication is two-way between the
top-down leader and subordinates. The leader states
his point of view, but is also open to listen.
 Orders, commands.  Influences, listens, persuades
 Uses position power.  Uses personal power.
 People give compliance. Do things because  People are committed. Do things because
they have to. they want to.
 People out in time required, i.e. work from People put in time and energy
9am to 5pm.
 People produce to meet requirements only.  People perform beyond expectation.
 People are lethargic-energy decreases  People are enthusiastic-energy increases.

Servant-leadership Empowers People. It is true that servant-leader “empowers people

through example, guidance, care, understanding, sensitivity, trust, appreciation, encouragement,
reinforcement and shared vision. Servant-leadership is much more than a mere leadership style or
behavior that we can learn to act out. It begins with the mind and heart – with out attitude”. If we
could have servant leaders in our university, in our family, in our community and in our
government, then we could lead our nation towards progress and development for the welfare of
everyone.