Leadership as Service: Transforming Work into a Path to Holiness
St. Josemaría Escrivá’s teachings on professional work redefine leadership, highlighting the need for service and the offering of daily tasks into opportunities to glorify God and serve others. This approach challenges us to view leadership not as a pursuit of prestige or power but as a path of relational engagement, grounded in humility and love.
Leadership Through Service
St. Josemaría articulated a vision of leadership rooted in service, captured in his succinct directive: “In order to be useful, serve.” True leadership begins with the desire to improve one’s immediate environment and extends outward to create a better world. The foundation of this approach lies in acquiring professional excellence, not for personal gain but to serve God and others more effectively.
By cultivating a mindset of service, entrepreneurs can use their skills and knowledge to uplift those around them. This requires a commitment to continuous improvement and an openness to collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.
The Relational Dimension of Work
Work is inherently relational, reflecting our nature as beings created in the image of a Triune God. Whether directly interacting with others or contributing behind the scenes, every professional effort impacts individuals and communities. From the carpenter crafting a table to the scientist in a lab, all work holds the potential to build relationships, foster trust, and promote human dignity.
Jesus’ own example highlights this truth. His years in St. Joseph’s workshop were not merely about producing objects but about engaging with the needs of others, glorifying the Father, and redeeming humanity. This relational perspective transforms work into a means of expressing love and creating “relational goods” that benefit society.
Professional Prestige as a Means, Not an End
In St. Josemaría’s teachings, professional prestige is not about seeking recognition but about enabling service. Excellence in one’s field allows individuals to act as examples for others, sharing knowledge, mentoring colleagues, and addressing broader societal challenges. This perspective shifts the focus from personal ambition to collective growth and the common good.
Leadership by serving also involves humility in the face of setbacks. Failures and challenges become opportunities for growth, learning, and renewed trust in God. They remind us that true greatness lies not in external achievements but in perseverance, faith, and trust in God’s providential plan.
Cultivating Virtues for Effective Leadership
To lead through service, one must develop both professional competence and human virtues. Qualities such as resilience, flexibility, empathy, and creativity are essential for navigating the complexities of modern work environments. These virtues are not abstract ideals but practical skills honed through daily interactions and tasks.
St. Josemaría emphasized the importance of working attentively and responsibly, ensuring that our efforts reflect care and respect for others. By embodying these virtues, entrepreneurs can create spaces where everyone feels valued and can contribute their best.
Transforming Society Through Work
Leadership as service extends beyond individual relationships to influence broader societal structures. Each act of love contributes to shaping a world more aligned with God’s vision.
As Pope Francis reminds us, work is not just a means of earning a living but a way to express our creativity and dignity. It is also a powerful tool for building community and addressing the pressing challenges of our time.
Becoming Leaders Who Serve
St. Josemaría’s vision invites us to reimagine leadership as a journey of service and self-giving. It challenges us to ask: How can I use my work to serve others? What virtues do I need to cultivate to lead effectively? How can my professional efforts contribute to the common good?
By embracing this vision, we become leaders who transform not only our workplaces but also ourselves and society. Through our work, we glorify God, uplift others, and discover the true meaning of leadership: to serve with love and humility, following the example of Christ who came not to be served but to serve.
