Leadership Summit Edition

Coach Sam Barber from the US Air Force Academy presented two fantastic sessions on leadership at the Summit last week. This lesson on leadership and service is inspired by some of his insight.

Direction determines destiny. Service allows us to step outside our comfort zones and encounter new challenges. These moments force us to ask, Where are we going, and why? Service gives us the opportunity to align our actions with a greater good, ensuring our direction is rooted in compassion, justice, and responsibility.

What is our purpose? Leadership without purpose can quickly become hollow. By serving others, we discover meaning in our work and our relationships. Purpose is not always found in grand visions—it’s often revealed in the small, consistent acts of kindness and commitment we show to our communities.

What are our values? Service helps us define values. Whether it's honesty, accountability, or empathy, these ideals are tested and refined in real-life situations. Through serving, we don’t just talk about values—we practice them.

What are our principles? We often face ethical decisions that challenge our assumptions. Staying true to our principles, especially when it’s difficult, builds trust and demonstrates moral leadership.

What are our goals? Leaders help their community grow. When we serve, we create goals that elevate teams, empower individuals, and build stronger communities.

Through service, we not only become better leaders—we become better people. Service grounds us, challenges us, and ultimately shapes our leadership from the inside out.

Here are three actionable ways we can develop the skills of a service-based leader:

• Mentor and Empower Others: Look for opportunities to lift others up. Offer guidance, share your skills, and create space for others to grow. Service leaders multiply impact by helping others discover their own direction and purpose—this is how leadership becomes legacy.

• Engage in Active Listening: Make it a habit to listen deeply and without interruption. Whether in team meetings, one-on-one conversations, or community settings, listening with empathy builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps you lead with clarity and compassion.

• Lead by Example in Everyday Situations: Model integrity, accountability, and humility in the small, daily moments—show up on time, admit mistakes, help without being asked. These actions build credibility and demonstrate the kind of consistent character that service leadership requires.

• What’s one service experience that shaped the way you lead today?

• How do you define purpose in your leadership journey?

• Which of your core values has been most tested?

• In what ways has serving others helped clarify your long-term goals?

• What habits help you stay focused while leading your?