10 Life Lessons I’ve Learned After 25 Years in Leadership
Leadership Is Full of Highs and Lows
Whether you’re leading a business, a church, or a team, the weight of leadership is real. It’s making decisions that impact others. Navigating the unknown. Holding the tension between serving people and driving results.
After 25 years in the trenches, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about titles, power, or even strategy, it’s about people, perseverance, and playing the long game.
Some of these lessons came from mentors. Others, the hard way. But each one shaped the kind of leader I’m still becoming.
1. Relationships Matter Most
Leadership Rises and Falls on Connection
Early on, I thought leadership was about vision and execution. But now? I know it’s about people. The leaders who build strong relationships are the ones who build lasting impact.
You don’t lead alone, you build together.
2. Humility Is Essential
You Don’t Need All the Answers
I used to think leadership meant always knowing what to do. Now I know it means asking better questions and being willing to say, “I was wrong.”
Humility creates trust. It invites collaboration. And it turns pressure into progress.
3. Consistency Builds Trust
Show Up, Again and Again
A single great moment won’t define you, and neither will one bad day. It’s your steady presence over time that earns trust.
Be reliable. Be consistent. Do what you say you’ll do.
4. Patience Leads to Growth
Real Impact Isn’t Instant
Some things in leadership take years to build, like trust, culture, and team health. Urgency has its place, but patience builds things that last.
Stay steady. The best things take time.
5. Perseverance Pays Off
Don’t Quit Before the Breakthrough
There were moments I almost gave up. Moments I questioned if I was the right person to lead. But the most meaningful wins often came after the hardest seasons.
Keep going. Even when it’s thankless. Especially then.
6. Faith Carries You
Trusting the Unseen
Leadership will stretch your belief, in yourself, in your mission, and in God’s timing. You can prepare all you want, but some steps still require faith.
That’s what keeps me moving when nothing makes sense. That’s what sustains me through uncertainty.
7. Balance Is Key
Hustle Doesn’t Equal Health
I used to think longer hours meant stronger leadership. But burnout isn’t a badge, it’s a red flag.
Balance isn’t luxury, it’s leadership. Protect your margin. Lead from overflow, not depletion.
8. Empathy Deepens Impact
See the Person, Not Just the Role
Leadership isn’t about pushing people forward, it’s about walking with them. When you listen, when you understand, when you care, you lead differently.
Empathy turns management into ministry.
9. Celebrate Small Wins
Progress Isn’t Always Loud
I used to race past the little wins. Now I pause and name them. Because they matter.
The extra 5%. The unexpected email. The team member who steps up. Momentum is built in moments like these.
10. God’s Plan Is Greater
Trust the Process, Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense
I’ve chased plans that fell apart. I’ve set goals that didn’t work out. But every time, God’s way has proven better.
His vision is bigger. His timing is wiser. Trust Him, even when the path feels unclear.
Final Thoughts: What I’d Tell My Younger Self
If I could go back 25 years, I’d say this:
Love people well.
Stay humble.
Be patient.
Keep going.
Trust God.
Because leadership isn’t about ego, it’s about faithfulness. And in the end, that’s what really lasts.
Where to Start When You’re Ready to Grow
If these lessons resonated, here’s what I’d tell you: don’t try to fix everything at once. Start small. Start consistent. Start with habits that actually stick.
That’s why I put together the 30-Day Leadership Plan. It’s the simple rhythm I wish I had earlier, four daily habits that take less than 30 minutes but create real traction over time.
It’s not complicated. It’s not a crash course. It’s how I build the kind of leader I’m still becoming: steady, clear, and intentional.
👉 go.textinchurch.com/tyler_leadership_plan
See It in Action
If these leadership lessons resonated with you, don’t just read them, watch them come to life.
👉 Watch the video now and hear the heart behind each insight, why they matter, and how they’ve shaped my leadership journey.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
