“How would you define leadership?”

And with that, the podcast interview began.

Jake Smith is a talented coach and consultant in the executive coaching arena, and his new podcast, Reframe Fix, is off and rolling. Graciously, Jake invited me to record an episode scheduled to air sometime in the future. His first question was direct and simple.

As I’ve reflected on that question since he posed it, I’ve thought about moments in my own leadership journey when I was shaped, educated, and inspired by those I worked alongside.

Tim Skrivan was just such a leader and companion for me. Tim is from the Pacific Northwest, with a long and noteworthy career and reputation within Youth For Christ. When I started as President of YFC USA in 2005, Tim quickly became a valuable resource. It didn’t take long for him to become a confidant, companion, voice of clarity, and trusted advisor.

Tim had a way of breaking complex situations into simple terms. He demystified the definition of success.

To that end, and with Tim’s deep connection to YFC chapters across the country, he offered guidance on what successful leadership would entail in our mission:

Don’t expect your team to defend the indefensible.

Make all of us proud to be part of the mission of Youth For Christ.

These comments were informed by YFC history, yet delivered without dwelling on the past and without condemnation — just a matter-of-fact perspective paired with extraordinary insight into what success could look like.

In retrospect, I wish I had recalled this moment with a microphone in front of me and a question hanging in the air.

Quite simply, a leader is anyone with followers — virtually all of us. But a good leader is different. While a lengthy definition may seem fitting (and might even produce a bestseller), Tim’s wisdom sank deeply into my experience at YFC and well beyond.

Though Tim’s counsel was given in the context of YFC USA, it feels remarkably relevant to any leadership role:

When I lead, do I lead with integrity, honor, and trustworthiness? Do my followers feel compelled to defend the outrageous or justify the impossible?

Are humility, courage, wisdom, grace, vulnerability, stewardship, community, and excellence evident in our mission?

Ultimately, Tim became my Executive Vice President. He spoke truth into my life again and again. We were unmistakably different, yet never intimidated by each other’s gifts. Tim did what I could not, and I did the same for him.

So, is the standard Tim set any different for our leaders — top to bottom?

I don’t think so. Frankly, I hope not.

So, Jake… can I have another shot? Maybe just an addendum?

Leadership. Good leadership. About as clear as it can be.

Use it as a test for yourself… then ask the questions more broadly. Leadership like this would change a lot of things. For good.