The Abbess should always remember what she is and what she is called, and should know that to whom more is committed, from her more is required (Luke 12:48). Let her understand also what a difficult and arduous task she has undertaken: ruling souls and adapting herself to a variety of characters.One she must coax, another scold, another persuade, according to each one's character and understanding. Thus she must adjust and adapt herself to all in such a way that she may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to her care, but may even rejoice in the increase of a good flock.

Leaders often proclaim they have stuck to their principles; by which they too often mean their preconceived understanding.

Benedict urges the leader to adjust and adapt to reality. The leader must give special attention the character of others.

I very much like the translation of Benedict offered above, "adapting herself to a variety of characters."

The original Latin is multorum servire moribus. A more literal translation might be, "by much service (or need) to die."

Adaptation is not easy and death is not to be feared.