Leadership That Builds Good Places
As we approach the end of 2025, many leaders are pausing to reflect on the people entrusted to them, the culture they have shaped, and the kind of organizations they are becoming.
This season invites thoughtful questions. What kind of leader am I becoming? How am I stewarding the people and places within my care? Does my leadership reflect the Kingdom of God?
At The Good Place Institute, we understand leadership through the lens of the Good Place Operating System. Leadership begins with why, is clarified by what, and becomes visible through how. Leadership is not primarily about authority, strategy, or personality. It is about stewardship and the development of people.
In Scripture, leadership begins with God’s heart for people. During His time on earth, Jesus invested deeply in individuals. He built authentic relationships, invited people into a vision that transcended their personal goals, and equipped them to carry His mission forward.
Jesus modeled leadership that placed people before position. He trained, encouraged, equipped, empowered, and eventually released His followers with real responsibility. His leadership was rooted in compassion, humility, competency, and purpose. This is the heart of leadership in a Good Place organization.
Leadership is about stewardship and service. We have responsibility to steward the organization and its people, and to serve those impacted by the organization for their good. Leadership exists to develop people and help them grow into their God-given potential. It is not primarily about status or recognition. Its purpose is to cultivate human flourishing, organizational thriving, community prospering, making the world a better place.
In a year marked by rapid change and cultural pressure, this kind of leadership is more needed than ever. People are longing for leaders who invest in them, speak with clarity, and guide with humility and strength.
So, what does leadership actually do?
Leadership, according to the Good Place Operating System, serves, stewards, and unites people and resources toward a shared purpose. Leadership begins with Biblical character. The type of character Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount. It is expressed through humility, gentleness, righteousness, mercy, and a posture of service.
Leadership is responsible for stewarding the people, time, resources, relationships, and culture of an organization. The character of the leader determines whether an organization becomes a place where people simply complete assignments or a place where people thrive.
The Fruit of the Spirit provides a practical framework for leadership character. Love that protects. Joy that encourages. Peace that steadies. Patience that allows growth. Kindness that builds trust. Goodness that demonstrates integrity. Faithfulness that honors commitments. Gentleness that restores. Self-control that governs wisely.
Leadership in a Good Place organization is not about personal advancement. It is about serving with integrity and helping others grow. The goal is to create places where people experience wholeness and peace. Places where shalom can be cultivated and experienced.
As we look back on 2025, the leaders who made the greatest impact were not simply the most strategic. They were the ones who led with steady character. They invested in people, strengthened culture, and stewarded their organizations in a way that reflected God’s heart.
If this is why we lead and what leadership is, then how do we practice it?
Leadership in a Good Place organization is lived out through three aims.
1. Providing opportunity and encouragement for people to grow to their potential.
Leaders remove obstacles, provide coaching, celebrate progress, and create an environment where people develop spiritually, personally, and professionally.
2. Building Good Places where we live and work.
Culture is built through leadership. Every decision, conversation, and process contributes to the environment. A Good Place is marked by trust, purpose, peace, excellence, and human flourishing. Leaders work intentionally to create these conditions and its purpose is the good of those the organization serves.
3. Being economically regenerative.
Leadership ensures that the organization is financially strong enough to be a blessing to employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. Economic strength is not the ultimate goal. It is the resource that fuels long-term impact and flourishing.
This approach to leadership reflects God’s design. It develops people, strengthens organizations, and contributes to healthy and prosperous communities. It represents stewardship rather than ownership, and service rather than personal gain.
Leadership is a sacred trust. Each day we have an opportunity to shape people and places in ways that honor God and bring life to the world around us. May your leadership continue to reflect the One who came not to be served but to serve, and who entrusted His mission to people empowered by grace.
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