1 week Ago By N/A (Mon Ibrahim)
TECH4GOOD What can Filipino leaders learn from the life of Pope Francis? In a world where power often breeds arrogance and entitlement, the life of the late Pope Francis stands as a powerful lesson in humility-a virtue urgently needed, especially among Filipino leaders. His journey from the modest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to the Vatican’s highest office is not just a story of spiritual ascent, but a testament to the transformative power of humility in leadership. The Pope has demonstrated that true greatness stems from serving others selflessly.
His life teaches us that leadership is not about wielding power but uplifting those around us. This lesson is particularly poignant for government officials who hold positions of influence, where humility can shape their service and the nation they represent. His humility is not just something he had to do as the head of the Catholic Church; it is deeply ingrained in his actions.
Pope Francis consistently puts humanity above authority. His papacy was marked by symbolic gestures and bold reforms that brought the Catholic Church closer to the people, breaking age-old traditions to emphasize inclusivity. Humility in leadership is not a sign of weakness; it is a demonstration of strength.
It fosters trust, inspires collaboration, and promotes accountability. Humble leaders recognize their limitations, appreciate the contributions of others, and prioritize the needs of their constituents over their own egos. For Filipino leaders, especially public officials who serve at the pleasure of the President, humility is crucial.
They should never forget that their role is not about entitlement or prestige but about serving the greater good. A mindset of entitlement—believing one's position grants one superiority—can erode public trust and breed corruption. Through humility, officials remain grounded, focused on their mandate, and dedicated to their duty as public servants.
A sense of entitlement in leadership can be perilous. I have served the government for 13 years as a senior official, and I have seen how positions can really make people so drunk with power from the time they come on board. When officials view their positions as personal privileges rather than responsibilities, they risk losing sight of the people they serve.
This mindset can lead to complacency, arrogance, and even abuse of power—traits that ultimately harm the institution they represent and the citizens who depend on it. Moreover, entitlement undermines teamwork. Instead of valuing collaboration, entitled leaders may dismiss the perspectives of others, as if saying, he is the only competent person in the room.
It fosters a culture of division rather than unity, jeopardizing the progress and stability of an organization or government. When officials begin to see their positions as rewards for loyalty rather than as opportunities to serve, they risk losing touch with the people they are meant to help. Pope Francis's life serves as an antidote to this dangerous mindset.
He exemplifies that leadership is about service, not self-interest. His actions remind us that humility fosters inclusivity, strengthens relationships, and ensures that leaders remain accountable to the people they represent. Filipino leaders can draw valuable insights from Pope Francis's example.
Emulating his humility means prioritizing the needs of the people, internal and external stakeholders, over personal ambitions, listening actively to diverse voices, and approaching every challenge with empathy and fairness. It means treating their positions as opportunities for service rather than platforms for entitlement. Government officials can draw profound lessons from Pope Francis's humble approach to leadership.
Public service is not about impressing the appointing authority and gaining brownie points. They can adapt the late Pope’s principles of humility into their own roles. Pope Francis acknowledges his imperfections and remains open to dialogue.
Officials can benefit from this mindset by accepting constructive criticism, reflecting on their actions, and continuously seeking improvement. They always have to stay grounded by not building high pedestals for themselves. By focusing on humanity and recognizing the weight of their responsibilities, officials can avoid the pitfalls of entitlement.
Like Pope Francis, they can remind themselves that their position is a privilege, not a right, and use it to serve others selflessly. Next time, be wary of people who put the words “Public Servant” on business cards and massive desk name plates. There is a Tagalog term for that: “epals.
” Filipino leaders, especially public officials, can draw valuable insights from Pope Francis' example. His life offers a timeless lesson in humility—a virtue essential for effective leadership. Humility is the foundation upon which trust, collaboration, and accountability are built.
It is the antidote to the toxic entitlement mindset, ensuring that leaders remain focused on their true purpose: serving the people. After all, leadership is not about the position one holds but the impact one makes. (The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation.
Email: [email protected] ).
