Fr Harry advocates a new kind of leadership

The importance of leadership in modern society has been spelled out by Clare sociologist, Fr Harry Bohan.

“The question of leadership has to be one of the most critical facing us as a society right now. There is a need to move from a command / control type of leadership to a more participative, visionary and accountable model – one that is underpinned by values of honesty, integrity, truth and accountability,” he said ahead of the Céifin Conference 2009.
“One of the most critical tasks facing us as a society in the 21st century must surely be the redefinition of leadership – at all levels and in all spheres of life.
“The 20th century was very much the era of the institution. Our lives were shaped by institutions – whether financial (banks), spiritual (church), corporate (big business) or political (parties),” said the chairman of Céifin.
“Problems arose when those institutions that were central to our lives became ends in themselves and lost the notion of service upon which they had been founded. Trust has been broken in many instances and broken trust is not easily mended. Many institutions will have to return to first principles and ask themselves some basic questions. What are banks for? What is the church for? “Is politics about parties or people? How can business and community connect?
It is evident that to overcome the understandable cynicism, frustration and anger that broken trust and poor leadership have generated, a new kind of leadership is called for – a leadership of service. Ministers, whether they be of church or state, would do well to remember that to minister is to serve,” Fr Bohan cautioned.
The Céifin conference, which will be held in Ennis on November 3 and 4, will address the vision, values and leadership necessary for a just, enlightened society. This lively and informative annual two-day conference takes place at the West County Hotel, Ennis, and is chaired by RTÉ broadcaster, Rachael English and RTÉ Mid-Western correspondent, Cathy Halloran.
On Tuesday, November 3, Philip Lowe, director general of competition DG in the European Commission, will give the opening address on private enterprise, public values and civic responsibilities.
In his paper, economist Jim Power poses the question, Who’s minding the house? Throughout the afternoon, speakers and delegates explore a new vision for Irish society. Professor Ray Kinsella’s topic is Re-imagining community and Michael Rodgers, director of the Tearmann Centre, talks about spirituality and environment. The afternoon agenda closes with a panel discussion on Where do we go to from here?
On Tuesday evening, guests will enjoy a selection of Radharc documentaries on Irish life in the latter part of the 20th century. On Wednesday, Paula Downey, Downey Youell Associates, will outline her approach to implementing real and lasting change within an organisation. Leadership will also be explored by Fr Michael Drumm, chairperson, Catholic Schools Partnership in his talk, When the well runs dry, where will we go to for water?
Dearbhail McDonald, legal editor, Irish Independent, will continue this theme in her presentation, Re-imagining Political Leadership. The conference will conclude with a final review and Q&A session with guest speakers and delegates.