True Leaders Help Their Team See How Amazing They Are

“It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.” Matthew 20:26-27 (MSG)

Famed conductor Leonard Bernstein was once asked what the most difficult instrument to play in an orchestra was. His answer surprised many:
“Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm, that’s a problem. And yet, without the second fiddle, there’s no harmony.”

That statement holds a powerful lesson for leadership.

Have you ever worked for a leader who made everything about themselves? I have, and those were some of the most difficult seasons in ministry and professional life. I was raised and formed to lead differently, to include, to build up others, and to discover the unique beauty each person carries so that, together, we could form a strong, unified team.

But working under leadership that uses position to control rather than serve is exhausting. It stifles growth and crushes morale. Jesus addressed this kind of leadership head on in Matthew 20. He made it clear: this must not be so among you. As disciples of Christ, we are called to lead like Him, through service, humility, and care.

In leadership, I’ve seen how easy it is for people to confuse authority with control. Sadly, when leadership is fueled by pride, insecurity, or unhealed wounds, it turns from a calling into a power struggle. A leader who needs to dictate every move isn’t truly leading; they’re managing through fear and insecurity. And while anyone can desire to lead, not everyone is ready to lead.

Leadership is a posture of the heart. It requires healing, humility, and a genuine desire to see others thrive. Without this, organizations and teams suffer. In fact, leaders like this don’t just need leadership training, they need spiritual healing and restoration in the presence of Jesus.

As someone who studied music for many years, I’ve always been fascinated by orchestras. One beautiful detail is that the conductor doesn’t face the audience, he faces the musicians. His role isn’t to be seen, but to guide. Every musician watches his hands, depends on his direction, and follows his lead. At the end of the performance, the conductor turns to acknowledge the audience, but the applause belongs to the orchestra.

That’s what servant leadership looks like.

A true leader stands in front of their team, guiding them with wisdom, encouragement, and care, not seeking personal recognition, but working to bring out the very best in each person. When we lead this way, we create harmony, trust, and a culture where people feel valued and empowered to grow.

As leaders, we must remember we are first in line for service, sacrifice, and hard work. But the reward is profound, the joy of seeing people step into their purpose and knowing we played a part in that journey.

So today, I want to encourage you: if you’re in a position of leadership, make it your mission to discover the beauty in your team. Serve them well. Help them see how amazing they truly are.

Prayer:
Father, today I come into Your presence with a humble heart, asking You to reveal the areas of my life that still need healing. I don’t want to use any position of leadership as a platform to be seen, but as an opportunity to lift others up and reflect Your heart.

As David prayed in the Psalms:
“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about. See for Yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong, then guide me on the road to eternal life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 MSG)

Search me, Lord. Show me if there’s any pride in me that keeps my team from shining the light You’ve placed within them. Reveal any insecurities that drive me to control rather than trust, delegate, and welcome their wisdom and input.

Heal the broken places in me that might be affecting those I’m called to lead. And if I’m not ready for this season of leadership, if my heart is not yet in the right place, give me the courage and humility to step down, knowing that my worth isn’t in a title, but in You.

Let my true motivation always be to honor You, and to help those around me see You in me, through the way I serve, love, and lead.
Amen.