Article by Andrea Mennillo which contains a reflection on current leadership models, proposing discernment as a fundamental value for today and for the future

1. Andrea Mennillo
Leadership for the Future: Ignatian Discernment and Values
Article
29th
April, 2021
www.andreamennillo.org

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On several occasions, I have emphasized how the current state of global
emergency has challenged traditional leadership models, which have often fallen
short of expectations in dealing with the prolonged state of uncertainty we are
experiencing. In conjunction with the beginning of the Ignatian year, I would
therefore like to inspire reflection on what leadership capable of responding to
the needs of our time might look like, starting with the teachings of St. Ignatius
of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
By now, I think the only thing that is certain is that there is no certainty and
humanity will have to learn to live with this situation permanently. The absence
of certain references and the absence of timely solutions can provoke in the
community a reaction of generalized immobilism, where fear, anxiety, and
indecision suppress the will to act, characteristic of the human soul.
However, maintaining this will, even in a condition of uncertainty, is essential.
According to the teachings of St. Ignatius, only discernment, that is, the ability to
consciously choose and take effective and responsible action, can offer a concrete
response to contingent and future problems.
In this sense, a leader must always know how to act thoughtfully in the face of
volatile events. This is not an innate aptitude, but rather a skill that can be learned
through training designed to fortify the mind, temper the character, and overcome
uncertainties and fears. Thus, the determination to pursue a goal becomes
unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
This is known as "Discerning Leadership." Leadership that can be summarized
well by the Ignatian quote that reads: "Act as if everything depends on you, knowing then
that in reality everything depends on God."
In other words: act in a measured way, with detachment from negative feelings -
even under the most difficult circumstances - and do everything humanly
possible, without ever sparing yourself.
Such leadership, I believe, has the energy to offer the world a new way of looking
at things, where the unexpected becomes an opportunity for personal and
professional growth, where difference becomes opportunity and not division,

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where collaboration becomes strength and not weakness, and where reflection
becomes not inertia but a call to action.
To what extent are these values present in traditional leadership models? Possibly,
still too little. But I have faith in the future, because I see many leaders with these
characteristics dedicating themselves to imparting their experience to the younger
generation. In so doing, they stimulate and encourage them by promoting their
creativity, originality, and willingness to innovate and experiment.
The hope is that today's youth, in turn, will pass on these values to their fellow
human, and to the generations that follow, teaching them to invest in the most
precious resource that man has at his disposal: himself.
Andrea Mennillo
Founder and Managing Director, International Development Advisory
Chairman Fordham University London Centre Advisory Board