One year ago, I had the amazing once in a lifetime experience to graduate with my Bachelor of Arts in Communication: Media Studies & Society with an emphasis in Film & Production with a minor in Spanish Language & Literature. Having attended a Jesuit private institution has provided me with more persuasive skills as not only as a leader but also has assisted in developing a new perspective on how to see and go forth into the world. It is not easy to truly define the qualities of a true Ignatian leader. The Ignatian leadership qualities that are taught within Regis University cannot be minimized down to a specific theory with specific tools and practices to live by each day. In a personal perspective, being an influential Ignatian leader is through the unity of heart and mind. Alternatively, some traits aid and help us to understand what true Ignatian leaders should be. The six fundamental Jesuit values, which are considered to be thought of as ‘compass bearings’ throughout our paths as leaders are offered to provoke thought rather than complete comprehensiveness. Through provoking thought, these values allow us to view and question perspectives through a very philosophical lens. St. Ignatius of Loyola is known for almost being a similar embodiment to Jesus Christ. However, St. Ignatius’ leadership was known to be more collaborative and based more on the emphasis of a two-way street relationship. “Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give, and not to count the cost.” Through the Ignatian lens, leadership is so much more than being at the top of a hierarchy, and neither is it about a specific positional power. Ignatian leadership can be seen as a spiritual calling to teach and serve others who need and deserve it. Ignatian leaders would need to be highly motivated and empathetic. To demonstrate excellent communication and listening skills to understand how to help those in need best. Throughout my leadership roles, both former and present, I aim to continuously demonstrate exceptional communication skills and always maintaining an empathetic outlook on situations that arise. Keeping in mind the compass bearings that we are reminded of daily, two traits still never fail to keep me grounded as an Ignatian leader: humility and a clear sense of direction. Being humble is never about comparing yourself to others or about self-abnegation. As the American evangelical Christian pastor and author Rick Warren once said, “ Humility is not denying your strengths, but accepting your weaknesses.” Through a clear vision and where to start going is what I find incredibly vital as a leader. Asking the question, “Why?” instead of “How?” helps identify the bigger picture of our desired outcome. Throughout my duration spent at Regis University, the subject we were breaking down was about our strengths and how to determine the difference between our real weaknesses. Bringing our best selves and knowing when we are firm in an aspect, but identifying when and how we set ourselves into overdrive in our strengths. Through this better understanding of how we all personally work as leaders in a work setting or inclusive, collaborative environment, I began to see how to become a more influential leader by delegating tasks of what I may not be so good at to those who are exhilarated by that particular task. Through working this way, we are keeping in check with what energizes us the most and brings out our personal best to produce a positive outcome. My most challenging point that was made in my narrative was understanding that my leadership skill can go into overdrive frequently if not careful. I have to challenge myself daily always to remember moments within my work that mattered most and reflect deeply on the impact and connection that was made through those moments. Through reflection is when I feel most energized and motivated to continue forward. It’s about the constant reminder that our work does matter even as leaders. We are continuously evolving and working towards making our dent in the world. How we are being trained and currently working through the Ignatius model of leadership is a very different model from the modern examples of leadership in our culture today due to the one-way model rather than the two-way model. Due to the modern examples of leadership, it is vital that as we set forth from Regis University, with a strong understanding that we always remain with one of our ‘compass bearings’ that we are Men and Women For and With Others. To further expand and intentionally act on it, it’s about finding the key people we need to be around to make our purpose come alive. Our collaborative purpose is about living by our Jesuit values and immersing ourselves into the world and putting our Ignatius Leadership qualities into action. The most extraordinary idea that the Ignatian perspective provides is that we are all formed to lead, even if we are in charge or not. If you are an Ignatian leader, you are called to consistently be aware of how you are leading not only in your life but also the impact your leadership has on others. After a year of continued reflection & immense gratitude, I’m so happy to say that I’m a first generation-Latina graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Spanish. I can’t thank Regis enough for the fantastic opportunities & memories it has given me. Massive accolades to Sue Daniels Photography for the beautiful graduation photos. s.
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