A book that draws on The Rule of St Benedict for guidance on the effective management of production organisations, proving its relevance today

There are rules for businesses and rules for monasteries.  These are rules that, while largely different, are not entirely dissimilar in terms of the organisation of a company and that of a convent.  In fact, these are rules that entrepreneurs and managers can also borrow from those who wear a monk’s habit. Of course, we can draw inspiration from them, taking care not to betray their spirit, but rather seeking to grasp their meaning, which goes beyond the apparent goals and touches on the essence of community life: sharing the same objectives and behaving in a way that shows respect for the individual while working together to reach the finish line.

This is the premise of ‘L’organizzazione perfetta. La Regola di San benedetto una saggezza antica al servizio dell’impresa moderna’ (The perfect organisation. The Rule of St Benedict: ancient wisdom at the service of modern business) by Massimo Folador. The book has a simple and effective structure.  First, there is a historical overview of The Rule. Then, there are three sections (chapters) which identify the key points: the mission, the values, and the conduct to be observed. Finally, there is an in-depth examination of the need to guide oneself, and then others, in order to build an ‘organised community’.

Businesses and monasteries,  two examples of communities, albeit with different aims. Indeed, for 1,500 years, Benedictine monasteries have set an example of how to live and work in an environment where everyone has clear aims and objectives and knows their role and responsibilities, making the most of the community’s strengths. The monastery’s organisational model has stood the test of time and has much to offer the business world, thanks to its effective management of shared values, distributed leadership, and its ability to bring together motivated individuals who are aware of their responsibilities.

Reading Folador’s book will make it clear to anyone how The Rule of St Benedict serves as a powerful reminder of the common roots of organised life and its rules and necessities. At a time when a renewed sense of belonging can breathe new life into corporate life and governance, this is particularly important.

L’organizzazione perfetta. La Regola di San Benedetto una saggezza antica al servizio dell’impresa moderna

Massimo Folador

Guwrini NEXT, 2016