Obedience and Humility

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves in various communities and organizations, each with its unique set of principles and values. For three years, I was part of the Oblate Apostles of the Two Hearts, a religious community where obedience was a cornerstone of our daily life. Little did I know that the lessons I learned during those years would profoundly influence my approach to followership in a professional setting.

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Understanding Obedience in Religious Life

In religious communities, obedience takes on a different dimension. It's not merely about complying with rules or orders; it's about aligning oneself with what is perceived as God's will. Our superiors and their "commands" served as tangible representations of this divine will. By following their guidance, provided it did not contradict the commandments or community rules, we believed we were fulfilling God's purpose.

Holiness, in this context, was synonymous with being in close union with God, achieved by aligning our wills closely with His. To this end, we followed our daily schedules with joy, willingness, and a prayerful disposition. Even in the mundane and repetitive tasks, we saw an opportunity for growth and spiritual alignment.

Parallels in the Professional World

As I transitioned to a professional career, I carried with me the invaluable lessons of obedience and humility. In many ways, the corporate world is not so different from a religious community. We may not take vows, but the virtues of obedience and humility still hold their significance.

One lesson that stands out is the importance of alignment with the organizational mission. Just as following God's will was our primary focus in the religious community, aligning with the goals and values of our organization is crucial in the professional realm. It's in the monotony of routine tasks where we can hone our skills and virtues, just as we did in the religious community.

Humility in Leadership

In leadership roles, I discovered that humility played a pivotal role in fostering unity and success. The most effective leaders are often those who don't seek the spotlight. They are calm, quiet, and collected, much like Jim Collins' concept of Level 5 leadership. This aligns perfectly with the virtue of humility in the spiritual context.

Leaders who embody humility are intentional and well-thought-out in their actions. They understand that their role is not about personal aspirations but about serving a greater mission. Just as I followed the processes and decisions of my leaders in the religious community, I applied the same principles in my managerial role. Embracing processes and following leadership decisions, even when personal preferences differed, helped to build unity and support within the organization.

Conclusion: Aligning with a Greater Mission

In the end, whether in religious life or the professional world, the principles of obedience and humility have a common thread: aligning oneself with a greater mission. While religious vows may not bind us in our careers, the choice to embrace humility and align with the mission of our organizations is ours to make.

Understanding our place in the grand scheme of things, both in God's kingdom and within our professional organizations, allows us to contribute to something greater than ourselves. Obedience and humility are not mere concepts; they are guiding principles that can lead us to success, unity, and a sense of purpose in all aspects of life.

In my journey, I've found that the path to professional success is not just about climbing the ladder but about knowing where to step and how to do so with humility and obedience. These timeless virtues, forged in the crucible of religious life, continue to illuminate my way forward in the corporate world.