True Leadership: Lifting Others at Their Lowest
Leadership is often portrayed as being strong, visionary, and decisive, but one of the most powerful qualities a leader can have is the ability to support their people when they’re at their lowest. Recently, I attended what I thought would be an informational session about college athletic recruiting, but what I experienced was something far more profound. The speaker, Jill Bodensteiner, Athletic Director at St. Joseph’s University, transformed the conversation into a powerful lesson on leadership, empathy, and resilience.
Leadership Beyond Titles and Accolades
Jill is an impressive figure by any standard. With both a JD and MBA under her belt, she has testified in front of Congress and climbed the ranks in her field. Yet, despite her accomplishments, it was her human approach to leadership that struck us most. Rather than focusing on her professional accomplishments, Jill shared a more personal side of her journey—one of vulnerability, perseverance, and service to others.
She talked openly about her struggles being an extreme introvert as a kid, a side of herself that she once was uncomfortable with. This openness about her own insecurities immediately connected with the audience, showing that even accomplished leaders have faced significant personal challenges. Her story served as a reminder that it’s not what you’ve achieved that makes you a great leader—it’s who you become as a result of overcoming those challenges.
Supporting People When They Need It Most
What truly stood out about Jill wasn’t just her vulnerability but where she chooses to spend her time. As the athletic director, Jill is responsible for many things, yet she spends a significant amount of time in a specific place—the athletic training facility, where athletes go to recover from injuries. It’s here, when the student-athletes are physically and mentally at their lowest, that Jill focuses her energy.
This behavior demonstrates a critical leadership quality: the ability to seek out and support people at their lowest points. Most leaders are comfortable being present during moments of success, but the real impact happens when they show up for others in moments of failure, fear, or doubt. It’s during these times that people need leadership the most.
Why It Matters to Be Present in Times of Struggle
So why is it important for leaders to focus on people when they’re at their lowest? Being present for people during their lowest moments is vital because it helps reinforce their self-belief, reminding them of their value even when they’re filled with doubt. This support fosters long-lasting loyalty, as individuals never forget who stood by them during tough times, building a deeper connection and trust. True empathy, a hallmark of great leadership, involves not just solving problems but understanding the emotional toll of struggles, as Jill demonstrates with her athletes. By showing up when people are down, leaders help foster resilience, teaching that setbacks are part of the journey and can lead to growth.
How to Show Up for Your People at Their Lowest
Being there for your people during tough times isn’t always easy, especially when you’re leading a large organization or team and pulled in numerous directions However, there are specific actions you can take to ensure you’re supporting your team effectively:
Be Accessible: One of the things Jill does that sets her apart is her accessibility. Every athlete has her cell phone number, and they know they can call her at any time. While this level of access may not be practical for every leader, it’s important to create channels where your team feels they can reach you when they need to. Whether that’s an open-door policy, regular check-ins, or simply being available in moments of crisis, accessibility builds trust.
Listen Without Judgment: When people are struggling, they don’t always need immediate solutions—they need someone who will listen. Practice active listening, which means giving your full attention to the person, acknowledging their feelings, and not jumping in to solve their problems right away. Sometimes, the best way to lead is to let someone express what they’re going through without offering advice unless asked.
Celebrate Progress, Not Just Success: When people are at their lowest, progress can feel slow. As a leader, it’s important to acknowledge small wins along the way. Celebrating these milestones helps your team see that they’re moving forward, even if they haven’t fully recovered or achieved their goal yet.
Be Patient: Healing and growth take time. Whether it’s recovering from an injury, a personal challenge, or a professional setback, the process can’t be rushed. Show patience and let your people know that you’re with them for the long haul.
Lead by Example: People will take cues from how you handle setbacks. By being open about your own struggles, as Jill was, you show that it’s okay to not be perfect. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or never facing adversity—it’s about showing others how to navigate it with grace and persistence.
The Impact of Being There When It Matters
Jill’s leadership is a shining example of what it means to truly support others when they need it most. Her presence in the athletic training facility, her willingness to share her own vulnerabilities, and her commitment to her student-athletes at their weakest points all illustrate a powerful truth: the best leaders are the ones who show up when it’s hardest.
As leaders, we’re often taught to focus on vision, strategy, and performance. But let’s not forget that some of the most meaningful leadership moments happen when someone is struggling. It’s in these moments that we have the greatest opportunity to make a difference—not just in the short term, but in someone’s life.
By seeking out your team when they’re at their lowest and offering your unwavering support, you have the power to help them rediscover their strength, rebuild their confidence, and, ultimately, become stronger than before.
