The Pope's Resignation as a Leadership Benchmark

Quitter. That was the subtext of much of the commentary about the decision of Pope Benedict XVI to resign. Yes, it was couched in respectful tones, but the undercurrent was largely one of disapproval; who in his right mind gives up that kind of power and glory without a fight, the media appeared to be asking.

But in the this era of people famous for being famous, superstar athletes, megawatt entertainers and imperial CEOs, the Pope's decision contains a lesson too often lost in the world of The Brand Called Me.One might argue about his physical capacity to do the job, but there can be no gainsaying his profound devotion to the institution he serves and the spiritual meaning it represents to millions.

Prior to his resignation announcement the Pope was most commonly perceived as an intransigent devotee of traditions that modern reality has cast in a less beneficent light. What he understood, however, that few others seemed to recognize, was that the reform and reinvigoration of the church he believed necessary was a task that only someone with the physical, emotional and intellectual vigor to fight could undertake. He appears to have understood his weaknesses as an administrator and manager. He also acknowledged that he did not have either the capacity to change or the strength to prevail.

In resigning he accomplished two tasks: one was to force a discussion about the future, about what it might hold, what sort of enterprise is required to meet the challenge and what sort of leadership is needed to realize the vision that may emerge from that debate. But the second may have been far more powerful - and encapsulates the boldness of his action: he took the one step he knew he could control that would highlight the argument he believed needed framing and shine as much attention as is possible on it. He recognized that personal sacrifice of a temporal sort would throw a blinding spotlight on the issues at hand and engage the forces necessary to effect change.

It was at once an act of shrewd managerial brilliance and a gesture of humble devotion to something he believes deserves better. Would that other leaders were so smart, so brave and so effective. JL

Roland Martin comments in CNN:

When the news broke this week that Pope Benedict XVI was stepping down as the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Roman Catholics because of his concerns about being able to do the job, many began to speculate that there were other reasons for the decision.

Even though the job of pope is a lifetime appointment, frankly, it is selfish of any individual to hold on to the job for dear life, knowing full well they don't have the capacity to do the job. We have become accustomed to a pope dying in office. That's not a surprise. It has been nearly 600 years since the last pope, Gregory XII, quit in 1415.

Even though the job of pope is a lifetime appointment, frankly, it is selfish of any individual to hold on to the job for dear life, knowing full well they don't have the capacity to do the job.

"Strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me," according to a statement from Pope Benedict released by the Vatican.

Whether we want to be honest or not, it was sad to watch the decline of Pope John Paul II. He was a vibrant figure when he became pope in 1978, traveling the world and spreading the gospel to anyone who would listen. But toward the end of his life in 2005, he was barely able to move or talk, clearly worn down by significant health challenges.

Any leader who respects the organization they serve should have the common sense to know when it's time to say goodbye. We've seen countless examples of CEOs, pastors, politicians and others hang on and on to a position of power, hurting the very people they were elected or chosen to serve.

It takes considerable courage for anyone to step away from the power bestowed upon them by a position, as well as the trappings that come with it.

I'll leave it to others to try to figure out other reasons behind the resignation. But we should at least acknowledge the value of an ego-less decision that reflects humility and concern about the very institution the pope pledged his life to.

All leaders should be concerned about their institution continuing to grow and thrive once their days are no more. That's why a proper succession plan is vitally important.

Too often we have assessed great leaders by what they did in their positions. But their final legacy really is defined by how they left a place.

Pope Benedict XVI knows full well the Catholic Church cannot grow and prosper if its leader is limited in traveling and attending to his flock. There comes a time when one chapter must end and another begins. He has more days behind him than in front of him. He should enjoy his last years in peace and tranquility, without having to worry about trying to do the work designed for a younger man.