Well, Pope Francis has done it again. Been the kind of normal human that's made him almost rock star popular with the press.
He was doing infant baptisms in the reverent environs of the Sistine Chapel - where the princes of the Church elected him Pope. He said that, while the singing of the choirs was wonderful, the cries of the babies made the most beautiful music in the room.
Then he did that "human" thing again. In essence, he said, "If your baby is hungry, Mother, go ahead and feed him." In the Sistine Chapel.
This is the Pope who chooses a simple little apartment over the opulent papal residence. Who made sure he went back and paid his own hotel bill after he was elected Pope. Who'd rather ride the bus or the train to work than an official limo. Who washes the feet of nuns and convicts. Who drives his security detail crazy by plunging into crowds to get up close and personal with everyday folks.
There's no doubt that the new Pope has endeared himself to the press and the public in ways that are unusual for a man in that austere position. His beliefs can be debated, for sure. The institution he heads is - as he admits - flawed in many ways.
But Pope Francis as a leader - well, his early impact suggests we might have something to learn from what's making him effective. He exhibits some principles of leading - whether as parents, bosses, teachers, pastors - that we all need to be reminded of.
For example, people listen to you when you serve them. They stop listening when you try to dominate them.
I remember a wealthy friend of mine telling me there was one person - and only one - who could tell his wife hard truth and she'd listen. The maid who had served her faithfully for years.
When someone seems to be all about your needs, you lower your guard. They're a safe person in a world full of people with agendas.
We're attracted to leaders who are servants, not tyrants. Something I need to keep in mind as a husband. A dad. An employer. We win the right to be heard when we forget about ourselves and live asking, "Who needs me today?"
In our world, position seems to make people feel entitled to deference and privilege. In fact, true leadership understands that position entitles you to elevating everyone else.
We're also getting to see in the new man in Rome that whether you agree with the Pope's convictions or not, it's clear there's a different feel in how he presents them. Even when addressing various issues, this new leader doesn't seem mad about it. Or mean about it. And people are hearing him because he's not yelling.
Which is a valuable reminder that communication is a lot more about tone than content. Truth can be conveyed with an arrogance and shrillness that shuts people's ears. Then there's that humble, respectful, gentle tone that doesn't shade the truth but opens hearts. Sometimes it's not what we're saying people react against. It's the way we're saying it.
Once again - important to remember for whatever leadership you have. People hear when they feel like they've been heard first. They respond to gentleness, react against harshness. They consider a message when it's delivered considerately.
As I reflect on what I'm writing, I'm thinking, "Well, duh. How simple is this!"
Maybe. But how rare.
The servant-leader. The humble leader. The respectful leader.
Is a magnetic leader.
Of course, the real model for all of this isn't a pope or a president or a prime minister. Except as they mirror the only Leader who split history in two. The ultimate Authority in the universe who came to this planet and emptied Himself for the people He made.
Jesus put it this way: "I came not to be served, but to serve. And to give My life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Talk about entitled! Ruler of galaxies. Worshipped by angels.
Nailed to a cross. Mind-boggling.
Nailed to a cross to pay for what I've done against Him.
The love I could not resist. The sacrifice I cannot comprehend. The Leader I can give myself to. And follow from here to eternity.
