My husband’s first year as an elementary school principal was full of lessons, but one moment stands out to me as an example of leadership in action. One day, he received a call from a first-grade teacher asking for help with a student who refused to go to music class. The child had planted himself under a table, unwilling to move. Instead of issuing orders or rushing to resolve the situation quickly, my husband chose a different path.
Dressed in his usual shirt, tie, and dress pants, he did something unexpected—he got down on the floor and crawled under the table. There, sitting eye-to-eye with the little boy, he had a heart-to-heart conversation. The simple act of meeting the child where he was, both physically and emotionally, made all the difference. The boy opened up, and together they worked through his feelings. In just a few minutes, the entire group went on to music class.
This story illustrates a useful principle of leadership: sometimes, you have to climb under the table. Leadership isn’t always about grand gestures or commanding authority. It’s about humility, grace, and meeting people where they are—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. For leaders, especially in ministry settings, this mindset is essential.
Servant Leadership in Practice
The following suggestions probably won’t be revolutionary or new, but reminders like this can help us adjust our daily focus and keep the most important truths top of mind. Servant leadership, modeled by Jesus, calls us to prioritize the needs of others over our own. It’s about fostering an environment where people feel valued, heard, and supported.
Be Present and Attentive Leadership often means setting aside your own agenda to address the needs of your team. Take the time to listen, understand, and respond thoughtfully. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to trust and follow your guidance.
Lead by Example Actions speak louder than words. Show your team what humility, dedication, and compassion look like. Whether it’s pitching in on a challenging task or admitting when you’ve made a mistake, your example sets the tone for the entire group.
Foster a Safe and Open Culture Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, offering feedback, and taking risks. Celebrate contributions and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. When people know their voices matter, they’re more likely to engage and innovate.
Leadership Beyond Convenience
True leadership often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. It might mean having difficult conversations, setting aside our agenda or addressing conflict. But it’s in these moments that leaders can make the greatest impact.
By revisiting these principles and embracing servant leadership, you’ll not only guide your team effectively but also create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. You might even find that climbing under the table every now and then leads to stronger connections and greater success.