Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads

Chris Lowney's book opens on page 2 with a disarming comment that sets the tone . . . "Some folks approach [leadership] opportunities knowing that they are superbly prepared to lead, and that unshakable self-confidence stays with them every day of their careers. We call such people narcissists. They often get their organizations into trouble because, blinded by the radiant glow of their self-perceived greatness, they don't see what havoc they create or what misery they inflict on others."Core fundamental values of leadership rather than the latest fads or trends drive the themes of this book. Lowney demonstrates how Pope Francis exemplifies these principles and the Jesuit leadership tradition that has developed over centuries. Using his unequivocally unique perspective as both a former Jesuit seminarian and investment banker, Lowney weaves the religious and the secular together -- for example tying the tradition of prayer to our human need for quite reflection to collect our thoughts in a world filled with a cacophony of sound and distractions that tend to make us reactive instead of proactive.I found myself going back and repeatedly underlining the insights in this book making sure to take notes as to what I have read so that I can, to put it bluntly, steal Lowney's lines for my next presentation to my colleagues or clients. Very few people have the perspective to put together such a plainly-spoken and effective book that draws upon a Catholic tradition and places at its center, Pope Francis, who has been and could still become a transformative historical figure. To be clear, Lowney expresses his frustration with his church and hopes that Francis can draw Catholics back and others in.If you do not read this book, you will lose an opportunity to gain insight from someone who writes not from the perspective of corporate titan or from that of an academic, but someone who has lived in very different parts of this world who draws his inspiration from a truly inspiring person.

Chris Lowney has done it again! The author of “Heroic Leadership” (2005) and “Heroic Living” (2010) now gives us “Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads,” and it may be the best of a fine trio. It’s certainly the most topical. Francis’ simple ways and his consistent words have captured the attention of people everywhere – and not just Catholics. Obviously the world is hungry for moral leadership, and Francis is currently without peer in that department. Lowney is uniquely qualified to write about him for three reasons. First, having spent several years in Jesuit formation, he is an expert on the process that shaped Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J. from his earliest days and served as the arena in which he exercised much of his leadership before being elected pope. Second, Lowney is a seasoned student of the world, having spent 17 years with J.P. Morgan and served as a one of its managing partners on three continents. His work product is always relevant to people of all faiths and to those with no faith at all. Finally, he is fluent in Spanish, which gave him direct and immediate access to many Jesuits who studied and worked under the pope when he was the Jesuits’ superior in Argentina and later served as archbishop of Buenos Aires. Thus, Lowney is able to paint an intimate and revealing portrait of a man whose humility, vision and love for the poor have captured the world’s attention – and much of its heart. Despite all the unique research that underlies the text, the book is a bright and lively read that’s broken down into brief sections for the busy reader who can only devote a few minutes at a time to understanding what makes this pope tick. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to read it – and I think you will be too.

In his book,  Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices , in Chapter 36, "The Spirit of Performance," Peter F. Drucker states: The purpose of an organization is to enable common [people] to do uncommon things. This necessarily includes religious organizations. Yes, this too is necessarily about working towards a goal. Leadership is the quality, or maybe the art, possessed by certain individuals that makes them capable of doing this. They know where they are going. They have a very good idea of how to get there. They have a heuristic approach that keeps them goal focused in spite of obstacles. And, in contrast to the effects of narcissistic leadership which Lowney brings up, true leaders show us it's not about them, it's about the good they are looking to accomplish. Pope Francis is one of those individuals. Written by someone who was not only a success in investment banking at one of the big firms, he also knows what the heart of a Jesuit is supposed to be, having been one of their seminarians and outlined the leadership it took to guide their 450 year existence in his book:  Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company That Changed the World . Glad that he chose to share his insights with us!

The author provides a very good description of what Ignatian spirituality is about. We are very blessed that Pope Francis continues to think and act like a Jesuit. Ignatian spirituality is about doing everything for the greater glory of God. It means being of service to others, especially the poor and marginalized.Ignatian spirituality gives us the grace to find God in all things and in all people. The author reminds us that our ultimate goal in life is to be with God forever. This is a great book to read not only about Pope Francis, but also about what our life should really be all about, whether we are Catholic or not. God bless you.

One of these "immediate" assessments of Pope Francis, written not long after his election, so effectively out of date. Also written in the " I was a Jesuit seminarian" mould, and so because this authorr spent a small amount of time in the Order, he presumes to know the mind of Pope Francis ! A very arrogent approach. so I barely read the first section and have now given it away.There are far better books and I would recommend "Church Interupted" by John Cornwell, a longstanding observer of the Vatican.

A rewarding read as to how Pope Francis makes use of his Jesuit background to led a\nd serve the Church. It helps one to understand how Pope Francis uses information, consultation, discernement and pra\yer in making decisons for the greater glory of God. A book worth reading in order to better understand the mechanics and spirituality that guides and inspires him in his service of the Chuirch and the world - a\ sinner whi uis humbly in touch with the mercy and love of the Lord.

Chris Lowney has culled from interviews with Jesuits who knew the Pope in Argentina conclusions about his leadership style. Although it is essentially an application of the same ideas behind his previous book, Heroic Leadership, it is well executed, clear and useful. It really has only one theme, but it's well done, and I learned a lot from it.

Chris first book Heroic Leadership was a wonderful insight into Ignatian and Corporate leadership styles from a person trained and experienced in both. It lead my group to embrace the concepts and involve Chis personally in applying it in a personal development context. However, having read his next book, and now this book on the Jesuit aspects of Pope Francis leadership style, I find a repetitive theme, and delivery style of the same message. Perhaps he could have engaged some ingenuity (the second pillar of success) and the Magis in his way of proceeding.Tony Bland - Sydney

An expert opinion of leadership, combined with his own personal experience give a convincing insight into Pope Francis' own attitude to, and practice of, the subject matter.