Through learning, reading, and some circumstances, I have been challenged in more than one way about leadership. I’m processing some thoughts on humility, adversity, and serving that I would like to share here. We often brush over these things because they are all very contrary to human nature. So, bear with me as I write, share, and clarify my thoughts, and hopefully add value to you!

HUMILITY is not a word we use often in 2026. It may be that we view it as weak, or it may be that it is just contrary to our nature. Our culture is more focused on “being true to yourself” and “building your empire” than on character.

Humility, as stated by C.S. Lewis, is “…not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” The more you think about this definition, the deeper it goes. What is the natural outcome of thinking less about yourself and more about the other person? It is a bigger shift than we might expect. Suddenly, when in potential conflict with someone else, you are concerned about their situation and their state of being more than your own.

What a high calling, to put the well-being of others in front of your own in a potential conflict! What would this do to arguments?  What if we thought more about the well-being of the person who is confronting us than we did about ourselves?  What if, instead of trying to assert our “obviously right” position, we tried to understand the other person’s view that, at first glance, seems ridiculous from our perspective?  What if our focus shifted to less of ourselves and more of others?

This is one of those simple, but not easy, things. The concept is simple, so simple it can be glossed over. The execution is exceedingly hard.  The result is a true shift from the typical human position. Humility changes things dramatically.

ADVERSITY has also been on my mind. None of us wants challenges, confrontation, and hard things in our lives. Most of us will go to great lengths to avoid painful situations, and in many cases, they are to be

avoided.  But once we are there, what does adversity bring?

Well, in a negative way, it often brings anxiety. Anxiety is a heightened state of fear about what is, what could be, and what could be coming tomorrow. A verse from the Bible often helps me through anxiety. It says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Somehow, compartmentalizing tomorrow can ease the burden, and in keeping with the Bible theme, prayer brings great help!

Though we all hate adversity, it can bring great value by forcing the needed changes to the surface in our lives, systems, and processes. When something breaks down, we most often learn faster. It is kind of like the toddler learning not to touch the hot pot or pan. You can tell them, but once they feel the pain, they actually adjust their behavior.

In the middle of adversity, it is hard to recognize the good!  I try to remind myself that difficulties can be the seeds for change and growth, although sometimes that observation is much better many months and sometimes even years past the thing that is in our path.

SERVICE has also been on my mind lately. I recently spoke to our team on activating personal growth. Interestingly, personal growth is steeped in service. To become better, we must serve better.

This is interesting because it is contrary to our nature. It is natural to think that if I build and protect my own, success will come. The reality is so different. If I build others up, serve them, and protect their growth and success, I will succeed.

I recently read an excerpt from a prayer written by leadership consultant Richard Kreigbaum that stuck with me: “How ironic, God, that the longer and better I lead, the more I depend on the skills and expertise of others … They lead me in their areas. I must trust our success to them, so I must trust you to guide my selection of them … Point me toward them, and make them greater leaders than I am. I cannot do this alone, God. Who are the leaders I should follow?”

Service is a deep topic, but one part that keeps coming back to me is slowing down and making sure that we take time. It takes time to communicate, interact, and understand those around us. We cannot serve well unless we relate well. We cannot uphold if we don’t know what needs holding up. Are we asking our team often enough how they are doing and how we might help them move things forward? Are we genuinely interested?

Another thing about service is that it does require sacrifice. You can’t have everything your way and serve others at the same time. Serving takes time; it requires laying down more than a little of your self-interest and a shift in focus. Moving your focus from yourself to building others up is a shift away from the natural ego of living. However, our investment in others will produce results far greater than we can ever produce on our own.

Service starts with a decision to value others and elevate them above ourselves. Again, a simple concept, and again exceedingly hard to practice.

LET’S FIND SIMPLE WAYS TO SERVE:

• Take time today to spend at least 5 minutes talking with someone you don’t usually take time for.
• Express genuine interest in their life and their work, and think about how you might serve them better.
• Do that management walk-around, but make it about people, not about tasks. Try to keep the focus more on them than on them helping you to accomplish what you need done.
• Learn at least one thing about that person that you don’t already know.
• Rinse and repeat!

Leadership continues to challenge me in ways that aren’t always natural. Step outside of your comfort zone with me, and let’s lead with humility and service, even through adversity.