Do I move others and point them toward greater change to help them reach their potential? How did I do this?
In Ignatian leadership, the concept of “Love” completely reframes how we view power and team dynamics. It is not merely a feeling, but a disciplined choice to recognize the inherent dignity in others and act for their ultimate good. Reflecting on the question of whether I move others toward greater change, I believe I do, primarily by embracing the shift from exercising “power over” others to cultivating “power with” them.
During my tenure as VP of Products & Engineering overseeing the ICEI project in Indonesia, I realized that driving a team toward high-stakes goals required more than just delegating tasks from the top down. To truly help others reach their potential, I had to practice the principle of “Refuse No Talent”. This meant looking beyond initial impressions or a team member’s background, and actively searching for hidden, undeveloped, or overlooked capabilities.
I accomplished this by leading with others rather than deciding for them. Instead of relying on a rigid hierarchy or fear as a motivator, I focused on creating psychological safety where mistakes were handled as shared learning opportunities rather than punitive failures. By fostering this mutuality, I was able to challenge my team members—not by lowering our standards, but by expecting more from them because I genuinely believed in their capabilities. This combination of believing in people and supporting their growth transformed our organizational relationships into genuine partnerships, building the trust, belonging, and unity necessary to drive real change. Ultimately, moving others forward means giving them the space and empowerment to discover that they are capable of more than they initially thought.