DIVING BOARD LEADERSHIP

Let me get straight to it: the best leaders don’t build platforms to be seen — they become platforms so others can rise.

That’s the kind of leadership that flips the script. Not the kind that’s flexing on Instagram or chasing conference invites. I’m talking about leaders who lay their lives down — who become the diving board for the next generation to leap from.

This isn’t cute leadership. This is Kingdom leadership.

The Apostle Peter put it like this: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” (1 Peter 4:10). Not to serve your brand. Not to build your followers. But to serve others.

Be willing to be stepped on.

Yup. I said it. You want to lead like Jesus? Get ready to be walked over, overlooked, and misunderstood. That’s what diving board leaders do.

Jesus literally washed feet. He didn’t demand a stage — He got on His knees.

If you can’t handle being stepped on, you’re not ready to lift anyone. Leadership isn’t glamorous — it’s gritty.

Don’t confuse use with abuse.

Just because people stand on you to reach something higher doesn’t mean they’re abusing you.

It might just mean you’re doing your job as a servant-leader.

You weren’t called to be a throne. You were called to be a launching pad. Stop whining when people “use” you — and ask yourself if maybe God is using you to elevate someone else.

Don’t build towers — build trampolines.

Some of you are so busy stacking bricks for your own empire, you forgot the Kingdom is upside-down. The higher you go in the Kingdom, the lower you stoop.

You don’t need a tower — you need bounce.

Give people a springboard. Give them permission to go farther, faster. Build trampolines, not trophies.

Normalize the diving board.

Let’s make servant-leadership the norm again.

Let’s stop applauding celebrity and start honoring humility.

Let’s raise up leaders who say, “If stepping on my back helps you get to your calling, go ahead. I’ve got you.”

Look, I’m not interested in platform chasers or title seekers. I’m looking for leaders who bleed service. Leaders who don’t need the credit, just the fruit. Because real leaders aren’t known for how high they climbed — but how many they launched.

So here’s the challenge: Stop being the center. Start being the springboard.

Be a diving board leader. Let ‘em jump.