The Serviam Advent Recollection presided by Fr. Anton C T Pascual last November 23, 2013 is an appropriate way to set the tone of our advent experience. As a community of servant leaders, Fr. Anton discussed the 10 Pitfalls of Leadership.
- Pride drives leaders to seek the limelight, it makes us unteachable, causes us to think we are self-sufficient and leads to a loss of compassion and makes us vulnerable. Pride is a sin and pride will do what sin does. It destroys.
- Sexual Sin because it is kept under wraps has the heinous power to destroy a career, a family, and a reputation, all in one blow. Important to note to avoid this pitfall is to make ourselves accountable, consider the consequences and pray and ask others to pray for us.
- Cynicism is a bad quality of a leader. Cynical leaders cultivate cynical followers. True leaders focus on that which is right and on what gives hope, not on what is wrong.
- Servant Leaders invest their lives in things that bring the most lasting and gratifying rewards not physical wealth or power.
- Mental Laziness. If a leader ceases to want to learn, his effectiveness as one is lessened. Great leaders are always learning how to become better leaders.
- When leaders know they have obeyed God, they set aside the desire to defend themselves. Wise leaders let God prove the purity of their motives and the wisdom of their actions.
- Spiritual Lethargy. This pitfall happens to the best leaders of the world. The key is to nurture a strong relationship with God that allows us the freedom to follow our God-given convictions and to bring glory to God through our efforts.
- Domestic Neglect is a real pitfall. The neglect of our family is a contrast of what God wants us to do. Wise leaders strive to preserve their families in the midst of the pressures of their professional lives.
- Administrative Carelessness. Ultimately, effective leaders ensure that the organization can run smoothly in their absence. As leaders, we must be adept in conflict resolution and communication.
- Prolonged Position Holding is when a leader identifies their person to their position and therefore hesitates to yield their office even when they are no longer effective. A gracious leader knows when he has made his best contribution and lets go of the reigns of leadership to the next generation.
To avoid these pitfalls, always remember to maintain a close and vibrant relationship with God.
by Marga Baula