Lighthouse Leaders

 “Like lighthouses, they intentionally change their behaviors to become guides, helping others navigate the treacherous waters of leadership. Lighthouse leaders multiply other leaders who stand tall as examples and light the way with their mentoring, compassion, generosity, and empowerment.”  ~ Lyle Wells (with Kat Armstrong), Easy to Follow

I remember clearly - and not proudly - moments or seasons in my career when I’d become more of a stoplight leader than a lighthouse leader. My intentions were good — I wanted to make sure things were done well, that standards were met, that we were “on track.” But looking back, my team was constantly waiting for my signals: stop, go, wait. They were cautious, hesitant, and second-guessing what I wanted next. Without meaning to, I’d trained them to watch me instead of pursuing our shared purpose. That’s what stoplight leadership does — it slows people down in the name of control.

Wells and Armstrong, in their book Easy to Follow describe this beautifully: stoplight leaders create hesitation, while lights-out leaders create confusion. Both leave people feeling uncertain and lost. And I’ve worked for both and I’ve lead with aspects of both at times in my journey. If you’ve had this kind of leader you know that you can feel it in the atmosphere — the tension, the lack of clarity, the way creativity fades because people are too busy trying not to get it wrong. Leadership like that doesn’t just stall progress; it quietly dims the spirit of the team.

Then there are the lighthouse leaders — the ones who light the way instead of controlling the traffic. They’re steady, consistent, and intentional about guiding others toward purpose. Lighthouse leaders don’t change direction based on mood or pressure; they stay rooted in values and vision. They help others find their bearings, especially when the seas get rough. I’ve been blessed to work with a few of these leaders, and they’ve left a lasting mark — not because they demanded excellence, but because they inspired it. I can truthfully say that there were moments and seasons when I lead more like a lighthouse leader - and I wish I’d found my way to more of that way of leading.

So I find myself asking you — are you a lighthouse leader? Are people moving freely and confidently because of your presence, or cautiously waiting for your next signal? Being easy to follow doesn’t mean lowering standards; it means leading with clarity, consistency, and compassion. The best leaders don’t just direct the way forward — they illuminate it.