Leader formation

White Book provision

Leader formation as an expression of responsibility for the Church. Leaders do not form themselves - the Church is responsible for giving them tools for growth and for deepening their vocation. Formation is an ongoing process that requires accompaniment and updating.

Dimensions of formation

John Paul II's Christifideles laici describes the formation of the lay faithful as integral, including spiritual, doctrinal and human aspects (no. 60). For leaders we can speak of four areas:

How adults learn

Leadership development programmes often cite the indicative 70-20-10 ratio, derived from Center for Creative Leadership research: most learning comes from experience and challenges on the job, some from relationships (mentors, managers, feedback), and the smallest part from courses and reading. It is not a strict rule, but it shows that knowledge alone is not enough - practice and accompaniment are needed.

Formation as an ongoing process

The provision stresses that formation does not end when a leader is appointed. People, challenges and culture change, so leaders need updating. In practice:

• an annual formation plan for the leadership team;
• regular days of recollection and retreats;
• practical training (courses, leadership studies);
• the discipleship method - learning in relationship and action;
• a 360-degree review as the starting point for an individual development plan.

The Akademia Przywództwa Foundation runs, among other things, postgraduate leadership studies, the “Animator and Leader Toolkit” course and Leadership Evenings - see Akademia Przywództwa.