The leadership workshop hosted by the team at CRI House in Delhi from 30 July to 5 August was a trans-formative event. Under the guidance of Sr. Elsa Muttathu, National Secretary, and with Andrew Pinto as the main resource person, the workshop provided participants with valuable insights into leadership principles derived from the Gospel of Mark. The workshop comprised six days, each dedicated to a unique aspect of leadership, fostering growth and self-discovery among the members. The participants comprised of 28 members from 9 congregations – five brothers, one priest and twenty-two women religious.
The workshop reflected on the following themes:
The Community Leader’s Role
Participants engaged in discussions about the responsibilities and challenges of community leadership. It began by distinguishing leadership from management. Leadership involves doing the right things, while management focuses on doing things correctly. Management deals with processes like planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing, and problem-solving for smooth operations. On the other hand, leadership revolves around creating and adapting organizations to change, requiring a vision, aligning people with it, and inspiring them to overcome obstacles. Successful transformation relies heavily on leadership, often overlooked in favor of management. Effective leaders are proactive, continually learning, and sharing knowledge to address evolving situations. Leadership significantly impacts group dynamics, with negative leader qualities, like stubbornness or favoritism, affecting team performance. The workshop aimed to teach leadership principles from the Gospel of Mark, empowering participants to become more effective, compassionate, and visionary community leaders.
Visionary Leadership for Transformation
Effective leadership hinges on a clear vision and the capacity to drive positive change. Leaders must envision a brighter future for their communities. Jesus exemplified visionary leadership in Mark 1:15, calling people to “Repent and Believe.” His vision penetrated individuals, compelling them to leave their comfort zones and become agents of change, just as he transformed fishermen into “fishers of men.” Leadership fundamentally serves as a catalyst for transformation, guiding a collective journey from one point to another. This transformation involves shifts in values, attitudes, and a deeper understanding of the mission. Pope Francis is an example, skillfully navigating, setting boundaries, and taking calculated risks. He reads the signs of the times, fostering unity and solidarity. At its core, leadership is a journey of change, steering the group from where it is to where it should be.
The Essence of Leadership: Leading from the Core
This concept delves into the inner aspects of leadership, highlighting the significance of leading from a place of authenticity and inner balance. As leaders, it’s crucial to introspect, connecting with our inner values and spirituality to lead with genuine compassion. The crisis in leadership credibility can be traced back to a loss of soulfulness in humanity. The soul, representing a person’s essence, yearns for a connection with the divine and a pursuit of truth, compassion, and integrity. Often, these ideals slip away amidst competing demands. Nurturing the soul involves practices like contemplation, self-awareness, and striving for a sense of wholeness. Leaders who are attuned to their souls take responsibility for their inner well-being to prevent harm. They create environments that allow communal encounters with the divine when necessary. Such leaders operate with a sense of freedom beyond titles, appreciate solitude, and grasp the broader perspective. It’s crucial to safeguard the soul in institutional settings.
Simple methods to nurture the soul encompass diverse preparations, daily reflections, and activities like Lexio Divina. Contemplative awareness centers on recognizing the influence of the divine, encourages collective transformation, and enables more profound dialogues. It involves observing life, contemplating its meaning, and aligning actions accordingly.
Leadership and Power:
We had meaningful discussions on responsible power and authority use in leadership roles, guided by Andrew Pinto’s practical strategies for ethical and greater good-driven power use.
Mark’s Gospel highlights the unique trans-formative power of the cross, evident in Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. The three passion predictions show how it brings the kingdom into the world. While suffering is inevitable, our dignified and generous response matters. God’s power lies in humanizing the world, fostering democracy, and promoting well-being for all. The fundamental goal is realizing full humanity and extending goodwill universally, aligning with the Christian calling for a thriving humanity. As Christian leaders and consecrated men and women we draw our strength from the power of powerlessness.
Reflect on the sources of power you rely on and how they influence your leadership approach.
Leadership and Vulnerability:
Vulnerability in leadership fosters genuine connections and empathy, enhancing authenticity. We need to dispel six myths:
- seeing vulnerability as weakness,
- undervaluing it,
- thinking it can be eliminated,
- prioritizing trust over vulnerability,
- viewing it as complete openness.
- Rejecting Vulnerability
To protect self-esteem, we often use excuses, rationalization, blame, and humor as defensive “armor.” Embracing others’ vulnerability is crucial. In Mark 10:17-31, a wealthy man’s encounter with Jesus exemplifies vulnerability. Christianity emphasizes complete giving and totality. This is the mark of Christian leadership.
Prophetic Leadership:
Visionary leaders drive change, challenge injustice, and advocate for justice, pushing communities towards a fairer world. Prophets, as God’s spokespersons, address contemporary issues, revealing the unseen with a God-driven passion. Their calling mirrors the cry of the Israelites in Exodus 3:7-8. Leaders must discern societal, ministry, and collaborative needs. Prophets possess deep sensitivity, uncovering unspoken desires and fears, even when hesitant to speak out. Prophetic insight arises from contemplative consciousness.
The leadership workshop at CRI House, Delhi, provided a rich and trans-formative experience for its participants. Under the guidance of Sr. Elsa Muttathu and Andrew Pinto, attendees not only gained valuable insights into leadership principles but also had the opportunity to deepen their spirituality and self-awareness. The workshop fostered a sense of unity among the diverse group of participants, equipping them with the tools and inspiration needed to lead their congregations with purpose, vision, and compassion. As the participants return to their respective communities, they carry with them the knowledge and inspiration gained from this workshop, poised to make a positive impact as leaders guided by the principles of the Gospel of Mark. This workshop serves as a testament to the commitment of CRI House, Delhi, to empower leaders within religious congregations, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more compassionate society.
Legal Guidelines for Effective Leadership
Sr. Mary Scaria’s insights on legal guidelines in leadership and administration underscore their vital importance. Law, fundamentally rooted in divine or natural principles, aims to enrich life, emphasizing love and support for all individuals.
Universal and interconnected human rights, integral to India’s Constitution, have a profound impact on both law and society, as seen in events like the Gujarat carnage in 2002. Our Constitution embodies justice, equality, fraternity, and dignity in its Preamble. Fundamental Rights, Duties, and the Directive Principles of State Policy shape our legal framework, resonating with Pope Francis’s Fratelli Tutti. Our Fundamental Rights encompass equality, freedom, protection from exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies, including the right to establish and administer educational institutions under Article 30(1). As leaders, we must heed Jesus’ counsel to be both discerning and compassionate, understanding the complexities of our roles. Streamlining administrative processes is crucial, covering various aspects from land acquisition to handling legal documents. In our pursuit of effective leadership and administration, a deep understanding of legal guidelines is essential. These principles not only guide our actions but also ensure that we serve the common good within a superior and ethical framework. Navigating these legal waters equips us with the tools and wisdom to lead with integrity, compassion, and effectiveness, fostering a brighter future for all.
Grievance Redressal Cell & “It’s High Time” Session by Elsa Muttathu
Elsa Muttathu, National Secretary, led a session on the Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) within the Conference of Religious India (CRI). The GRC aims to provide a safe platform for religious women to express concerns confidentially, promoting trust and inclusivness.
Elsa emphasized active listening, constructive communication, and confidentiality. The GRC addresses issues like conflict resolution and fair treatment, upholding justice and compassion within the religious community.
Additionally, Elsa discussed “It’s High Time: Women Religious Speak Up on Gender Justice in the Indian Church.” This study, commissioned by CRI Women, highlights challenges faced by Catholic nuns, including mistreatment, property disputes, wage disparities and more. Elsa’s session sparked awareness and a shared commitment to advocate for the dignity and equitable treatment of women religious in the Indian Church.
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