Perhaps neglected in profiles of His Holiness, according to a recent article from ResourcefulManager.com, are his evident management skills – or some leadership attributes that can translate to the business world:
- Patience. The Pope has made greater transparency of the Vatican’s inner workings a central goal of his administration. Knowing there’d be resistance, he recognizes that change takes time.
- Openness. The Bishop of Rome created the “Vatican Eight,” comprised of eight cardinals from around the world. Their mission: how to open up the church’s hierarchy.
- Provide your staff with support. In other words, give them your “blessing” (literally in this case). Reach out and praise them when you can; be supportive; give them hope.
- Don’t micromanage. In his words, it’s the “disease” of “excessive planning.”
- Assertiveness. Be firm but fair – especially when trying to reform that most sacred cow of all, the Vatican Bank. Jorge Mario Bergoglio (aka Pope Francis) was a nightclub bouncer before he entered the priesthood.
- Know when to give. When he lost out to Pope Benedict in 2005, the current Pope encouraged the cardinal electors to support the overwhelming favorite, so as not to divide the church. His judgment paid off eight years later.
- Humility. Pope Francis chose his papal name in honor of St. Francis, known for his devotion to the poor. After his speech to Congress, His Holiness opted to serve lunch at a soup kitchen instead of indulging in a lavish meal in his honor.