Justin Nico Ravago

Sem 4 Final Paper

Benedictine Spirituality
March 18, 2015
Summary of the book Benedictine Rule of Leadership
10-15 sentences only
The Benedictine Rule of Leadership, authored by Craig and Oliver Galbraith, is
an easy to comprehend book which attempts to share to its readers the Benedictine
Rule as a time-tested management system, together with historical context and
leadership theories. According to the author, there was a point in time where around
40,000 organizations were guided by Benedicts rule, and at the same time, had
survived a lot of competition and hostile environments which simply means that such
system is remarkably adaptable and innovative. The goal of the book is to present to
the readers the Rule as a Tool which such virtues can provide the common structure
for brilliant managerial improvisation which can lead to sustainable leadership and
organizational longevity. The core melody shall remain intact, but the organizational
leaders, or aspirants, can improvise around the edges with technique appropriate to the
age and situation. The book is divided into three parts: first, the rule on fraternity, which
discusses lessons for designing each organization, second, the rule of group chemistry,
which shares insights on molding and working together with a team, and third, the rule
of empowerment, which presents a guide for honing an individual as a leader. Among
the many rules in presented in the book, the one that stands out are the rules on
seniority and merit, the rule of stability and sustainability which is best exemplified by
monasteries around the world, and the rule of leader example, which stresses following
the Rule, motivating by example and admitting of no exceptions. The books crux of the
matter is the issue of community and organization, and not religion or theology. It aims
to provide the core melodies for creating the most basic and essential ingredients for
creating a truly sustainable organization. For fifteen centuries, organizations have been
guided by nothing more than a copy of Benedicts rule and this overwhelming evidence

cannot be explained further. The Rule of Benedict, after all, according to Gilbraith,
stands equal with Sun Tzu or Clausewitz in the grand body of leadership literature.
Discuss 5 similarities and 5 differences of the Rule of St Benedict with Civil Law
Similarities
1. Both the Rule and Civil Law are for the interest of the community, or rather, the
people, and not the individual.

The essence of community is one of the

hallmarks of the rule, and Civil Law agrees that all things done must be for the
common good.
2. Both the Rule and Civil Law respect the modern day changes and innovations.
Both instruments adapt to the demands of society and generational
responsibilities. It all depends on what paradigm is used.
3. Both the Rule and Civil Law keep constant guard for ethics. Keep constant
guard over the actions of your life, Benedict said. Civil Law grants damages to
those who inflict moral and ethical violations.
4. Both the Rule and Civil Law recognize stability. The Rule emphasizes on stability
of organizations and monasteries. On the other hand, Civil Law recognizes the
stability of the government because it is of, for and by the people.
5. Both the Rule and Civil Law agree on the importance of customary practice.
Ritual should therefore be short and pure, Benedict said. On the other hand,
Civil Law respects the customs and traditions of individuals as embodied in the
New Civil Code.
Differences
1. The Rule and Civil Law differs on age as an element. Absolutely nowhere shall
age automatically determine rank, Benedict said.

In Civil Law, it is applied

strictly to determine the capacity of parties to act and make contracts.

2. The Rule and Civil Law differs on managerial style which is lean management.
The latter is adhered to by the Rule through the role of the abbot. On the other
hand, Civil Law is all about bureaucracy and having three heads of government.

3. The Rule and Civil Law differs on grievance procedure. The rule provides that
the Abbot should so regulate and arrange all matters regarding it. On the other
hand, Civil Law requires the establishment of the Labor Arbiter, Conciliation
Board and the DOLE Secretary to hear grievances.
4. The Rule and Civil Law differs on what the leader must do. The Rule suggests
that the leader must lead by example than by words.

Civil Law grants the

President all the powers without mentioning any leadership by example.

5. The Rule and Civil Law differs on the rule of humility and moderation. Whoever
exalts himself shall be humbled, said Benedict.

No provision of humility or

moderation can be read anywhere in Civil Law.

What are the characteristics of a good leader are as discussed in the book? How
will you apply these with our social leaders?
I would like to highlight, among the many, 4 major characteristics of a good leader
according to the Benedictine Rule of Leadership. These are the following, as discussed
in the book.
1. Leading by example or walking the talk.

It says that the subordinates best

respect their leaders when the former see that the latter are leading by example.
2. Following the Rule and admitting no excuses. It acknowledges that leaders must
not present excuses in times of failure.
3. Humility as the root, mother, nurse, foundation and bond of all virtue. It shall be
the number one characteristic of leaders which should foster obedience and
respect.
4. Unmatched bulldog resolve and gritty determination. It is true to the popular
Benedictine principles of prayer and work. Leaders must persevere and have grit
amidst tumultous work.

The aforementioned characteristics are not merely applied to each social leader
such as the President, Senators, Chief Executive Officers, Managers or even School
Heads. It is ought to be learned, individually, through the years and from the ground up,
by simply applying the Rule of St. Benedict in every action they take. It is not an
automatic thing to do after finishing the book on Benedictine Rule on Leadership.
Rather, it is a way of life. It is a practice which ought to be molded into the daily lives of
leaders, managers and changers of society. For without practice and self-absorption of
the values, it will mere be just another book in the library.
What is the significance of the Benedictine rule in the formation of future Bedan
Lawyers?
Bedan Lawyers who ought to be guided by the Benedictine principles of prayer,
work and peace, are expected to be holistic persons who excel in their respective
endeavors. They are expected to excel not only in school, nor in the Bar, nor in the
regular office workplace. They not only become mere lawyers or defenders of the law.
Rather, they are meant to lead big law firms or business corporations, or non-profit
organizations. This would entail having a firm ground on Saint Benedicts Rule as a tool
for providing the most basic and essential ingredients for creating a truly sustainable
organization.
This is where Benedictine Rule of Leadership comes into play.

The valued

characteristics of a good leader are equally balanced with the ideal organization and
management system of Saint Benedict. It is, after all, one of the most oldest and most
revered in leadership literature.
What is the main theme of the book? Justify your answer.
All for one an one for all.

Such was the call of the Three Musketeers and which I firmly believe is the main
them of the book balancing the individual and the organization. Throughout the book,
readers are thought how to develop an organization according to the idea of Saint
Benedicts Rule, how to engage and manage the systems of an organization just like
how the monasteries and the order are run, and how to be a leader as envisioned and
exemplified by no less than Saint Benedict.
Common throughout the book is the blending of organizational theories with
individual interests. Not only did the communitys success depend upon the satisfaction
of each member, but the individual needed the team as well to improve on its own self.
As opposed to the Roman leadership practice which preoccupied with the interests of
the ruling class, the Beneditine Rule of Leadership, as exemplified by the monastic
community, was striving to balance the interests of the individual and the organization.
The community, together with the individuals, is of paramount importance which will
lead to sustainability, development and longevity.