Leaders Eat Last.
Leaders Eat Last. This is the title of a famous book on leadership written by Simon Sinek which was published in 2014. According to Sinek, leaders eat last because they are the ones who are willing to give up their time, energy, money, and maybe even the food off their plate for the sake of others.
In today’s Gospel reading, responding to James and John’s desire ambition to take the best positions and the disciples’ unhealthy competition among themselves while He was on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” The key to being an authentic leader is not seeking power and prestige but selfless service. Jesus, on the cross, totally shows us how to be selfless in serving God and humanity by offering His life and death.
Political dynasties, rampant vote buying, unending quarreling among our leaders, graft and corruption are realities that indicate that we are suffering from a leadership crisis. How can the Gospel imperative serve as an impetus in putting people into power, in exercising our power and in using our power to change for the better?
PUTTING PEOPLE INTO POWER. We will practice our right to suffrage next year. By this, we put some people into power. When people run for public office, they put their best foot forward by presenting to us their background, experience, performance and good intentions. If someone comes to us and asks us, “Please vote for me.” Present to him/her a crucifix and ask, “Sir/Ma’am, are you willing not just to offer yourself but to die like Jesus for me?” Dying to oneself is to let go of our tendency for ego-tripping. When leaders do not focus much on “ME” but more for “WE”, the common good becomes the top priority. We will vote next year. We have to ask those who run for public office their political platform. Look at whether their social agenda includes reducing poverty, improving education, providing healthcare, ensuring equality, and enhancing citizens’ quality of life. As voters, we have to be good ancestors to our children. As good Christians and honest citizens, we ask them, “Are you willing to give your life for the good of all?”
EXERCISING OUR POWER. We are all leaders. No matter how capable and charismatic we are, we acknowledge our tendency to be self-centered. Despite this, God chose and continues to choose some of us. God takes the risks in choosing, electing and empowering us. When we’re intoxicated by power, position and prestige, let us look at Jesus Christ who “did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” How can we be servant leaders? Let us ask ourselves these questions. Do I have a listening heart? Do I foster dialogue not only with those with whom I like but even with those who do not agree with me? Am I willing to seek what unites and not what divides? Am I willing to receive feedback and use them to improve my ways of relating and working with others? Are my efforts to know the truth laden by the principles of justice, common good and charity? Do I allow others to grow? Leaders need to exercise critical thinking. Let us reflect together with those who are entrusted to us so that we can act responsibly and conscientiously.
USING OUR POWER TO CHANGE. Real leaders create a positive impact. But how can we, as leaders, create such an impact with massive poverty, miseducation, lack of access to healthcare, hunger due to the transformation of agricultural lands into commercial/industrial zones, etc.? We feel overwhelmed by such great problems! But what can we do? We are leaders according to our respective roles and functions in the family, in the Church and in the society. If you are a parent, use your power to change enabling your children to grow with a sense of responsibility and fear of the Lord. If you are a teacher, teach well so that the knowledge, skills and values that are shared be means for integral growth and development of your students. If you’re a medical practitioner, use your talents and skills for the wholistic healing and wellness of your patients. If you’re a business person, be aware that people are more important than profit. When you treat them well, the whole enterprise will experience growth. If you’re a politician, your power should uplift people’s lives by working on a feasible socio-economic agenda that will contribute to human flourishing. Today is Mission Sunday. Where we are is where God is sending us to reveal His face of mercy and to make Him loved by humanity. Through our little and even unseen acts of humility and kindness, we reveal to them Jesus. To use the power to change is to be the change that we want to be. Be Jesus!
Simon Sinek might be right when he proposed that leaders eat last. But Jesus tells us today, that to be last is to walk humbly with God as we selflessly serve one another. Amen.
Mk 10:35-45; 20 October 2024, 29th Sunday in the Ordinary Time (MISSION SUNDAY)
Disclaimer: This section of the website is a personal creative writing of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views, opinion, or policies of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippines South Province. For concerns on the content, style, and grammar of this piece, please contact us.
