By Sr. Margarita Do, Thailand (Province of East Asia)
The East Asia Province Leadership Team envisions a transformative future for the province within a new governance structure and thoroughly prepared personnel. To achieve this vision, we organized a comprehensive five-day workshop from August 26 to 30.
The gathering, held at the Redemptorist Center of Pattaya, Thailand, brought together 24 leaders from Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, including the Province Leadership Team and the Sector Leadership Teams, to engage collaboratively in a synodal journey.
Led by our facilitator, Paula Sgherza, the workshop’s goals were to foster transformational leaders who create spiritual leadership, synodality, and a universal culture of justice. With these clear goals, we spent time learning together through various activities for us to grow in understanding of transformational leadership as a synodal practice, identify leadership patterns and behaviors in personal practice, explore how to create a universal culture of justice in our own leadership context, practice skills of participatory facilitation, dialogue and hosting of groups, and deepen skills of listening and awareness through the practice of conversation in the Spirit.
We were invited to reflect on the three leadership styles (laissez-faire leadership, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership). It was very touching for everyone to reflect and become aware of who we are in this journey. Our deep sharing revealed that, as Asians, we are profoundly affected by hierarchical culture, which presents significant challenges in achieving transformational leadership—leadership that inspires change and fosters innovation. However, the eagerness and vibrant energy of each individual, along with our collective spirit, demonstrate our readiness to embrace the call to explore unknown horizons.
Moreover, the synodal leadership messages from Dr. Jessie Rogers, Sr. Nathalie Becquart, and the School of Synodality deeply touched all participants.
We spent considerable time reflecting on and practicing facilitation, with each group facilitator highlighting essential aspects for our transformation as we embark on the journey of forming a new local community. Key themes included strengthening collaboration, fostering trust, and embracing inclusivity.
We left the session feeling not just inspired and hopeful but also ready and prepared to apply these insights and practices to our own contexts. Through the experience of this shared learning and dialogue, we aim to continue cultivating the skills and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of this transition and strengthen our collective leadership.
