St. John Baptist De La Salle led a truly
remarkable life as he exhibited the following traits :
1.
Risk Taker
When he was accidentally exposed to poverty chasing Andre,
he realized that he needed to help the impoverished. He sold all his assets to
finance his advocacy of educating the poor. He had the boldness to train
ordinary people to teach and went to other lands to develop other schools.
2.
Innovator
During the 16th Century, schools did not have
any structure. Instructors would teach students one at a time, leaving the
other students rambunctious. Before their one on one with the instructors,
students would render work without appropriate pay. St. La Salle introduced the
class system where children were taught in groups. St. La Salle also made a
class schedule where students would attend class at a specific time and would
end on time. This arrangement is far more efficient and effective than their
previous system.
3.
Servant Leader
According Robert
Greenleaf, a servant leader is servant first, it begins with the natural feeling
that one wants to serve, to serve first. St. La Salle embodied this concept as
he gave up all this material belongings to serve the poor. He believed that
leading to educate the poor would lead the next generation to a better future.
He specifically shown he was a servant leader when he gave out all his bread to
the poor and not minding that there was nothing left for him and his teachers.
4.
Mentor
St. La Salle
acted as a positive role model to all the brothers, teachers and his students.
He was willing to share his skills, knowledge and expertise because he believed
his cause was for the better good. He was very approachable to the children and
had the ability to listen and see what needs to be changed in a person or even
the society, and focus on that area or opportunity.
The life of
St. John Baptist De La Salle taught me that we can perform miracles by touching
the hearts of people who are around us. People need a light that would guide
them to a gracious path. As positive role model, others should be able to see
in my wisdom how they should behave. As I am in a position of relative
influence in our company, the way I behave should be a representation to those I
teach. I should inspire and lead the staff by being gracious when it due and
encouraging to do better if there is an area of opportunity.
