When a leader leads as to elevate all their community, a rare thing happens: The leader opens herself or himself up to transformation. It is the quintessential Franciscan experience of going to the margins, beyond the walls, and kissing the leper. We have an abundance of stories from our tradition that teach us time and time again that we are called to a leadership model that demands mutuality, elevating every voice no matter background, education, or even creed as is the case of Francis’ meeting with the sultan. Every relationship carries the possibility of growth, including the relationship of leaders and followers.
—from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “The Franciscan Nature of Leadership“
by Sara P. Marks
