At Etech, we strive to be different. Our focus is to make a remarkable difference for each other, our customers, and in our communities.
Being different takes discipline. It calls you to stretch beyond what’s familiar, to serve when no one’s watching, and to stay focused when distractions come knocking. That’s where real servant leadership is formed—in the seasons of quiet consistency and hidden obedience.
The Weight of Purpose
The truth is, the higher the calling, the higher the cost. For many leaders I’ve worked with over the years, the issue isn’t talent. It’s whether you can tolerate discomfort. Can you lead when it feels thankless? Can you stay committed to your lane when someone else’s looks easier?
Leadership that makes a difference isn’t comfortable. It’s not supposed to be. The moment you start seeking the easy path is the moment you stop growing into the leader your team needs you to become.
Three Directions That Will Make or Break You
I encourage you not to look in these three directions—because where you look determines where you go, and where you go determines who you become.
1. Don’t Look Beyond You
If a task, goal, or challenge doesn’t push you out of your comfort zone, it won’t develop you.
Growth only happens when you’re stretched beyond what’s easy or familiar. The assignments that make your palms sweat, the conversations that make your heart race, the decisions that keep you up at night—those are the moments when real leadership is forged.
Take on a challenge that intimidates you. Say yes to a new responsibility. Seek feedback that sharpens you—even if it stings a bit. Remember, comfort is the enemy of excellence, and excellence is what your team deserves from you.
2. Don’t Look Beneath You
Sometimes the small, hidden, or “menial” things matter most. What feels beneath you might be the quiet, humble work that builds character and trust.
I’ve seen brilliant leaders lose credibility because they thought certain work was beneath them. Here’s what I’ve learned: there’s no such thing as work that’s beneath a true leader. There’s only work that builds trust and work that doesn’t.
Show up for the tasks no one sees but everyone relies on. Serve without needing the spotlight. Roll up your sleeves—even when it’s not in your job description. Your team is watching, and they’re taking notes on whether you’re the kind of leader who leads by example or by exception.
3. Don’t Look Beside You
Comparing yourself to others is a distraction. When you fixate on someone else’s path, you lose sight of your own calling and strengths.
The quickest way to lose focus is to measure your journey against someone else’s. Every leader has a different timeline, different challenges, and different strengths. Your job isn’t to outpace the person next to you—it’s to become the best version of the leader you’re called to be.
Authentically celebrate others’ wins without questioning your own worth. Focus on what you can control. Keep asking, “What’s my next best step?” and trust that’s enough. The race isn’t against anyone else—it’s against the leader you were yesterday.
The Compound Effect of Focused Leadership
As we move forward in our leadership journey, I encourage you to lead with clarity. Don’t run from the pressure—use it to grow. Let hard things shape you, and quiet moments refine you.
Leadership isn’t about being seen—it’s about being trustworthy, credible, reliable, and intimate. Sounds familiar? These aren’t just buzzwords we throw around at Etech. They’re the foundation of everything we do, the character pillars that support every decision we make.
Every choice you make to stay in your lane, to embrace discomfort, to serve without recognition—these compound over time. Your team might not notice each individual moment of character, but they’ll absolutely feel the cumulative effect.
You matter—and so does how you lead. Choose to lead well.
