Abstract
Ongoing global economic downturn, social and political upheavals, revolutionary changes in technology, and frightening climate change are having massive impacts on the ways people live and work. This paper examines the teachings of 3 of these leaders: Confucius, Benedict of Nursia, and Francis of Assisi, whose teachings may inform the ways in which today’s leaders motivate a workforce and deal with uncertainty. Though separated by both time and culture, these 3 men shared common biographical traits that informed their teachings and shaped their ideas about appropriate behaviors for leaders and their subordinates. Compassion, sincerity, wisdom, and trust are traits that all 3 stress as vital for leaders trying to accomplish meaningful goals in the face of adversity.
Highlights
The second decade of the 21st Century is being called a time of unprecedented change
This paper examines the teachings of 3 of these leaders: Confucius, Benedict of Nursia, and Francis of Assisi, whose teachings may inform the ways in which today’s leaders motivate a workforce and deal with uncertainty
Benedict of Nursia, and Francis of Assisi continue to be viewed by those who know their teachings as renowned advocates for building communities which serve the best interests of all their members, which care for the natural environment, and set high standards for neighborliness, civility, and charity
Summary
The second decade of the 21st Century is being called a time of unprecedented change. There are, some examples of leaders who have chosen to take the moral high road during times of strife, advocating unselfish, compassionate leadership behaviors, and exhorting their followers to do likewise These leaders’ counter-cultural approaches to leadership stress self-awareness, self-restraint, lifelong learning, and putting the needs of the group ahead of individual profit. Servant, and transformational leaders are perceived as fair and trustworthy They are able to clearly articulate their own understanding of what is right and wrong, and self-circumscribe their behavior . There are examples in history to which today’s leaders might look for examples of articulating, communicating, and modeling ethical behavior These leaders’ innovations have withstood the test of time, crossed both geopolitical and cultural boundaries, and been embraced by countless people throughout history seeking to live a more inclusive, caring, and selfless life. Benedict of Nursia, and Francis of Assisi continue to be viewed by those who know their teachings as renowned advocates for building communities which serve the best interests of all their members, which care for the natural environment, and set high standards for neighborliness, civility, and charity
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