7 Leadership Lessons From Pope Francis: What You Can Learn

In memory of Pope Francis, whose recent passing has touched hearts around the world, we look back on a story from the early days of his papacy. His leadership lessons hold just as true today as they did 10 years ago.

Pope Francis managed to electrify an audience far bigger than the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

And he’s done it by invoking a special trinity: Style. Message. Mission.

Pope Francis Leadership Lessons for the Masses

While he’s the leader of a one-of-a-kind organization, leaders and managers can learn from one of the most charismatic Popes. (Especially interesting is he once warned we all should stop being “slaves to work.”)

Among his other leadership strategies that can work for the masses: Savvy management. Consensus building. Keen focus on lofty goals.

Here are seven Pope Francis leadership lessons that can help:

1. Practice Patience

Pope Francis quickly approved rules to bring more transparency to the Vatican’s inner workings, which had long operated without a central budget or accounting system.

Pope Francis knew there would be resistance. But he’s held firm and made progress, despite well-entrenched objectors.

Try to follow Francis’ lead when evoking change.

A key is to look at change from the employee’s perspective. When routines are disrupted, people become hesitant followers.

Patience puts time on your side. Change takes time. Know when tasks need to be re-organized and the plans modified to meet the ultimate goal.

It can be tough. But it’s probably not nearly as tough as dealing with the Old Guard in the halls of the Vatican.

2. Foster Open Dialogue

Pope Francis’s first big shot at reform was to create the “Vatican Eight.”

It’s a council of eight cardinals from churches worldwide. Their goal: Give advice on how to open up the church’s hierarchy.

The cardinals describe council meetings as “free, frank and friendly” — even though they’re discussing heavy-duty issues that have long divided and even embarrassed the flock.

How can you create open dialogue at work and make it a lasting part of your workplace culture?

Many employees would be thrilled to have their ideas used. But most are hesitant to speak up.

The way managers encourage discussion is the key.

Ask open-ended questions and don’t evaluate what others say. Don’t give the impression there’s a “right” or “wrong” response.

A neutral stance gets ideas out in the open so you can act on the ones that work.

3. Give Employees ‘Your Blessing’

On New Year’s Eve 2014, five nuns in a Spanish convent received a surprise voicemail.

It was from Pope Francis, who wished them a happy New Year and left a message of “affection, health and blessing.”

The nuns were thrilled. A few hours later, Francis called back and encouraged them to “never lose hope” and keep up the good work.

Sure, a call to your employees may not elicit the same level of goodwill as a message from the Bishop of Rome.

But, reaching out and praising workers (when praise is due) is still one of the best ways to motivate them.

Words of praise don’t have to be over-the-top, or feel as though they just descended from on high.

A simple, down-to-earth email that recognizes a job well done will do. It reinforces the behavior you want to see.

4. Avoid Micromanaging

Early in his tenure, Francis warned church officials of 15 “diseases” of leadership.

One was the disease of “excessive planning.”

His message: When things are planned down to the last detail, you become an office manager — not a leader.

Preparation is important, he conceded, but he advised against trying to contain and direct the “freedom of the Holy Spirit.”

For our purposes, let’s just call this micromanaging. Or even the 11th Commandment.

Nothing irritates workers more — and stunts their potential — than having a boss staring over their shoulders.

Set clear deadlines and expectations, and then let people help determine how the work gets done.

When employees have a sense of autonomy, they’re on the straight and narrow toward professional fulfilment.

5. Know When to Be Assertive

The Pontiff is soft-spoken and polite. But don’t mistake that for being a pushover. After all, he was a nightclub bouncer before entering the priesthood.

Early in the pope’s term, he set out to reform the Vatican Bank — no small task.

For decades, the bank had been at the center of scandals involving money laundering and tax evasion. It’s even been tied to the Mafia.

You may not be dealing with Mafia dons and systemic corruption, but you still need to make tough decisions and be assertive when you know you have to make a move.

Assertive managers are firm and fair. They hold people accountable. They express what behavior is unacceptable in a straightforward way.

Most importantly: Employees respect managers who show them respect.

Being too authoritarian can backfire. People may comply with what you dictate, but they won’t fully commit to it.

But when you can assert a responsible reason for taking a dramatic step, they’ll understand and respect you for it.

6. Skip Power Struggles, Focus on the Better Good

Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Francis’ birth name) was the runner-up to be pope in 2005.

After three ballots, it was clear Bergoglio wouldn’t win. Joseph Ratzinger (who would become Pope Benedict XVI) only needed five votes to be elected.

Bergoglio reportedly convinced the cardinal electors to vote for Ratzinger. Why?

He didn’t want to fight it out with Ratzinger and further divide the church.

Of course, the story didn’t end there, and Bergoglio eventually went on to become pope eight years later.

Leaders can take a cue to not get caught up in the kinds of office politics and power struggles that leave lasting damage.

Instead, focus on getting the job done, and then let the results speak for themselves.

Savvy managers add value to the company — and avoid rivalries.

7. Stay Humble

Above all else, Pope Francis has won wide admiration for his humility and simple living. He chose his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who championed the poor.

Pope Francis has chosen to forgo much of the pomp and circumstance of his powerful position.

He is the first pope in 110 years not to live in the Palace of the Vatican. Instead, he stays in a Vatican guesthouse among other priests and bishops.

So how does humility play into the leadership game?

It doesn’t mean to be meek or timid. Instead, understand your limitations and know you may not always have all the answers.

Be open to other opinions — and embrace them when they work!

“I like it when someone tells me ‘I don’t agree.’ This is a true collaborator,” says Pope Francis. “When they say ‘Oh, how great, how great, how great,’ that’s not useful.”

Humility, properly practiced, can connect you with your employees.

As Pope Francis has shown, humility in a leader can be inspiring.

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• Leadership & Strategy