Power of compassion (eBook)

Internationally, the climate of private enterprise is changing. This requires a new kind of leadership, because the usual leadership qualities such as logic power appear to be outmoded. Modern leaders should focus more on relevant qualities, such as self-;knowledge, modesty and compassion. This kind of authentic leadership will serve the company as well as the entire community.

The ancient mystics were inspiring, innovative leaders. One of them was St Francis of Assisi, who out of love and compassion, led his order of brothers in extreme simplicity. He showed the world how much power can be found in gentle values if they are exemplified in our personal way of living. The question is: to what extent can these / Franciscan values inspire us today?

The topical and universal nature of Francis leadership style is supported by Zend Buddhism, and can be recognized as well in the lives of Dag Hammarskjöld and Pope Francis. From a historical perspective, spiritual and secular leadership constitute a twofold unity. By experiencing this in renewed awareness, we will spontaneously opt for a generous, serving attitude. This vision is subscribed by three prominent leaders interviewed in this book: Ruud Lubbers, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Tex Gunning, former CEO of Lease Plan International, and the Franciscan Leonardo Boff from Brazil