The Rule of Counsel

THE RULE OF COUNSEL

GROUP 7

According to chapter 3 of “The Rule of St. Benedict”, when there is an important issue that has to be dealt with in the monastery, the Abbot will have to call together the whole community and state the matter to be acted upon. Then after the majority of the brethren have given their insights and advice regarding the matter, the Abbot will decide and turn the matter over in his own mind and do what he thinks is appropriate. The reason for that counsel is that the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best meaning to say that it is also crucial to give importance to the ideas of the younger generation despite their lack of experience because there are some cases that experience is not a factor that will affect the outcome of a certain problem. But according to the rule, The Abbot’s decision overrules all. But it is his duty to make decisions with utmost prudence and justice. Let no one in the monastery to follow his own ways in so as to contend with the Abbot because the Abbot is already assuming responsibility for his decisions. In conclusion, the counsel stresses the importance of being civilized and making decisions with the consent of others. In today’s corporate world, the same concept is adapted and applied. When making decisions that will affect the interest of the whole company, it is with utmost importance that the CEO/President consults the opinions and suggestions of the lower ranking members of the company. But in the end, the decision of the superior will always win. But what is important is that counsel somehow affects the final decision of the superior. Because it is his duty to look after the welfare of his community so as to create a harmonious relationship with them. This particular rule of St. Benedict exhibits discipline and respect. Traits that are very much needed to survive in the ever growing and competitive corporate world.