This month, GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW…What’s one leadership lesson you have personally learned recently that surprised you?

Leaders often avoid difficult conversations to escape discomfort. Yet they are surprised to learn that people want honest feedback and often improve when it’s delivered with genuine care. The conversation you’re avoiding today is the problem you’ll have to solve tomorrow.

Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers

Things actually work better when you trust the people around you.

Andrew Holmes, President, 4KIDS

The 20–30-year-old generation runs circles around the older generations with their knowledge and use of technology and AI.  So, the older generations better get with it!

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott

I used to think being a good leader meant being poised no matter what, and I was wrong really about that. The great leaders in my life have taught me real vulnerability trumps fake confidence every time.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

Sometimes one needs to relearn an old lesson. I know I did recently. Leadership requires energy. When we do not care well for ourselves, it will eventually impact our leadership — not listening as well to the team, not having capacity to care for the team when needed and diminished emotional intelligence during periods of conflict. Self care is both physical and spiritual. I am on it. Thank you, Lord!

Char Talmadge, Executive Director, Rescue Upstream

It seems relatively basic, but I recently sat with a group of community leaders, and I was surprised to learn that many public policy makers do not take the time to get their input when creating policy for the greater community. I found that this lack of communication is a lesson in leadership for our public servants.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

With the zeal for the Lord, like Phinehas in Numbers 25, I felt compelled to gently confront a long-time friend and pastor regarding his behavior — that many others also observed but hadn’t addressed. I was surprised at his defensive reaction. I learned that ministers need to have more humility, teachability, accountability and repentance.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

I am usually the person at the table who wants research and evidence before a decision is made. I recently chose to believe something out of loyalty alone without supporting evidence — no surprise that it was not the best choice.

Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio

It is never a leader’s responsibility to struggle for the team. It is a leader’s responsibility to show the team’s struggle is worthwhile. This enables team members to find value in their own challenges and to grow. I must foster a culture where challenges are seen as opportunities for solutions and innovation to take us to the next level together.

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, and Team Lead, Egbe Medical Mission

Surround yourself with people that always rely on the Holy Spirit to make their decisions and they always give the Holy Spirit time to clear a path. .

Dr. Fred Scarbrough, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida

Leadership requires constant clear concise communication. For the organization to feel informed a regular cadence of communication is required in a format that is engaging to the reader.

Gregg Wallick, Wallick Family Office

I learned that people always have a reason for what they do. Continue to be loving and kind. Leave communication lines open and pray for them. This is both in business and personal life. 

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

Rather than just checking off a to-do list. Block time on your calendar for different types of work so the urgent doesn’t overshadow your true priorities. 

Jesse Carroccio, Community Impact Director, Moody Global Media

I’m reminded of the principle to not say “I can never…” My own limiting beliefs will negate future opportunity and growth if I never try or believe I am capable of doing something.

Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo

One leadership lesson that has personally surprised me is how quickly people respond when they feel genuinely seen, valued and heard. I have found that a little encouragement and taking time to pour into someone’s life can open hearts in powerful ways. It reminds me of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well, He saw beyond her past, spoke with compassion, and changed her life through truth and grace. That moment shows us that when people feel valued, respected and cared for, it can lead to healing, hope and lasting transformation.

Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano

Communicate – as much as you can, as often as you can, as simply as you can. While the lesson won’t be a surprise to most, when done poorly, a lot of surprises will pop up for all involved.  

Kevin Granato, MSW, Vice President of Engagement, 4KIDS of South Florida

I’ve learned that this generation of college students expects transparency, not hierarchy. They engage more when leaders explain the “why” and invite dialogue, which has pushed me to lead with more openness and transparency.

Laura Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Not everyone on your team/staff are going to “get it” initially.  Some are like Peter. Eventually Peter “got it!” For those who don’t, as the leader you need to “walk them through” with GREAT patience. Much like the Lord did with the apostles and continues to do with us.

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

I have learned that people often mistake kindness for weakness. Proverbs 31:26: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” This verse shows that biblical leadership is a balance; you speak with kindness, but it is always paired with wisdom and discernment. Another helpful reminder is Titus 3:2, which teaches that being gentle and showing “all meekness” is actually a sign of spiritual maturity and strength, not a lack of it. 

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

Having implemented a process and procedure for making our food pantry run more efficiently, at least in my opinion, I found myself being somewhat cranky when several of the people we were serving, as well as the occasional volunteer, did not adhere to the process.  As I grumbled in what I considered “justified indignation,” it suddenly hit me that justified indignation is still indignation.  And that indignation was running counter to the good work I was trying to accomplish. The lesson: Focus on people over process.

Mike McDermott, Seniors and Probate Specialist, The Keyes Company

I have recently learned that sometimes “no action” or waiting, is the right action. As a type A personality, I can get ahead of God, which usually never ends well. Leadership requires timing and intuition. It requires our instinct to discern the right action at the right time and hear God’s leading. In His perfect timing we must trust.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

Prayer – I can’t skip spending time in the Word and in prayer regardless of how busy and demanding things get. I have found that without the Word and prayer the rehearsals lack the peace and grace needed to be effective.

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

The best guide to leadership is the Bible. I have never found any book that gives more examples of how to be a leader and also gives us many examples of leaders, both good and bad. More importantly, it gives us examples of servant leadership.

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

One leadership lesson I have learned this year, (it did not surprise me, but it caught me by surprise) is that I’ve spent 29 years leading, and I realize now I need to be very intentional in raising up other Leaders!! The past 29 years have flown by and it’s been so awesome seeing God working in our ministry, but I know now I need to be very strategic in leadership development!! Our prayer is that Saints Ministry will continue to reach children for Christ for many, many generations to come!! Successful people have successors…. and as HOMESCHOOLING has tripled, I KNOW: “we’ve been called for a time such as this!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

Challenge assumptions by asking more questions! And listen closely for the best response to chart a new path. 

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler LLP

In recent years I’ve given a lot of thought to what scripture says about Christian leadership. Throughout both testaments, we see a repeated pattern in which God calls his people to (1) Remember his faithfulness, (2) Reduce our own egos, (3) Rely on him alone through obedience, and (4) Rest in his goodness and presence. Interestingly, the emphasis is not on leadership strategy, but on faithful submission.

Dr. Scott Manor, President and Professor of Historical Theology, Knox Theological Seminary

One leadership lesson that I have personally learned recently that surprised me is the importance of humility. I recently changed roles at work and found out there are so many new things that I need to learn. Most people see leaders as the person with all of the answers that is in charge, but true leadership is servant leadership and the ability to admit when we are wrong or don’t know something. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28 that the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many and in James 4:6 that God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. It is ok to say, “I was wrong.” It is ok to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” It is so important to show humility as we lead and serve others instead of thinking that the people you lead are there to serve you. Lead like Jesus!

Steve Daigle, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

This lesson was drilled home very recently. As a leader we are called by God and entrusted with His flock. With that in mind there are three important points to always remember and follow. 1) Leadership is a calling…not a career. 2) As leaders we are stewards and managers of God’s flock. 3) We as leaders are first accountable to Jesus and to serve and love as He did. I always knew this but now I am intentional and pray so we align with God’s calling and mission!

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

As a seasoned leader, I have been studying the importance of two-way mentoring. Two-way mentoring is more than a leadership strategy – it’s a biblical principle rooted in discipleship, mutual encouragement and generational legacy. Scripture calls older and younger believers to walk together, teaching and learning as they grow in godliness. Research affirms what the Bible has long declared: when generations unite, both are strengthened, and the Church flourishes. See – Titus 2:1-8, 1 Timothy 4:12 & Psalm 145:4

Thomas L. Lukasik, Chief Advocacy Officer, 4KIDS

For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS April 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/april/#1