Personal Qualifications &
General Leadership Skills
A major change between the 1999, 2009 and 2020 Mission Leader Competency Model came from feedback
received from CEOs and other senior leaders interviewed. They asked that there be a presumption that
mission leaders already possess the necessary personal qualities and general leadership competencies. These key
stakeholders asked that the new competency model focus on the unique contributions mission leaders bring to
the senior leadership team and the ministry they serve. Therefore, the new model assumes a mission leader will
have the necessary personal and leadership qualifications, and that like other senior leaders, those competencies
will need to grow as their responsibilities increase.
THE PERSONAL QUALITIES MISSION LEADERS
ARE PRESUMED TO POSSESS, INCLUDE:
- Well formed in the Catholic theological
tradition: A mission leader has or should be
working toward a minimum of a certificate
in theology, health care mission or ethics, and
preferably, a degree in Catholic theology, health
care mission, ethics or equivalent. As a mission
leader progresses in responsibilities, so should
their theological formation.
- Applies theological and ethical principles in a
health care setting: A mission leader needs to
apply their theological training to the practical
and pastoral issue they encounter each day. The
ability to identify when theological and ethical
principles are relevant and translate them into
layman’s language is an essential contribution of
the mission leader.
- Models servant leadership: A mission leader
must model what it means to serve others and
put others’ needs before self.
- Establishes mutually-beneficial relationships
with diverse groups: Mission leaders are
authentic, sincere and capable of building
meaningful relationships at all levels of the
organization across all demographics.
- Inspires others to live the mission and values of
the organization: Mission leaders not only model
the mission and values through their behaviors,
but also, they are able to help everyone at all
levels of the organization recognize how their
work advances the mission and values.
- Exhibits ongoing personal and professional
development: Mission leaders exhibit a commitment
to ongoing education and formation so they stay
abreast of the trends in health care and the mission
and ethics implications these may hold.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES A
MISSION LEADER IS PRESUMED TO
POSSESS, INCLUDE:
- Strategic thinking: Staying aware of changes
in the landscape of health care, mission leaders
are able to anticipate the mission and ethics
implications and plan for the future.
- Business acumen: Having a working knowledge
of the organization’s business and financial realities,
mission leaders can meaningfully engage with
other executive leaders in operational decisions.
- Adaptability and agility: Understanding change
management and how systems operate, mission
leaders demonstrate both personal flexibility and
the skills to lead others through transformation
while preserving the desired culture.
- Communication skills: Possessing effective
written and oral communication skills, mission
leaders invite, listen and respond to all voices in
the organization and community.
- Managerial skills: Demonstrating the ability to
lead teams, effectively manage multiple projects,
and empowering and mentoring growth in direct
reports, mission leaders are effective managers.
- Succession planning: Recognizing the changing
landscape of health care, mission leaders
understand the necessity for a pipeline of diverse
associates who can progress in the organization
and keep the ministry thriving.