How to Lead With Grace: Embracing Spirituality
Before we begin…
The leadership concepts, terminology, and core qualities we’ve discussed, all lead to today’s leadership style/approach. Last time, I elaborated on Authentic Leadership, which I think is one of the leadership styles more aligned with spirituality, in addition to Servant Leadership. You can go back and read about them for better context.
Let’s Talk Leadership!
What is spiritual leadership?
It’s an approach that brings spiritual values, beliefs, and practices into leadership. The focus is on leading with purpose, compassion, and ethical integrity. Spiritual leaders inspire and motivate others with a sense of meaning, connectedness, and a higher purpose. They prioritize well-being and growth, and create a supportive environment that is aligned with their values.
What is the difference between leadership and spiritual leadership?
Leadership involves guiding and influencing others towards a common goal. It’s focused on strategy, vision, decision-making, and motivating others.
Spiritual Leadership on the other hand, is not only about business goals. Its about faith and values. It’s about leading with ethical and moral principles towards a higher purpose. Spiritual leaders inspire with compassion, empathy, and with a deep sense of mission.
How can I integrate spirituality in my leadership?
Practice mindfulness: Be present, meditate to stay focused. It’ll help you make thoughtful decisions and be fully attentive to the needs of others.
Lead with compassion: Show genuine care and concern for others. Be empathetic, understand and relate to their experiences. Create a supportive workplace that encourages growth.
Align with core values: Clearly communicate your values and higher purpose. Make sure all actions and decisions are aligned with these values.
Encourage growth: Provide opportunities for others to develop their spiritual beliefs and personal values. Promote self-awareness.
Foster a culture of gratitude and appreciation: Be consistent in expressing gratitude and acknowledging the contributions of everyone. Create a culture of appreciation, it’ll motivate them and improve morale.
Let Me Tell You a Story…
I experienced a deep level of spirituality while teaching at SIAS International University back in 2017. I taught for a year in Xinzheng, China and witnessed how students lived their lives, in harmony, even when facing personal and financial struggles. They were the most altruistic students I ever met. It was remarkable to feel the calmness of their presence, everyday.
In time, I learned about Confucianism. It’s a type of philosophy that I knew little about then. Confucianism focuses on ethical principles, family loyalty, and social harmony. These ideals are integrated into Chinese culture, education, and government. More than religion, it’s often viewed as a moral philosophy.
The challenge for me was— students worked really hard at making sure everyone got a good grade when testing. They were pretty creative to help each other too! With 120 students per class, believe me, testing wasn’t easy.
But their kindness was unbelievable! They cared for one another even as strangers. I remember during the Christmas break, I came home for a month, and while walking down a hill, I fell and fractured my ankle. Going back to China was a challenge. Besides the long trip, I was wearing a fracture boot and could not get around easily.
I’ll never forget their look of shock when I went back to class. “Teacher, teacher,” they yelled running towards me. Some held my hands, some just stared at the boot in disbelief, and some held my arms trying to carry me down the stairs! Can you imagine? It was quite a sight.
Everyday I admired their gestures, some small, some not so small. They were un-ending and surreal.
Looking back now, I realize the profound impact their nobility had on me. I understand to what extent their kindness positively influenced my life —- and I’ll always feel blessed for that unforgettable experience.
It’s not about religion. Religion and spirituality are not the same—but they can be related. Spirituality is broader and involves a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. It focuses on personal experience, inner peace, and connection with the universe or a higher power. You can meditate, reflect, or be mindful —without the formal structure of religion.
Religion is about beliefs, practices, and rituals centered around a specific faith. The focus is on community worship. It involves participating in religious services, following specific moral codes, and engaging in community activities.
So religion can be a way to express your spirituality, but you can be spiritual without being religious.
How will I know if a leader is spiritual?
You’ll know. A spiritual leader inspires and guides others through their deep connection with spiritual values, principles, and a higher purpose. They lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to the well-being and growth of others. They lead by example, with meaning and purpose. A spiritual leader is humble and wise. He/she earns the respect of others by being authentic, having courage, and treating everyone with dignity.
A teacher asked, “How can I be spiritual without bringing religion into the classroom?”
“You don’t have to.” I said. “It’s not about religion, it’s about the way you carry yourself, how you treat others— it’s about kindness. You don’t need to impose your values, beliefs, or religion on anyone. But as a leader, you can provide opportunities for others to strengthen their relationships and transform themselves to prosper in the world.
Ultimately, it’s about compassion and genuineness. Your students, employees, or co-workers will sense your sincerity and the empathy you lead with. You don’t need to bring religion into the classroom. They will know you truly care, just by seeing you live your values.”
These are examples of spiritual leaders whose spiritual values guided their leadership, inspired movements, and brought about positive change in the world.
Mahatma Gandi, was a leader of India. He advocated truth, nonviolence, and civil rights. His beliefs were drawn from Hinduism and Jainism.
Mother Teresa, was a Catholic nun, a missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and the sick. Her work and leadership were deeply rooted in her spiritual faith. She was compassionate, humble, and selfless in her service.
Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) the 14th Dalai Lama and spiritual leader of Tibetian Buddhism. He has been a global advocate of peace, compassion, and nonviolence. He promotes Tibetan culture and spiritual traditions that are focused on inner peace, ethical behavior, and universal responsibility.
In conclusion, spiritual leadership is not a role or activity. It’s a lifelong process of growth and transformation. It transcends traditional leadership and integrates deep values, ethical principles, and a higher sense of purpose.
Spiritual leadership is a transformative approach that nurtures the soul and improves our well-being.
As a spiritual leader you’ll see beyond problems. You’ll see the connections with people and things—- with the right perspective.
You’ll draw out the good of those around you.
Have a good weekend!
—-Dr. Aguilar
