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Discerning one’s call to leadership is not a matter of assessing one’s ambitions. Indeed, in St. Vincent’s judgment, those “who are ambitious for positions of authority, have never done anything worthwhile.” [CCD XII:46] It seems counterintuitive that desiring to be a leader may be disqualifying. Certainly, military commanders, corporate executives, or political leaders – even the good ones! – are driven to leadership, at least in part, by ambition. Yet, as Vincentians – as Christians – we seek to fulfill God’s will, not our own, which demands that we place humility above ambition.
The Latin ambitiō, from which the word “ambition” derives, was used to describe vote canvassing, and a desire for praise or flattery. Humility, by contrast, calls us not to seek out praise, but instead to accept “the truth about our frailties, gifts, talents, and charism.” [Rule, Part I, 2.5.1] In our weak nature, we do not always welcome the truth about ourselves. This is so not only when we receive criticism, but also when our gifts are recognized by others – for example, when they invite us to consider a position of leadership. Yet it is God Who speaks to us through the people and events of our lives.
Accepting His call to leadership is a profound act not only of humility, but of trust in providence. We know our own weaknesses and shortcomings, but we trust that God, who also knows all our weaknesses, will give us all the graces we need to answer His call, and to fulfill His will.
But what is leadership in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? If not commanders, bosses, or heads of state, who is our model and inspiration? If we are not seeking power, but submitting to God, how do we lead? St. Vincent advised that “Our Lord will Himself be your guidance in this leadership position, your strength in your weakness, your knowledge in your doubts, and your support in your needs.” [CCD X:202] It is Jesus, after all, who insisted that he came not to be served, but to serve. We are called to imitate Him in all things, so in leadership, we, too, remain servants.
In practice, this means that Vincentian servant leaders do not bark orders, but instead “learn to ask, not to command and to teach by example rather than precept.” [SWLM, L.395] We act as servants, fulfilling, rather than making the decisions of our Conferences and Councils, remaining open to inspirations of all of our members, because “no work of charity is foreign to the Society.” [Rule, Part I, 1.3] At the same time, we keep our call to holiness, the primary purpose and end of our Society, foremost, ensuring that our works, our meetings, and our fellow Vincentians remain solidly grounded in spiritual growth.
As Vincent advised one of his local superiors, “you must be unwavering as to the end and gentle as to the means,” which, he explained, is “the soul of good leadership, and one without the other spoils everything.” [CCD II:403]
Contemplate
Am I humble enough to accept the call to servant leadership?
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