SENTINEL WATCH November 29, 2010 Issue

UNIVERSAL POWER OF LEADERSHIP

BEVERLEY BEDDOES-MILLS

IN HER SPEECH to the United Nations last July, Queen Elizabeth II reflected on the qualities of leadership. She said, "I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal, and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm, and their inspiration, to work together."

These attributes of leadership—and the ability to encourage people to work together—belong not only to those in powerful positions, but are present in us all. They are spiritual qualities that are given to everyone by God, divine Love. When we put them into practice, even on the local level, they have the power to change our communities and, ultimately, the world. And our world needs more of this spiritual sense of leadership if it is to work together on behalf of all humanity.

During the recent UN meeting on the Millennium Development Goals, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke urgently about the need for the world leaders attending to express these leadership qualities in order to bring relief to those who are suffering from chronic hunger, poverty, and disease. As I prayed about the UN and its role in world affairs, it became clear that vital, transforming leadership in the international community doesn't operate alone. It is dependent on the support and trust of all people who love humanity and wish to see people lifted out of fear, poverty, and sickness.