Embracing Servant Leadership: A Pathway for Catholic Businesswomen
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28).
In a world where leadership is often equated with power and authority, adopting a servant leader approach can be challenging, especially for women in business. For Catholic businesswomen, this leadership style resonates deeply with their faith and values, yet the path is not without obstacles.
Let's explore some common challenges and how to overcome them, drawing inspiration from our Catholic faith.
1. Balancing Authority with Humility
Challenge: One of the primary challenges for women striving to become servant leaders is balancing authority with humility. In a business environment that often values assertiveness and control, demonstrating humility can be misinterpreted as weakness.
Solution: Embrace the paradox of leadership in the Kingdom of God. Jesus, the ultimate servant leader, exemplified how humility and authority coexist. As Catholic businesswomen, we can draw strength from the Eucharist, where Christ humbles Himself to nourish us. Seek to lead with the heart of a servant, focusing on empowering others while maintaining the confidence to make authoritative decisions when necessary.
2. Overcoming Gender Stereotypes
Challenge: Women leaders often face gender-based expectations that can undermine their efforts to lead with a servant’s heart. There may be a perception that women should naturally be nurturing, and when they act as servant leaders, it can be dismissed as merely fulfilling a traditional feminine role rather than a strategic leadership choice.
Solution: Reframe the narrative by highlighting the strength and intentionality of servant leadership. Educate your team and stakeholders about the principles of servant leadership and how they align with strong, effective leadership. Use Biblical examples, such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, who exemplified strength and service. By doing so, you can challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that servant leadership is a powerful, transformative approach for both women and men.
3. Maintaining Work-Life Integration
Challenge: The demands of leadership in the workplace can often spill into personal life, making it difficult to maintain a balance between serving colleagues and nurturing your own family and spiritual life.
Solution: Prioritize your relationship with God as the foundation of your life. Integrate your faith into your daily routine through prayer, reflection, and the sacraments. This spiritual grounding will provide the clarity and strength needed to navigate the complexities of work and life. Additionally, establish boundaries that allow you to be fully present both at work and at home. Remember, being a servant leader doesn’t mean you must be available 24/7; it means serving others with wisdom and discernment.
4. Navigating Workplace Politics
Challenge: In some organizations, servant leadership can be seen as countercultural, especially in environments where competition and self-promotion are the norm. This can make it difficult to lead effectively without compromising your values.
Solution: Lead by example and be a witness to the Gospel through your actions. Be transparent about your values and how they inform your leadership style. Build alliances with like-minded individuals within your organization who share your commitment to ethical leadership. When faced with opposition, remember the words of St. Paul: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Stand firm in your principles, and trust that God will honor your faithfulness.
5. Finding a Supportive Community
Challenge: The journey of adopting and maintaining a servant leader approach can be lonely, especially if you don’t have a community of people who share your values and vision.
Solution: Seek out or create a network of Catholic businesswomen who are also striving to lead with a servant’s heart. This community can provide encouragement, accountability, and wisdom. Consider starting a prayer group, joining a Catholic business association, or attending retreats focused on integrating faith and work. As Jesus surrounded Himself with His disciples, surround yourself with sisters in Christ who will support and uplift you on your leadership journey.
Adopting a servant leader approach as a Catholic businesswoman is a rewarding yet challenging journey. By grounding your leadership in your faith, embracing humility, challenging stereotypes, and building a supportive community, you can overcome obstacles and lead in a way that truly reflects the heart of Christ. Remember that your leadership is not just about achieving business success; it’s about being a vessel of God’s love and grace in the workplace.
Dr. Glory Enyinnaya is a management consultant who worked at Accenture before founding the consulting firm Kleos Advisory. Her research, which focuses on the role of entrepreneurs as change agents, has been published in top-tier publications such as the Harvard Business Review. She is a member of the faculty of Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria. Her hobbies include blogging at www.gloryenyinnaya.com.