Moving On With Grace

This past Monday, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation as leader of the Catholic church effective on February 28, 2013. He did so in a quiet and unassuming way before a small meeting of cardinals telling them that his health and advanced age were impeding his ability to fulfill the papal duties. He is only the second pope in the church’s history to resign his office.

As expected, billions of Catholics worldwide reacted with shock, disbelief, and a certain level of anxiety. Some expressed disappointment with the pontiff’s leadership since he assumed his role nearly eight years ago. Others were saddened by the news and empathized with his decision. Regardless of one’s opinion about the Pope’s leadership or the judiciousness of his resignation, there is much leaders can learn about succession from his example.

Leadership transitions happen for a wide variety of reasons and under disparate circumstances. Some leaders are dismissed for a lack of performance or for exercising poor judgement. Others carefully plan their succession, including handpicking a replacement. Occasionally a transition happens because of acute health concerns or a sudden death. There are even cases where a leader stays beyond his or her capacity to adequately fulfill their duties.

Pope Benedict humbly acknowledged that he no longer possesses the strength to meet the rigorous demands of his job. He understood the seriousness of his decision and voluntarily chose to step aside so the seamless election of another pontiff could occur. By modeling self-effacing behavior the pope sent a powerful message to those who will choose his successor. The conclave will know their choice must be someone who understands as much about leaving as they do about leading.

The world is filled with persons who aspire to positions of leadership. Many of them crave the power and control that often accompanies these assignments. Few are thinking about when and how they might step aside when their performance no longer measures up or the job requires more than they can offer.

Pope Benedict acknowledged that he is not really the head of the Church and, as a servant of Christ, he can step aside without fear that the institution he loves will crumble. The business and political leaders who serve only themselves and their interests might reconsider who is really in charge. Perhaps then, if they are honest, it will also be easier to move on with grace when the time comes.