Sometimes, we look at people in positions of power and wonder how they got there. We see the titles, the fancy offices, and the authority they wield, but we often miss the invisible foundation beneath them. John Florio’s words, Who has not served cannot command, remind us that true leadership isn't about sitting on a throne or giving orders from a distance. It is about the humility of having been in the trenches, having understood the needs, the struggles, and the quiet rhythms of those who follow. To command effectively, one must first understand what it feels like to be part of the team, to do the heavy lifting, and to care for the collective good.

In our everyday lives, this concept shows up in much smaller, much more beautiful ways. It is the way a parent understands their child because they have spent countless hours sitting on the floor playing in the dirt. It is the way a teacher connects with a struggling student because they remember the frustration of not understanding a lesson. We see it in friendships, too, where the most supportive friends are often those who have been there to listen through the hardest nights. Service is the training ground for empathy, and empathy is the heartbeat of any true influence we might have over others.

I remember a time when I was helping organize a small community garden project. I wanted to be the one making the big decisions and directing everyone where to plant. But as I spent my afternoons weeding, watering, and getting my feathers dusty in the sun, my perspective shifted entirely. I stopped thinking about how I could lead and started thinking about what the garden actually needed. I learned that the best way to guide the project wasn't by pointing fingers, but by being the first one to pick up a trowel. When I finally did find myself helping coordinate others, my instructions were rooted in the reality of the soil and the heat, not just abstract ideas.

When we approach our responsibilities with a spirit of service, we build a bridge of trust that no title can ever replace. Whether you are leading a large corporation or simply looking after your own household, try to find the beauty in the small, selfless acts. Ask yourself how you can support those around you today. By focusing on how you can be of use, you naturally cultivate the wisdom and the respect needed to lead others with grace and genuine strength.