Great Leaders Bring Out the Best in Others, Not Themselves

Lessons from the Wall – Part 4: Inner Mindset

Humility Over Ego

I remember the first time I heard someone on my team speak about a topic I didn’t fully understand. My instinct was to chime in, to prove I still had something to add. But the wiser move, the harder move, was to listen, ask questions, and let them shine.

This quote from the leadership wall captures that perfectly:

“Your role as a leader is to bring out the best in others, even when they know more than you.”

That “even when” part? That’s the test.

Authentic leadership isn’t about being the most intelligent person in the room. It’s about being secure enough to let others be.

The Shift That Changes Everything

In traditional work culture, leaders are often expected to be the expert, the fixer, the voice at the front of the room. But at Township Design, I’ve found my best work comes not when I’m driving every detail, but when I’m drawing out the strengths of the people I trust.

That means:

• Giving collaborators room to make creative decisions
• Letting go of control when someone’s better equipped
• Asking, “How can I support you?” instead of “Here’s what I would do.”

It’s not easy. But it’s powerful.

Lessons from Mentorship

One of the best examples of this in my career has been my working relationship with Vinny Rendina. When we first started working together, I stepped into a mentor role. But as time went on, it became clear that I was learning just as much from him as he was from me.

Vinny challenged me to let go of being the one with all the answers. He brought his ideas, his style, and his strengths to the table. My job wasn’t to mold him into a mini version of me; it was to help him become the best version of himself.

And in doing that, I grew more than I expected. I learned when to speak and when to step back. When to direct and when to listen. When to coach and when to simply encourage.

That experience has shaped how I lead to this day. Every time I work with a new designer, contractor, or collaborator, I carry those lessons with me:

• Trust people enough to give them space.
• Encourage their strengths, even when they’re different from your own.
• And always stay open to the possibility that your best leadership moment might come from letting someone else lead.

Especially in Creative Work

Landscape design is a collaborative process. No one person knows everything about grading, plant material, stormwater, spatial design, and emotional experience.

When you let people own their piece of the process and respect what they bring, you don’t just get better work. You build loyalty. And you create a culture where people feel safe being excellent.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I need to be the one with the best ideas, or the one who brings out the best ideas?
• Where am I holding on to control out of fear or ego?
• What would happen if I trusted someone else to take the lead?

Leadership isn’t about proving your value; it’s about unlocking theirs.
When you create space for others to rise, your whole team wins.