Our character & leadership foundations
Biculturalism Māori leadership has been characterised by leaders who show strength for their people, a sense of mission and who have earned the respect, confidence and loyalty of their followers, both as a group and individually. Mana, often associated with Māori leadership, is achieved by a leader's actions of compassion, humility and showing strength for their people. The concept of whanaungatanga (relationships) is central to this. Relationships, putting others before self and being able to work together are considered important aspects of being a leader. The whakatauki Ki te kotahi te kakaho ka whati, Ki te kapuia e kore e whati brings together the values of respect, humility and togetherness by acknowledging that we are stronger together than as individuals and that by nurturing others, we ourselves can be uplifted. A true leader in terms of Māori ideals is someone who builds up those with whom they are working and who cares for those below them. Understanding that being in a position to enhance your own mana or status is not as important as the actions we take to show kindness and thoughtfulness for others, forms a key part of servant leadership. The idea of ngākau aroha, being one of generosity, giving for long-term or future benefit, and doing the right thing by others to ensure their wellbeing, connects clearly to our College virtues. Combined with the ideals of strength, courage, agility, tenacity and determination as represented by the mangapore motif, we can connect the different Māori leadership principles with our College virtues to build a strong platform for the development of character. We can create a synergy from which to build leaders of the future – leaders who will act as kaitiaki and stewards of tangata and the whenua.
Christianity Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34) The great paradox at the heart of Christianity is strength through weakness. The more we consider ourselves to be weak, the more we lean on Christ for our strength and the more we let him change us. The character of Christ is benevolent, surrendering of ego, genuine and with a selfless love for others – expressed in service. Although often considered weak in an increasingly secular world, selfless love and serving of others, exists as the very glory of God. By embracing this, we then become fully alive ourselves. As Christ faced Pilate, so Christian leaders are called to be humble in the power they exercise, assured in the call they answer. As steadfast leaders, they rejoice with the community in times of triumph, and in times of adversity, set their face to Jerusalem for the sake of others. Christian leadership cultivates resilience, so leaders do not weary in well-doing and draw strength from doing not simply what needs to be done, but by doing what is right. The leadership programme seeks to instil virtues inspired by Christ himself, a role model of compassion and forgiveness, who stretches out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ's example teaches us to respect and value all people of whatever faith, or none. Although Christ’s leadership is humble, the influence of his teaching and example continues to impact on the acts of leadership we display. So let your light so shine before others, that they see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Character Leadership is built on a foundation of trust, and you build trust by having good character. If leaders are honest, caring, fair, and respectful, and demonstrate a variety of good character strengths and attributes, others will work with them. This concept is an essential element in the leadership journey of boys at Christ’s College, as we look to build them into leaders of the future. Embedding character development into all aspects of school programmes lays a great foundation for nurturing leadership in all students. We need to learn to understand our character strengths, how they can have a positive effect on our wellbeing and how to use our strengths to grow and flourish. This is key to building a platform from which we lead and work with others. The bars in the design above represent one of our most well-known Old Boys, Charles Upham, VC & Bar. Through examples like his, we can see that moral courage, integrity, compassion and a disposition to serve are important attributes to instil in our young leaders. We encourage our boys to act. This empowers more student leadership around the ideals of social justice, fairness and having a moral compass to do what is right through action and example. This is balanced with knowing how to act with humility and selflessness and to see strengths in others. It is often said that your true character is revealed in what you do when no-one is watching. At Christ’s College, we take this a step further. We assert that true character is reflected in the good you do for others. Our belief in this model of servant leadership means that we will celebrate and work to amplify the good our boys can do at College and in the community. We will support and encourage their innovation, enthusiasm and inspiration to grant success to others and, through this, make the most of themselves.
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