Fridays with Benedict: Chapter 64, Strive To Be Loved Rather Than Feared

Chapter 64 of The Rule of St. Benedict has to do with the selection and election of an abbot. As this is the most powerful position in the monastery Benedict spends a lot of time describing the character traits an abbot should and should not possess.

Humility, obviously, is foundational:

8Let him recognize that his goal must be profit for the monks, not preeminence for himself.

Mercy is another key trait, especially in dealing with disciplinary issues:

10He should always "let mercy triumph over judgment" (Jas 2:13) so that he too might win mercy...15Let him strive to be loved rather than feared.

That might be one of the best leadership and management mottoes from The Rule: In a leadership role, strive to be loved rather than feared.

As far as traits to be avoiding in selecting leaders, Benedict offers up this list:

16Excitable, anxious, extreme, obstinate, jealous or oversuspicious he must not be. Such a man is never at rest.