The Mindset of a True Leader: How Service and Empowerment Build Lasting Success

In the world we live in, leadership is often celebrated as taking charge, setting the pace, and calling the shots. But the more I dive into what it means to truly lead, the more I realize it’s not about managing tasks or directing others—it’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and genuinely valued.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that leadership starts with listening. Not the listening that’s just waiting for your turn to speak, but a deeper kind of listening that involves tuning into everything a person is saying—even when they’re not speaking. I read a study that showed listening doesn’t just boost morale; it also increases trust and job satisfaction. Listening allows you to understand where someone’s coming from, their goals, concerns, and even what they’re afraid to admit. When we listen like this, we’re not just hearing words but a person’s whole story. It’s about catching the subtle signs, like when someone says they’re “doing fine,” but their body language says otherwise. True leadership means gently asking, “I wanted to check in—tell me what’s going on?” This creates a space where people feel comfortable opening up, knowing they’re valued beyond their output.

Listening also opens the door to another critical insight I’ve gained: leading empowers people to find their way, rather than showing them your way. For a long time, I thought leadership was about directing people toward a goal. Now, I see it’s much more powerful to give others the freedom to explore, try things on their own, and even fail if it means they’re growing. We all have dreams that sometimes get buried under the daily grind, and often, people don’t even remember what they’re genuinely passionate about. When I ask someone about their dreams, they sometimes say, “Win the lottery” or “Make more money.” But with curiosity and encouragement, we often uncover something deeper and more meaningful. Helping people rediscover their “why” and supporting them on their journey is a leader’s most important job. Leadership is about more than assisting people to reach a goal; it’s about helping them reconnect with their purpose.

That’s why, to me, there’s a world of difference between leading and managing. Managers tend to direct every detail, controlling each outcome and believing their way is the only way. On the other hand, leaders empower others to take ownership, giving them the freedom to explore and grow. Research has shown that leaders who empower their teams see higher satisfaction and more substantial long-term results. Leaders step back and let their people find their paths, trusting that they’ll succeed—and they often do, surprising everyone, even themselves. When people feel trusted, they’re motivated to go above and beyond. Managers might feel like they have to control everything to get it right, but a true leader knows that giving others ownership is where fundamental transformation happens.

Discovering what it means to lead has also taught me that authentic leadership is built on service. Leading through service means putting others’ growth and success above your own, and in doing so, you create a cycle of development that lifts everyone. Instead of asking, “How can you help me reach my goals?” it’s about asking, “How can I help you reach yours?” When people realize you’re invested in them and there to help them succeed, they’re more willing to support the team’s goals. Service-driven leadership creates loyalty, trust, and a sense of shared purpose.

And this is where I feel the most potent effect of leadership: creating top performers who go on to lead themselves. Leadership is about helping each person you work with become the best version of themselves—someone who takes ownership, feels confident and becomes a leader in their own right. I’ve read that organizations with leaders who focus on developing their people see more significant innovation and longer-term success. When we invest in people like this, we’re not just creating followers but future leaders who inspire others and keep the growth cycle alive.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is that leadership isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build through mindset. Life will always be on you—it will throw challenges your way whether you’re ready or not. But you become stronger and more resilient when you lean into these challenges. I’ve seen that confidence and resilience aren’t things we’re given; they’re things we build daily. CrossFit taught me this firsthand. Each workout is a challenge, but facing those daily obstacles has helped me build a mindset that can withstand the more strenuous challenges life throws my way. It’s a cycle of growth: each challenge builds you up, and each step forward makes you better prepared for the next.

Authentic leadership goes beyond titles and authority; it’s about creating an impact far beyond yourself. When we lead by listening, empowering, and serving others, we don’t just hit goals—we create lasting change. Every relationship, every conversation, is an opportunity to build someone up. And if we’re lucky, they’ll go on to do the same for someone else.

Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just yourself, remember that the most significant leaders lift others up. So, start by listening, lead by serving, and create a world where leadership is about making a real difference.

Ready to grow as a leader? Come check out CrossFit Fiend, where we build strength every day—not just in body but also in mind and character.