When Your Team Struggles, Will You Lead Like the World -or Like Christ?
Leadership is easy when numbers are up, clients are happy, and your team is thriving.
But what about when the storm rolls in?
A global crisis. A personal tragedy. Burnout. Unexpected loss.
As Catholic business owners, these aren’t just moments to manage—they're invitations to lead with solidarity.
The World Says: "Protect the Bottom Line."
Our Faith Says: "Protect the Person."
In Catholic social teaching, solidarity means we are responsible for one another. It’s not about pity from a distance, but presence in the midst of pain. It’s choosing to stay close when the world would rather distance itself.
For business owners, this might look like:
Keeping a role open longer than makes sense on paper, because you know a team member just needs time to heal.
Offering flexible hours or extra PTO when someone is carrying a hidden burden.
Saying, “You matter more than our deadline.”
What Real Leadership Looks Like in Hard Times
Imagine a SENT member who learns that one of her key employees has lost a loved one. Rather than rushing past the news with a standard HR response, she pauses. She writes a handwritten note. The team collectively offers a Mass/Prayer. They shift timelines to carry the employee’s workload without guilt or grumbling.
She doesn’t just feel empathy. She acts on it.
That’s not just solidarity—it’s evangelization through leadership.
The ROI of Radical Presence
You can’t calculate it on a balance sheet, but the return is real:
Loyalty: Employees stand by leaders who first stood by them.
Trust: When people feel safe, they show up more fully and creatively.
Witness: In a culture of burnout and replaceability, leading with compassion becomes a quiet but powerful form of evangelization.
Your People Are Your Mission
In times of crisis, leadership becomes a form of accompaniment.
The question is, “How do I show up and walk with them?”
In tough seasons, leadership is less about having the right answers and more about being present. It’s not about fixing every problem—it’s about showing up when it matters most.
As a Catholic entrepreneur, your legacy isn’t just what you build—it’s how you treat the people building it with you.
Want to Lead with Faith in Action?
If you’re navigating a challenging season as a leader or want to deepen your people-first leadership approach, join the SENT community. Learn from others walking the same road, with Christ at the center.
Meet with a SENT Mentor
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