The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the

The wise teacher of leadership, Max de Pree, declared: “The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning? Serving? Do they achieve the required results? Do they change with grace? Manage conflict?” These words cut through the illusions that so often cloud the meaning of power. For true greatness in leadership is not measured by the speeches of the leader, nor by the strength of his command, but by the growth, strength, and transformation of those who walk beside him.

What De Pree reveals is the inversion of worldly pride. Many rulers think themselves great because they are obeyed, feared, or exalted. Yet the wise know that such power is hollow. A tyrant may produce obedience, but he cannot produce flourishing. A true leader, however, raises up his people so that they themselves rise into their full potential. When the followers are wiser, stronger, more gracious, more resilient—then and only then has leadership fulfilled its purpose.

Consider the life of Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt. His greatness was not that he alone conversed with God, nor that he held the staff of miracles, but that he shepherded a people through wilderness into nationhood. Under his leadership, they learned law, discipline, and covenant. They grew from slaves into a people with identity and destiny. This is the mark of true leadership: not the exaltation of the one, but the elevation of the many.

History shows us the opposite as well. The legions of Rome followed emperors who demanded obedience but did not cultivate virtue. Such rulers produced temporary order, but when conflict came, their people faltered. By contrast, leaders like George Washington inspired their soldiers not merely to fight but to endure, to change with grace, to manage the fierce conflict of revolution with unity. Washington’s restraint, humility, and devotion to his men bore fruit not only in victory, but in the founding of a republic. His greatness was seen not in himself alone, but in what his followers became.

The heart of De Pree’s wisdom is that leadership is not about self, but about others. To ask, “Are they learning?” is to measure success by growth. To ask, “Are they serving?” is to measure success by character. To ask, “Do they achieve results?” is to measure success by fruit. And to ask, “Do they change with grace and manage conflict?” is to measure success by resilience and wisdom. These are the questions of a true leader, one who sees his role not as ruler but as steward.

The lesson for us, O children of the future, is plain: if you would lead, look not to the mirror but to those around you. Ask not how great you appear, but how great your people become under your care. If they rise in wisdom, if they grow in service, if they face change and conflict with courage, then your leadership is true. If they shrink, cower, or stagnate, then your power is a hollow throne.

Practical action lies within reach. Whether you guide a team, a family, or a community, nurture growth in those entrusted to you. Teach with patience, serve as example, and celebrate their victories more than your own. Correct without crushing, encourage without flattering, and lead by lifting. For the fruit of true leadership is seen not in the legacy of the leader alone, but in the strength of those who follow after.

Thus let Max de Pree’s words resound as a law of wisdom: “The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers.” Remember it always—your greatness is not measured by the shadow you cast, but by the light you kindle in others. And when your followers walk with strength, when they change with grace, when they manage conflict with dignity, then your life’s work as a leader is fulfilled, and your name shall be remembered not for what you achieved alone, but for what you helped others become.