Stretch. Serve. Lead: A Call to Grow Beyond the Role

I’ve met many leaders who believed they had reached their full potential, or at least thought they had. There’s often a sense of accomplishment that comes with earning a title or stepping into a leadership role. In those early stages, that feeling can be fulfilling. But here’s the problem: that fulfillment doesn’t last.

Leadership isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about continuous growth. We’re not called to lead because we’re perfect; we lead because we put people first. Unfortunately, not every leader embraces that. I’ve experienced it firsthand and so has a good friend of mine who's living that reality right now.

He works tirelessly for a company that claims to value its people, but the actions of leadership tell a different story. One moment, they praise the team’s importance; the next, they criticize them when production slips. He’s dealing with constant pressure, inconsistent schedules, and a toxic culture built on fear and control, with layoffs used as leverage. Sadly, he’s not alone. Millions of people show up every day for leaders who prioritize numbers over people.

Here’s the truth: companies rise and fall not on products or profits, but on people. Yet so many leaders stop growing the moment they earn the role. And when leaders stop growing, their people and organizations suffer.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way. Growth is always possible. Leaders can evolve. The hardest person to lead is ourselves. It takes honesty, reflection, and the willingness to confront both our strengths and our shortcomings.

Here’s the truth: you can’t manufacture buy-in. You model it.

So here’s my challenge to you: work on yourself. Raise your standard. Do right by you, so you can do right by your people. Step up. Stretch yourself. Serve well. Because when you put your people first, everything else will fall into place.