Kill Your Pride: An 8-Day Brave Coaches Journeyਨਮੂਨਾ

Pride Blocks Connection.

Pride isolates. It’s the wall you build by pretending to have all the answers, by never showing weakness, and by needing to be the “go-to guy” in every circumstance. As professionals and leaders, many of us know what it feels like to operate from a solitary summit—where your decisions are rarely challenged, and honest conversations become scarce. Maybe you’ve recognized that your team is disengaged, or your own family avoids sharing hard truth because you’ve unintentionally made humility unwelcome.

Think of a time in your career when you were tempted to compare yourself to another leader—perhaps envying their successes or, on the flip side, judging their failures to make yourself feel better.

The Brave Truth - Pride loves competition without context. It convinces us to run someone else’s race instead of staying in our own lane.

Scripture warns us that pride not only distances us from others but also from God. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 NIV). When we prioritize our agenda above collaboration, or when credit and affirmation become more important than growth and unity, pride sabotages God’s design for connection and community. As Paul said in Galatians 1:10 (NIV), “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” Your value doesn’t come from outshining others—it comes from the God who delights in you.

Pride can even infect our leadership style, making us the kind of boss, father, or husband who’s “unapproachable.” But authentic leaders know this truth: meaningful influence flows from authentic connection, not dominance. When you invite others into decision-making, acknowledge mistakes, and even share your own struggles, your influence multiplies. You set the tone for your organization, your home, and your friendships.

Action Steps:

• Audit your relationships at work and at home: Who do you keep at arm’s length, and why?
• Ask a team member, friend, or family member for honest feedback about your leadership or character—then listen without defending yourself.
• Counter the urge to compare or compete by identifying your “lane.” What assignment has God given you, and how can you run it with excellence, not ego?

Reflection Questions:

• Where do I tend to posture, perform, or keep up appearances?
• In what ways have I let pride sabotage meaningful relationships or team effectiveness?
• How can I intentionally invite others into my life and leadership this week—even if it means admitting weakness or asking for help?