The Great Will Always Make You Feel Great: A Life Lesson on True Leadership

 

The great always make you feel like you, too, can be great—even when they know you are not there yet. This is a lesson I learned many years ago, and it has stayed with me ever since.

It happened during my first year at school. Our house caught fire, and unfortunately, the exams were fast approaching. In order to sit for my exams, I needed to do fee clearance, but all my receipts had been destroyed in the fire. What seemed like a small administrative step had suddenly become a serious problem, teaching me early the importance of Biblical leadership principles—staying calm, trusting God, and acting with integrity even in the face of unexpected crises.

Someone advised me to go back to the office where the receipts were originally issued. They told me that it might be possible to get a stamped photocopy as proof that I had paid.

So, I went.

The first person I encountered was a woman at the counter. As soon as I explained my situation, she insisted I speak to her from outside, through the window. I tried to reason with her, but she refused to listen. I thought maybe she was just busy, so I waited and tried again. Still, she would not attend to me, and in that moment, I had to rely on David's leadership principles—patience, discernment, and persistence—understanding that true leadership often requires waiting calmly, observing carefully, and choosing the right moment to act.

Out of frustration, I muttered under my breath, “What kind of wickedness is this?”

She heard me and immediately declared that she would not assist me at all. I stood there, discouraged and confused, wondering how I would possibly resolve this issue.

Then, a young man approached and said calmly, “Go and report to the Chief Accountant.”

My heart sank. I thought, “If this woman treated me this way, how will the Chief Accountant treat me—a first-year student?”

Despite my fear, I summoned courage and walked into the Chief Accountant’s office. What happened next shocked me—and left a lesson I will never forget.

The moment I entered, he looked at me and said, “Young man, please have a seat.”

Seat? Just minutes earlier, someone had shouted at me to go to the window. And now, here was this man treating me with dignity and respect. I sat down, amazed. When it was my turn to speak, he asked calmly, “How may I help you?”

You see that the lady did not treat me right, but we should learn to always treat people right. 

Those simple words broke something inside me—in the best possible way.

I explained everything: the fire, the destroyed receipts, and how the woman at the counter had treated me. He listened quietly, without interruption. Then, he said something I will never forget: “Go and call her for me.”

When I called the woman, she delayed, perhaps hoping to avoid him. When she finally appeared, the Chief Accountant addressed her firmly: “I sent for you. Why did you delay?”

She had no answer.

He then instructed her, “Go and attend to this young man. Give him what he needs.”

She left the office like a beaten hen—and did exactly as she was told. Within minutes, my problem was solved.

The Lesson

That day taught me a powerful truth: when people treat you poorly, it reveals more about them than it does about you. Truly great people—those who are confident, secure, and wise—are kind, respectful, and uplifting, especially to those beneath them. They do not belittle or demean because they do not need to prove their worth by diminishing others, and they understand the power of genuine care, showing that true influence comes from lifting others, not putting them down.

Over the years, I have observed this pattern repeatedly: the way a person treats the least person in an organization, or the least visible person in any setting, speaks volumes about their character. Those who are small in spirit often try to make others feel small too. Conversely, greatness is measured not by power, position, or recognition, but by the ability to dignify and uplift those around you.

This experience also reminded me of a biblical principle found in Gospel of Matthew 23:11: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” True greatness is expressed in service, humility, and encouragement—not in authority or the ability to dominate others.

So remember this: the great always inspire you to rise. They make you feel like you, too, can be great. They lift you, encourage you, and guide you, even before you reach the level they have attained.

And conversely, when someone treats you poorly, it often has little to do with you—it is a reflection of their insecurities, their pride, or their lack of character.

Let this principle guide your life: emulate the great by lifting others. Treat people with respect, dignity, and kindness, no matter their position or status. Because one day, your influence and attitude may change someone’s life forever.

The GREAT will always make you feel like you too can be GREAT—and that is the mark of true leadership, wisdom, and character.

If this message has spoken to you, here are some related teachings that will help you understand True Leadership more deeply:

Know Your Worth: Why People Value You Differently

Focus on the Right Issue: How to Handle Conflict Without Destroying Relationships

The Man at the Front Is Not Always the Best