Kill Your Pride: An 8-Day Brave Coaches Journeyਨਮੂਨਾ

The Power of Humility

For most leaders and professional men, humility feels like a liability. The world shouts, “Never let them see you sweat.” It tells you to project unwavering strength and have all the answers. But God’s playbook for leadership operates on a completely different principle. Humility is not a weakness to be hidden; it is a force multiplier for your influence. Jesus, the most powerful leader in history, modeled this perfectly. He wasn’t afraid to serve, to wash feet, or to surround Himself with imperfect men. He demonstrated that true authority doesn’t come from a title, but from a posture of service.

The Brave Truth: Humility isn't thinking less of yourself; it’s being honest about your strengths and weaknesses while directing the spotlight upward to God and outward to others.

As a leader, what does this look like on a Monday morning? It looks like actively seeking input from your team before making a big decision. It’s having the courage to say, “I was wrong,” when a project goes sideways. It’s giving away the credit for a win at every opportunity. Humility refuses to build an echo chamber of yes-men and instead creates a culture of honest collaboration.

Imagine sitting in a meeting with a high-level executive who stops the presentation and says, "I don't have the expertise on this. John, you know this area better than anyone. What do you think we should do?" In that moment, he wouldn’t lose authority; he would gain immense respect. His humility would empower his team and ultimately lead to a better outcome. Be that man. Understand that your job isn’t to be the hero, but to build a team of heroes.

If you want sustainable influence, you must lead with a teachable spirit. Pride builds a ceiling on your potential, but humility blows the roof off. It is the groundwork for real authority—the kind that inspires loyalty, empowers others to grow, and ultimately reflects the character of Christ.

Action Steps:

1. Seek Input First: On your next significant decision, intentionally ask for input from at least two other people—especially those with differing viewpoints—before you make the final call.
2. Give Credit Publicly: Identify a recent team win or family success. This week, find a public opportunity (in a team meeting, a family dinner) to specifically praise the contributions of others and downplay your own role.
3. Practice Upward Delegation: Find a task or responsibility you normally hold tightly and delegate it to a capable team member or even a family member, expressing your trust in their ability to handle it.

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time you sincerely asked for help on a task you felt you "should" be able to handle on your own?
2. Who on your team or in your family feels the most empowered by your leadership? Who feels the least? What role does your humility (or lack thereof) play in that?
3. In what area of your leadership are you most resistant to being teachable? Why?