Jesuit LeadershipSeattle University 2012 Graduate Assistantship Jesuit 101

SeminarBrian Wasserman and Kara Adams

September 6, 2012

What is Leadership?• When you hear the word “leadership”,

what comes to mind?• What characteristics do you admire in a

leader? Which do you dislike? • What does a leader look like?• Name a few people you consider

to be “leaders”.

Jesuit Leadership• How would you define Jesuit leadership?• Does it differ from your previous definition of

leadership?• Choose one Jesuit about whom you read that

you feel exemplifies Jesuit leadership and discuss why you chose them.

Fun Fact: The Jesuit Order is represented by the acronym I.H.S., a Latin phrase (Iesus Hominum Salvator) that means Jesus, Savior of man.

Three Unlikely Jesuit Leaders

• Bendetto de Goes• Christopher Clavius• Matteo Ricci

Benedetto de goes• “Benedetto de Goes died a failure. Or, so it

would seem...(p. 63).• Goes quit Jesuit training after two years; he

returned four years later to complete it.• Goes “did not shine in theological debate,

unlike his more extensively educated Jesuits” but his mastery of linguistics proved key to negotiating peace with the Mughal emperor Akbar.

• Goes died in an unsuccessful attempt to find the “silk road” to China.

• “Goes’ story redefines leadership success...exploring a blind alley so that future colleagues wouldn’t have to” (p.73).

Take-Aways• Leadership isn’t a linear path.• We all have different, valuable talents.• Success often isn’t individual but how one

contributes to the effort of the team.

Christopher Clavius• Followed his passion for astronomy after

witnessing a solar eclipse. Taught for 48 years; 46 of them at the same

University.

• Advocated for a liberal arts education for Jesuits that included linguistics, mathematics and science Prepared Matteo Ricci for his adventure in China.

• Defended Galileo’s findings in support of a heliocentric theory thereby enraging church officials who subscribed to Earth-centric theories.

Lessons Learned• Following one’s passion is key to persevering in

leadership positions.• Educators are leaders – you are all educators!• Leadership involves risk-taking and conflict

management.“It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends” - Dumbledore, J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Matteo Ricci• Took a radical approach to his

missionary work in China: Taught himself Chinese Incorporated Confucianism into his

Catholic teachings. Altered his dress and customs. Respected Chinese intellectualism.

• Used his knowledge of science and mathematics to gain access to Chinese culture and establish his reputation.

So What?• As a leader, you often have to meet people

where they are at.• Don’t create stories!• Use your talents and knowledge to create

innovative ways of solving problems.• Learn how to tailor your teaching to the needs

of your students.

Jesuit Approach to Leadership

• We’re all leaders and we’re leading all the time, well or poorly

• Leadership springs from within. It’s about who I am as much as what I do.

• Leadership is not an act. Instead, it is a way of living.• The task of becoming a leader is never completed. It is

an ongoing process.

Francis Xavier• A trusted friend and companion of

Ignatius• One of the ten founding fathers of

the Jesuit Order which makes him one of the first followers.

• http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html

Four Pillars of Jesuit Leadership

• Self-Awareness Understanding strengths, weaknesses, values and

worldviews

• Ingenuity Confidently innovated and adapted to embrace

a changing world

• Love Engaging others with a positive, loving attitude

• Heroism Energizing oneself and others through heroic

ambitions.

Self-Awareness• Self-awareness is the cornerstone of the four pillars.• How do the Jesuits practice self-awareness?

Reflection, Reflection, Reflection!!!

Daily Examen Spiritual Exercises

Jesuit Matchup• Select one Jesuit whom you think best models

each pillar of Jesuit leadership (Self-Awareness, Ingenuity, Love and Heroism)

• Possible choices discussed so far (feel free to choose another of your favorite Jesuits): Ignatius Loyola Christopher Clavius Francis Xavier Bendetto de Goes Matteo Ricci Pedro Arrupe

Jesuit Leadership and You

• What components of Jesuit leadership resonate with your leadership style?

• Is there anything about Jesuit leadership that deviates from your preferred style of leading?

Questions?