A Worthy Example

Like millions around the world, I’ve been captivated by newly elected Pope Francis.  Here finally is a world figure worthy of emulation.  America’s leaders would be we well served to take notice.  The reported stories of his humble beginnings and decisions to eschew the trappings of his office, speaks to the values of humility and service like no other in recent history.

Given his record, we may finally have an example whose character stands as a steadfast testament to servant-leadership.  Despite the luxuries and trappings often associated with his office, I believe he will withstand the temptations of power that so often corrupt those elevated to such significant position.  Many of America’s leaders would do themselves and our Nation great service by emulating his example.  Starting with the White House and Congress and down to every level of government, the United States has lost its true leadership spirit - to serve the people.

Business leaders are equally at fault.  Rising to the ranks of the C-suite can tempt people to view themselves as better or more worthy than those on the front line.  Most don't envy the success of those who earned the opportunity to be at the top.  After all, the American dream is a universal one.  However, when leaders use their success to bully others, people are justified in speaking out.  Executives do their organizations a great service to remember their own journey to the top and work tirelessly lifting others to attain similar success.  Ask yourself these questions.  Are you “too important” to make a pot of coffee for yourself and others in the morning?  Do you thank the janitor when they empty your trash each day?  Do you open the door for a subordinate or offer to help them carry supplies when you see them struggling?  When is the last time you served your staff a meal instead of them serving you?

Pope Francis should serve as a beacon that points us back to the foundation of humanity.  Service is and always has been our highest calling yet many have lost sight of it.  Our National leaders have a great opportunity to turn the ship around - look eastward to Rome.  Here is a man that recognizes the great responsibility and burden to be a leader.  With humility comes influence not coerced from title or position, but earned by example.  Our government leaders could start by dispensing with the artificial trappings of their offices and get back to basics of governing.  

I was deeply moved by the recent movie Lincoln. It reminded me to value simplicity and service.  President Lincoln labored over the weight of responsibility laid on his shoulders.   His character and humility allowed him to guide the Nation with integrity.  We can transform our Country.  We can once again be a beacon of core values in the decisions we make each day.  We can demand that our politicians and business leaders be held accountable as servant-leaders.  When they don’t, we should show them the door and replace them with those willing to serve.  We could start by demanding term limits for all elected offices to ensure politicians must eventually live with and by the decisions they make “on behalf of the people.”

I have been disappointed and often disgusted by the narcissism on display in America.  From the White House to Hollywood and everywhere in between, our Country has become a cauldron of self-serving egotists whose only objective is to shine a spotlight on themselves.  Our popular culture creates icons of people with the trappings of success but who lack the true heart of leadership.  Great men like Dale Carnegie are difficult to find in American business today.  Political leaders assert their power over others and draw influence through “contributions” they then reward with “gifts” at the expense of others.  Even some spiritual leaders have fallen under the illusion that success affords them the right to violate their stated vows.  What has our Nation devolved into?  If our Country’s founders were to suddenly appear, I believe they would be shocked and disheartened by what they see.

We have a unique opportunity to change the course of our history.  Pope Francis represents for me and I hope for many others, a shining example that calls us back to the true spirit of humanity.  Servant-leadership is all about lifting others, being “other” minded, and remembering that we’re all in the same boat.  We are all equal.  Take this time and decide on a fresh start.  We can return our Nation to the great beacon of hope it was conceived to be.  We can once again become a land of equal opportunity where a helping hand is the norm.  I am hopeful.  Our Nation is filled with incredible people with great capacity and sincere hearts.  We have the responsibility to be examples of servant-leadership.  We simply need to step forward, accept the challenge, and set the example.

Duane Grove is founder of Connect2Action, a strategy execution specialist at the intersection of employee engagement and executive leadership, igniting innovation as a lever to accelerate your growth.  Follow Duane on Twitter @connect2action and connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+.  Learn more by visiting www.connect2action.com.