Context:

The Confessions is an autobiography, chronicling St. Augustine’s spiritual experiences.  It shows the many obstacles Augustine faced before his conversion, conveying important lessons to the reader on how to overcome hard situations.  Augustine’s ideas were adapted to form the Augustinian Rule, which is followed by members of the Augustinian Order (Portalié). In this way, Augustine became a leader after his death, through sharing his guidance with the Order and all Christians.

Leadership Principles from St. Augustine

1. Values Define Life

• The order in which we prioritize our values not only defines who we are as people, but can profoundly impact our opportunities in life.  Without a clear understanding of what values are truly important, it is nearly impossible for humans to live truly happy, successful lives.
• Augustine repeatedly states prioritizing values. He says, “We make seek all these things, O Lord, but in seeking them we must not deviate from your law” (2.5.10). He makes it clear that if we do not place moral values over earthly ones, we will not be able to live the life that we want to live. He writes that when he strays from God,” I fell headlong into pains, confusions and errors” (1.20.31).
• Application: Desirable values such as alcohol, sex or material objects are not easily fulfilled, and can often restrict our happiness and opportunities in life. Values such as intimate relationships or religion allow us to live more content lives since no matter what we are going through, they will always be there for us.

2. Think Before You Act

• This principle allows a person to choose their reaction to situations.  A person should think and then choose how they will react. 
• Augustine needs to think before he acts instead of letting situations influence him, but for most of his life he fails to think with God.  This leads him to feel that “for the most part I was enduring them against my will rather than acting freely” (8.5.11).  His conversion gives him knowledge of God, which is useful for acting freely situations and making better decisions. 
• Application: When people pick teams in gym, a person can easily be offended when they are not picked.  But if they take time to think, they can find a good explanation for the event and have a positive reaction.

3. Lead by Following

• The most esteemed leaders do not force their demands upon others. Instead, they are able to obtain their goals by serving other individuals in order to gain their trust and respect.
• Augustine uses his mother, Monica, as a prime example of an individual who became an influential leader by putting others before herself. Augustine states, “By persevering in devoted service, and by patience and gentleness, she won over her mother-in-law…” (9.9.20)
• Application: People who put the welfare of their coworkers before themselves are more likely to be respected and listened to when it finally comes there time to share an idea or attempt to get a promotion.

4. Help Others

• When one is successful, one should make an effort to help others accomplish their goals so that everyone can benefit. 
• Augustine’s mother Monica uses her faith to help others around her.  Monica has methods to avoid abuse from her husband, and she “would them instruct [her friends] in this plan of hers” (9.9.19), which helped her friends have better relationships with their husbands. 
• Application: In a group project, team members should help each other so that everyone in the group can benefit from the progress on the project.