There’s no such thing as a self-made leader; we are all the product of a community, and learning to live with others is at the heart of our development. A human baby is wholly focused on its own needs. Developing means moving beyond that self-centredness to see and respond to the needs of others. That’s the only kind of personal development that produces leaders.

In a world where there’s a lot of fake leadership, what makes a real leader?

Real leaders understand that service is key, and sacrifice is part of service. They’re not interested in power or self-promotion, but know that they have to wash the feet of those they are privileged to lead.

Real leaders learn to listen before they speak, tuning into all voices, not just those who agree with them. They are able to listen even to the voice of Jesus, through prayer.

Real leaders learn to be humble, not proud. They know they are weak and wounded, but trust that, through Jesus, weakness can become a strength.

Real leaders are courageous, facing their fears and going beyond them, prepared to take risks and embrace necessary change, knowing that the future is always under God’s protection and care.

Real leaders learn to be patient, understanding that, as Pope Francis says, “time is greater than space”, that “we must initiate processes rather than occupy space”, and that anger tied to impatience is a road to nowhere.

Real leaders learn to speak the truth in a world where lies can be the norm, knowing that the ultimate lie is about God – that God doesn’t exist or is cruel. This always ends up being a lie about humans; that we are objects, to be used for slavery not freedom.