The Soul of Leadership: Finding Greatness in Humility
by Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC, PhL, ThL, EdD
What does it mean to be truly great?
In our culture, we are often shown models of leadership that equate greatness with power, fame, or disruptive “charisma.” We look to CEOs, influencers, and powerful figures as the blueprint for success. But so often, this model of leadership leaves us feeling empty, divided, and stressed. It's a paradigm of “command and control,” while in our hearts we are yearning for connection.
What if the most effective, lasting, and transformative leadership comes not from an inflated ego, but from a place of profound humility?
Modern leadership thinkers are beginning to catch up to this ancient wisdom. Researcher Jim Collins, in his seminal work, identified a “Level 5 Leader” as the key to taking a company from good to great. The key characteristic of this leader wasn't a larger-than-life personality; it was a paradoxical blend of deep personal humility and intense professional will. They are leaders who, first and foremost, are dedicated to a cause greater than themselves.
We see a similar thread in the “Servant Leadership” model, which flips the traditional power pyramid upside down. The servant-leader’s primary motivation is to help others grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. This leader asks, “How can I help you?” Not, “What can you do for me?” They understand that true power lies not in being served, but in serving.
These modern models are powerful because they resonate with a deeper truth. They are echoes of a timeless, spiritual archetype. When we look for the most potent example of this model -- leadership through service, vision, and authenticity — we can find a perfect, if challenging, blueprint in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
Often, Jesus is viewed purely through a religious lens, but he can also be understood as a master leader. His “organization” began with a small, unlikely group of followers and, against all odds, created a global movement that endures two millennia later.
He achieved this not through force, wealth, or worldly status, but by embodying a different kind of power:
Humility in Action: He washed his followers' feet — a task reserved for the lowest servant — demonstrating that no leader is too important to serve.
Unwavering Vision: He held a clear and unwavering mission, inspiring others to believe in a new way of living based on love, forgiveness, and community.
Authentic Connection: He saw the potential and inherent worth in every person, especially those overlooked by society. He didn't lead from a distance; he walked, ate, and lived among his people.
This ancient model reveals that true leadership is an “inside-out” job. It's not about mastering a set of techniques to get people to do what you want. It's about a daily commitment to our own spiritual and personal growth. It’s about cultivating the humility to listen, the courage to serve, and the vision to call others to a higher purpose.
When we begin to practice this “soul of leadership” in our own lives — in our families, our workplaces, and our communities — we stop just managing people and start helping to transform them. We become the kind of leaders who don't just build a better business, but who help build a better world.
Fr. Daniel Brandenburg is a priest, author, and speaker dedicated to exploring the intersection of modern life and timeless spiritual wisdom. This article draws on themes from his new book, Leader Like No Other: What Secular Leadership Models Reveal about Jesus. To learn more about his work or to find the book, please visit www.frdanielbrandenburg.com.
