Today is Easter!
Easter, the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the greatest feast for Catholics and the celebration of the central event of the Christian faith. On this day, it is worth returning to the message that Pope Leo XIV shared with us at the beginning of Lent. This is a message that should not be confined to this season but rather extended into our everyday organizational lives.
The Pope proposes two simple yet very demanding habits, listening and fasting, which we can live out in very concrete ways within our organizations, in how we work, lead, and relate to one another, far beyond the Easter season.
Listening
First, as the Pope reminds us, “the willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone.” This listening, as he describes it, is centered on the Word of God, but naturally extends to our behavior with others, especially those who are more vulnerable.
In organizations, this means being close to those who feel invisible, overwhelmed, or voiceless. Listening to them is an act of proximity that humanizes leadership and strengthens the organizational community. Listening becomes a bridge. It brings together different realities, reveals hidden problems, and restores dignity to those most in need of recognition. When leaders and teams are willing to listen to the most vulnerable, they not only correct silent injustices, but also build a more just, supportive, and cohesive culture. Ultimately, to listen is to include, and an organization that includes is a stronger organization.
Fasting
Second, the Pope invites us to a form of fasting that goes beyond abstaining from food, a fasting from harmful language. We are called to disarm our language, “avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.” It is about weighing our words and cultivating kindness, replacing aggressive discourse with words of hope and peace.
In an organizational context, this can translate into a true fast from toxic language. It means pausing before speaking and choosing words that build rather than wound. Instead of impulsive criticism, we should seek paths for improvement. Instead of harsh reactions, we should prioritize direct and respectful dialogue. Small gestures, such as asking questions with openness or offering feedback with care, have a profound impact on how we work together.
When this care becomes a habit, the culture transforms. Unnecessary conflicts diminish, and trust grows. Communication ceases to be a space of tension and becomes a space of construction. Ultimately, it is not about speaking less, but about speaking better, with intention, respect, and responsibility.
Within our everyday organizational lives, we can carry this dual proposal from the Pope beyond the Easter season: more attentive listening to those who work alongside us, and a more genuine fasting from language that generates unhealthy organizational environments. It is a simple path, but one that can profoundly transform how we work together.
João Cotter Salvado, Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at Católica-Lisbon SBE