Abstract:

The paper aims to design a new model of a leader, a Samaritan leader, who can respond to the world's growing challenges and crises. Every day the world is changing, everywhere, needs and motivations are changing. We live in a world affected by many crises (Covid, war, energy), where consumerism and the digital world have made us savage, compassionless, and without mercy towards others. That is WHY the current leadership needs to be redefined, to update the old principles and values that give meaning to the Human Ego. The new leadership model will guide people's steps towards WHAT needs to be done and certainly inspire them as to WHY things need to be changed. The next question is HOW we can do this. HOW the values and principles will help leaders to own a set of tools and skills that define their steps, actions, and vision. The research methodology is based on a literature review, is interdisciplinary, and starts from the analysis of the biblical parable of the merciful Samaritan. Then, all the concepts analyzed are transposed to concrete situations. The Samaritan leader makes good altruistically, without thought of reward, putting human well-being at the center of their actions. In today's society, which is gripped by crisis, uncertainty, and war, we need such a model of a leader, who gives us an example of selflessness, and who inspires us to help regardless of religion, race, etc. Through his behavior, the Samaritan leader gives value to each person, realizing that each person is unique. The Covid crisis has led people to isolation, solitude, and anxiety. The Samaritan leader helps people to value their relationships with others, to help each other, to collaborate, to share, creating the premise of the collaborative economy. The Samaritan leader is the one who responds to requests with responsibility, is available, and offers unconditional support. Therefore, in the face of impending war and multiple crises, the Samaritan leader is a model who inspires people to do good deeds and to respond concretely and punctually to challenges. The new type of leadership involves challenging the relationship immediately; so that we are ready to deal with change, make quick decisions and act by thinking of others. The parable of the charitable Samaritan is an excellent example of quick, concrete action. The main qualities of the Samaritan leader are compassion, concrete support, respect, gratitude, and sensitivity. Samaritan leadership is that which cultivates the spirit of collaboration, of helping others, and of sharing things for the common good. The new leader is human-centered, sharing values, and responsibilities, and carrying for others. Thus, cooperation and the need to be open, to building relationships with each other are encouraged. The results of the research include a picture of the skills and abilities of the new leader in the context of contemporary society, with its specific dynamics and unique challenges; and examples of actions taken that highlight these qualities. The research question is what is the new way forward in the context of several crises; what perspective on leadership can the new Samaritan model bring? Through this research, we are trying to highlight a model of leadership behavior and actions that will bring human value back to the frontline and help us overcome today's challenges through cooperation, sharing, and collaboration.

Keywords:

leadership, human-centered leader.