There is a real need in our society for leaders who are not only strong, but authentic and empathetic, says St Joseph’s Nudgee College’s Director of Students, Mr Sean Toovey. He speaks with former and current school leaders to find out what they believe are important traits for great leaders.
Early studies on the psychology of leadership pointed to the notion that people are born with natural leadership skills. It was not until recently that formal leadership theories emerged, leading us to better understand how leadership is learnt rather than inherent.
As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are of the mindset of continuously challenging each student to be ‘leaders’ in their own right. We ascribe to the servant leadership model whereby trust, cooperation, and high performance standards within the context of the overarching values of the College are paramount. A servant leader focuses primarily on the growth and wellbeing of people and the communities to which they belong. The servant leader shares power, puts the needs of others first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. According to 2019 College Captain Mr Hayden Bygott, “if service is beneath you, then leadership is above you”. From when he arrived at the College as a Year 10 student, Hayden said he was encouraged to be ambitious, but to give back where possible.
“At the College I learnt that by being in a fortunate position, you’re called to try and serve others less fortunate, and to ultimately keep trying to make society more ‘just’, one person at a time,” he said.
With numerous changes to the College student leadership framework in the last few years, 2021 College Captain Mr Leo De Clara said there is now a structure that ensures each student has the capability to lead, both formally and informally, within their chosen field.
The current crop of student leaders are passionate about what it means to be a leader in the Nudgee College context. Current Captain Harry Roati believes servant leadership involves sacrifice, as well as listening, caring, and acting with humility and gratitude.
“A common misconception at Nudgee College is that you are not a leader if you do not have a badge or title, but regardless of your year level, it is your duty to be selfless and inspire others,” he said.
“In striving to become a servant leader you are opening yourself up to being the best version of yourself, embodying the College motto of being Signum Fidei – a ‘Sign of Faith’, and ultimately, a man who acts with integrity and authenticity.
One of this year’s Vice Captain’s Andrew Tora agrees, referring to servant leadership as an inverse pyramid in which a leader values the input and wellbeing of all members of the community above themselves.
“In my formative years, I found a great sense of fulfilment through helping others, which could look like anything, from tutoring younger students with their homework, to cooking up a hot breakfast for the marginalised in the broader community,” he said.
“Whilst I was unaware of it, I was utilising key principles of student service to support others, including humility, respect and compassion.”
From direct service such as tutoring and serving meals, to the indirect service of organising a fundraising event or collecting donations, there are many ways Nudgee College students can be leaders through service. Dean of Identity Mr Stephen Meara says advocacy is also an important way in which the boys can serve others.
“When members of society have no voice or cannot be heard, others must stand with them in solidarity,” he said.
“We do not seek to speak for others, but to stand with them and ask that they be heard.”
To be an authentic Sign of Faith is not a finite journey. From our youngest men in Year 5, to our graduating Senior class, and beyond the gates of Nudgee College, the ideals and values of servant leadership continue to evolve in our students.
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