The Pope and the CEO > Thought Leaders
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The Cult of Personality
Steve Jobs’ resignation as CEO of Apple has been big news recently. This article, from the New York Times, is one example of the media coverage on this situation. One of the arguments being had is whether or not Apple can thrive, or at least compete as well as it has, without Jobs at the helm. The reason often given in the contrary argument? Jobs’ personality. His personality made Apple Apple. Some of the most recognizable brands or companies are often associated with their founder or their CEO, and it’s that leader’s vision that defines the company in people’s minds. When the leader is gone, those who followed the company feel that they have nothing left to follow – they find they followed the leader, not the company or brand. At least that is the thinking. And there is some truth to this. A leader’s personality sets the tone for the entire organization. This is something that I think Christian leaders should keep in mind. Their leadership, and exemplification of virtue through their actions, can be a wonderful form of apostolate, not just for their employees, but for everyone who admires and follows their company.
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The Pope & The CEO Available for Pre-Order!
Andreas’ book is already up on Amazon.com available for pre-order. The book is scheduled to be released on September 1. The book is fantastic, with wonderful lessons straight from one of the most inspiring people of the last millennium – Blessed John Paul II. Andreas describes in rich detail some amazing encounters with the Holy Father, and how they helped to shape the way that he sees business and its impact in our lives and on our world. How John Paul made it clear that we all are called to holiness and, with God’s grace, can live out such a calling – even in the business world. This book is an absolute must-read: put it first on your list to read for the fall, keep it on your nightstand, read a chapter at your desk before you start to work each morning. There are invaluable lessons that Andreas shares with us. Click the Amazon link to pre-order now! Also, make sure to visit the Facebook page for the book to like it and see added links and material!
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Leading Through Virtue
I just finished reading Alexandre Havard’s book, Virtuous Leadership: An Agenda for Personal Excellence. Havard’s main point in writing the book is that leadership is character: There are talents and qualities and resources leaders can use to advantage, but none of them constitutes the essence of leadership. Leadership is about character. No, leadership is character. Character, according to Havard, is composed of the set of classical human virtues, and it is these that he uses to sketch out his theory of effective leadership. His chapters deal with magnanimity and humility – two virtues that I think are rarely understood. Havard does a fantastic job of not only explaining what these virtues are, but also showing how they are not mutually exclusive, as many people with a limited understanding might imagine. He then goes on to discuss the four cardinal virtues – prudence, courage, temperance, and justice, again expertly leading the reader to a deeper understanding of the virtue in question and its connection to effective leadership. Next, he discusses how virtue is built. You are not born with virtue, you grow into a virtuous person by habitually living out the virtues. This leads Havard to oppose the oft-quoted maxim that… Read more