How Pope Francis Models Best Practices of Leadership & Charitable Giving

SEATTLE - Dec. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- Time Magazine’s naming Pope Francis as Person of the Year (http://poy.time.com/2013/12/11/pope-francis-the-choice/) couldn’t have been better timed. With Christmas coming and the holiday season upon us, his selection provides an opportunity to reflect on some best practices in leadership and charitable giving.

Humility

Pope Francis humility has touched the world. When announced as Pope, he asked the crowd of people in St. Peter’s Square to pray for him, rather than blessing the people initially. He rides buses and carries his own luggage. His example has captivated the world. Leaders of organizations, as well each of us in our own homes, can find inspiration in these examples. Your actions speak to people. Find ways to value those you serve.

Connect with People

The Pope is the leader of one the largest and oldest institutions in the world. Yet he knows the importance of personally connecting with people. Non profit and business leaders can learn from his example of keeping touch with constituents. Find ways to break out of the “bubble” of the usual organization operations.

Give Comfort

Bringing comfort to people is something Pope Francis tries to do. He called a rape victim saying she wasn’t alone and was being prayed for. He contacted a college student to encourage him after he wrote a letter to the pope. Breaking tradition, Pope Francis went to a detention center to wash and kiss the feet of youth on Holy Thursday. Leadership that seeks transformation gives comfort to those around them in surprising ways. Individually, we can provide comfort through our giving in meaningful ways, too.

Survey your Constituents

Pope Francis has sent a survey on family life to parishes worldwide. He wants people’s thoughts. Here’s a survey link (http://ststephenslife.com/) on a parish website in Renton, Washington where you can access it. Effective leaders survey their people to get valuable insights for direction and connection.

Care for those in Need

Do you enjoy hearing that Pope Francis “sneaks” out of the Vatican to minister to the homeless and needy? Yet Francis says he is getting back many more blessings. Lesson for leaders: reaching out to those in need develops compassion, teamwork, a shared sense of mission, deeper spirituality and a caring community.

Shake up the Status Quo

He is known as the Pope of Firsts. He is not afraid to shake things up. He is reorganizing the Vatican bureaucracy.  He is going out to where hurting people are. Pope Francis says give mercy first—not scolding. Leaders can do likewise: Be creative. Be passionate. Be forgiving.

Seize Opportunity

Pope Francis has decided to declare Saints of two Popes of the last half of the 20th Century (and past Time Magazine’s Men of the Year recipients) John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. By celebrating their canonization together, Pope Francis unites people and intensely shines the light on their example to lead the Church to reach out in new and bold ways. I believe it also signals more exciting things to come from Pope Francis.

During this Christmas and holiday season—stop!! Take a few minutes to reflect on Pope Francis’ examples and see if you can apply them at your non profit, in your business or in your home. Imitating his best practices of leadership and charitable giving will likely “surprise” those around you and give you joy.

About Richard Bray

Richard Bray is a strategic giving advisor to nonprofits, businesses and individuals fostering charitable giving and philanthropy that reflects your values and impacts our world. He is the founder of Strategic Giving Advisor and can be reached at http://www.StrategicGivingAdvisor.com