Spiritual Leadership Qualities
Learning to live a spiritual life has its own unique reward. It requires much patience when challenges appear and a deep sense of trust that all that is unfolding is for one's highest good. Here is a list of qualities to consider in your own journey towards self-mastery. The definitions have been written by the Spiritual Response Association in the United States.
Maturity
Spiritual maturity comes as we are more interested in BEING than having; SERVING than being served; LOVING than being loved. Chronological age is no indication of spiritual or emotional maturity. It is putting off momentary pleasures to reach long-term goals; being able to give up the lesser for the greater good, an acceptance of RESPONSIBILITY for one's own life. Rather than blame others, the mature person strives for truer insights into the spiritual aspects of life! Ask yourself, do I handle all situations in a neutral, grounded, loving and responsible manner?
Followship
A good leader is first a good follower. S/he exercises good judgment and does not just gratify selfish ego needs. Sometimes a leader lets another who is not yet as capable lead so that person may grow. S/he knows sometimes s/he must take the reins and lead; sometimes be passive, cooperative and supportive while another leads. Ask yourself, am I willing to let others take the lead?
Willingness to serve
"How may I serve? What can I do to help?" This is the leader's motto. There are some "metaphysical students" who seek spiritual laws for what they can "get". Spiritually advanced leaders look for ways to help others help themselves. Theirs is the joy of serving with integrity and love!
Faith in Spirit
"The perceiving power of the mind linked with the ability to mold substance." (Charles Fillmore) It is not a question of whether we have faith. The question is: "Where do I place my faith? In things? In the material world? In institutions? In people with titles? In money? Or in the invisible but very REAL things of SPIRIT? Leaders place their faith in Spirit working with them; they speak with authority and they are not disappointed!
Humility
A spiritually advanced person realises that Spirit does the work; ego self alone can do nothing. This person works for the expansion of SPIRIT in all aspects of life, not for the glory of the ego self. You are a child of a Divine Creator. No one else deserves Divine love more than you, yet you do not deserve Divine love more than anyone else! A true leader knows his/her own strengths and weaknesses, and asks for help when necessary. Ask yourself, why do I seek to be a spiritual leader?
Poise
A good leader is self-controlled, stable, and confident, meeting changes and emergencies with a sense of calmness and peacefulness. S/he is a spiritual power wherever s/he may be! Ask yourself, do I respond to difficult situations with calmness or am I easily knocked off center?
Forgiveness
The spiritual leader recognises that all life situations are co-created by self, and that without exception events and actions by others are always an opportunity to learn and grow. A leader then does the inner work long enough to heal his/her emotions so that he or she can take controlled, appropriate actions in the outer situations. A leader learns from these situations and determines what growth or action is better for the future with similar people or situations. Ask yourself, do I refrain from judging others or from acting as a victim to circumstances and people? Do I learn from my outcomes and change my behaviour for a different future outcome? If you do, forgiveness of self and others will become much easier.
Love
True love sees the spiritual heritage, the divine potential, the possibility for good in all persons, even those the world labels "misfits". Learn to love where you can, teach others to help themselves, and leave the rest to Spirit. This love treatment does more than all the sermons, lectures, and counseling sessions together. S/he who loves most will be greatest of all! Ask yourself, do I extend the same unconditional love and acceptance to all who cross my path? Do I love myself unconditionally?
Wisdom
Wisdom is understanding tempered with love. A leader has GROWN through experiences, acquired knowledge, and good judgment. S/he exercises COMMON SENSE, and also has the UNCOMMON SENSE of insight, vision, and intuitive perception! S/he is able to look beyond the written rules and understand the true principles that guide wise behaviour and decisions. The wise leader does not take from another their right to grow strong by doing and learning for themselves. Ask yourself, do I understand the values and principles that guide a spiritually-led life, and do I allow others the freedom to discover these for themselves?
Patience
The consultant, teacher, committee, or board member is willing to "go the second mile" in service to people. The gardener plants seeds and awaits their growth patiently. Leaders help others and keep on helping, but they are patient in faith that "the flowers and fruits will crown the coming years." Spiritual leaders have no attachment to the outcome of others' process or situation. Ask yourself, am I willing to trust simply in the doing, leaving the outcome and timing to a loving SPIRIT?
Imagination
This is our capacity to visualise, to create new mental and emotional patterns, and to see the finished products before construction begins. When faith, our perceiving power, is linked with imagination, the power to shape substance, great things are accomplished! Ask yourself, do I imagine the most wonderful outcome in all my endeavours, and do I begin with the end in mind?
Enthusiasm
Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm. A good leader is on fire with an awareness of SPIRIT active in his/her life. There is a high level of zeal, balanced by wisdom. Intelligence without zeal is lifeless; yet uncontrolled zeal is dangerous. Disciplined zeal is required of a true leader because they are sensitive to the Divine and other people! Ask yourself, do I tackle my responsibilities and endeavours with enthusiasm? Do I express enthusiasm for the plans and successes of others?
Courage
A spiritual leader has the courage of his/her convictions, courage to say what s/he thinks, and the humility to accept changes that come through growth. A spiritual leader has the courage to examine his or her own weaknesses or limitations and own the responsibility for changing them. A spiritual leader is not a "yes" person to other leaders, but can disagree agreeably without compromising his/her own integrity. Ask yourself, do I meet challenges head on? Do I act and speak with the knowledge that my opinions and feelings are valid? Am I willing to really hear another's reaction and ideas even when expressed with their emotion?
Versatility
A good leader is able to adjust to conditions, challenges, changes and personalities without losing sight of goals. The pine tree sinks its roots into fertile, nourishing soil and holds its ground while bending with the winds. We plant our feet firmly in our highest understanding of Truth, which is life-giving and life-sustaining. At the same time we bend with the capricious winds of life. A leader serves as lovingly and joyously in folding letters as speaking to a multitude! Cooperation, communication and compromise are important. Ask yourself, am I willing to change course when something is not working? Am I willing to adjust means and communication methods to meet the needs of others?
Joy
Charles Fillmore once said if we would put joy back in religion more people would attend church! A spiritual individual understands the power of joy, the lightness and laughter of the spiritual life. We can be deep and serious students, yet remain lighthearted! Without making fun, we can keep the LIGHT TOUCH in all we do! Ask yourself, do I nurture the joy in my life? Do I make joy an important goal of my life and interaction with others?
Sincerity
You command the greatest respect when you remain faithful to the Truth you know in thought, word and deed. Sincerity manifests in frankness of manner, directness of purpose, and uprightness of life and conduct. One who is sincere does not equivocate, prevaricate, or exaggerate! Ask yourself, do you communicate with faithfulness to spiritual principles and your own convictions?
Tact
Aim to say the right thing at the right time in the right way. Try not to give offense. Handle people with perception and understanding. Tact is always taking the listener's needs and state of emotion into consideration. Talent is power, tack is skill. Talent knows what to do; tact knows how to do it. Talent makes a person respectable; tact makes him/her respected! Tactful individuals understand that how a message is received is just as important as the message itself. Ask yourself, do I consider how my message will be received before I deliver it?
Punctuality
While it is true there is no time in SPIRIT, we do live in an outer world. A spiritually centered individual is in tune with the universe and on time with the world. Being on time reflects an attitude that states others are important. To everything there is a season, a right time under heaven. Do I do what needs to be done now; and do tomorrow what needs to be done tomorrow? Do I respect others by being on time?
Self-reliance
"The ability to stand alone yet feel secure with an inner strength." A self-reliant person is ingenious, imaginative, and industrious, confident within and aware of his/her relationship with an inner power that guides him/her always! A self-reliant person asks, what have I done for myself in this situation, before relying on others or before giving up. Ask yourself, am I doing enough? Do I first assume my own competence and ability to learn?
Impersonality
Impersonality does not mean aloofness or coldness, but treating all people alike. It implies awareness that all beings are perfect expressions of SPIRIT, none of these more blessed than another. Impartiality means loving unconditionally, being objective toward others, not dealing with them from our own past prejudices. An impersonal individual understands that the actions of others do not automatically require a judgement or reaction. It means being warm and friendly toward all persons. Ask yourself, do I honour SPIRIT in everyone and withold automatic judgement? Note from Jaime: Being warm and friendly does not mean that you give up your discernment! If you perceive that a person or situation is aggressive or hostile, move away swiftly, taking appropriate measures to preserve your safety. You do not have to tolerate less-than-loving behaviour from others.
Perseverance
"Having a lofty goal and being continuously busy working towards it." Many people fail because they quit just inches away from an unseen "finish line". It takes a special, balanced person to know when to persevere, when to blend with the wind and when to adopt new and better goals. Ask yourself, do I invest enough time, energy, and imagination in the important goals in my life?
Happiness
There is one question to ask that indicates your level of spiritual awareness: ARE YOU HAPPY? You can be happy and still know you have more work to do. If you are unhappy with yourself and life, there is a lot of growth ahead. A spiritual leader is happy, growing, and evolving spiritually.
Trust
A spiritual leader TRUSTS IN SPIRIT in all things! There is absolute trust and unshakeable faith at all times. No matter what appearances may bring, this person knows there is a blessing accessible. if s/he will call on SPIRIT, the Good, to bring it forth! Ask yourself, do I trust in SPIRIT and the Universe to work to my highest and best good and the highest and best good of others?