Value People over Numbers

Great Leaders Value People Over Numbers

Leadership is a profound calling—one centered on relationships and impact rather than quotas and spreadsheets. Yet, the tension between valuing people and chasing numbers is a reality faced by leaders in businesses, nonprofits, and ministries alike.

John Maxwell, in Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, highlights this dynamic in Chapter 2 by emphasizing that connecting with people is essential for influence and impact. He writes, "People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." Leaders who prioritize relationships over results create lasting influence, not just fleeting successes.

The Danger of Losing Our Way

When an organization begins, it often starts with a passion for a cause or product—a vision to change lives. The founder is hands-on, driven by the desire to serve others through their offering. But as time goes on, leadership changes, and priorities shift. Over time, the organization’s focus can move from people-centered to profit-centered.

In my own experience, I’ve seen this happen in both ministries and business, including the one I serve with. Our mission is clear—"Helping Every Young Person Take Their Next Steps With Jesus." Yet, even with such a noble purpose, we sometimes feel the tug of numbers dictating our decisions. Budgets, while necessary, can subtly shift from being tools to support the mission to being drivers of the mission itself.

This shift has consequences. It creates pressure to meet financial goals rather than missional ones. Staff who once felt energized by their work may find themselves disillusioned, focusing on tasks they loathe rather than ones they love. The heart of the ministry—serving people—is at risk of becoming secondary.

Why This Happens

1. Bad Business Decisions: Debt and overextension force organizations to prioritize revenue over relationships.

2. Overreach: Attempting to be everything to everyone spreads resources too thin and dilutes the original vision.

3. Mission Drift: Forgetting the "why" behind the work allows numbers to take precedence over the cause.

The Solution: Vision Over Numbers

The most effective organizations—and leaders—remember that people drive the mission. When we love and serve people, the resources tend to follow. As a fundraiser, I’ve found that the most impactful donor relationships are built not on how much someone gives, but on how valued they feel as partners in the mission.

The true marker of success isn’t how much money we raise; it’s how many lives we impact for eternity. Numbers matter, but they should always serve the mission, not dictate it.

Examples from Business and Ministry

1. Southwest Airlines: Founder Herb Kelleher famously said, “The business of business is people.” By focusing on employees and customers rather than profits, Southwest became one of the most successful airlines in the industry.

2. Chick-fil-A: CEO Dan Cathy leads with a people-first philosophy, demonstrated through employee care and customer service. This approach has driven long-term profitability.

3. Compassion International: Their donor model centers on connecting supporters with sponsored children. This personal focus on relationships has fueled their global impact.

Self-Reflection: Are You a People-First Leader?

1. What motivates your leadership decisions—people or performance metrics?

2. Do your team members feel valued, or do they feel like cogs in a machine?

3. How do you measure success in your organization?

4. Are you clear about your mission, and do your goals align with it?

Practical Steps for Staying People-Centered

1. Revisit Your "Why" Regularly: Keep your mission and vision at the forefront of every decision.

2. Invest in Relationships: Make time for meaningful connections with your team, customers, and partners.

3. Balance Accountability with Empathy: Set clear goals but prioritize the well-being of your people.

4. Celebrate Impact Over Income: Share stories of lives changed, not just numbers achieved.

In the end, leadership isn’t about accumulating success; it’s about creating significance. Whether in business, ministry, or life, let’s remember that the greatest investment we can make is in people—not profits.

Sources

• Maxwell, John. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. HarperCollins Leadership, 2010.

• Kelleher, Herb. "The Business of Business Is People." Southwest Airlines Leadership Philosophy.

• Cathy, Dan. Interview on Leadership and Service. Forbes Magazine.

• Compassion International: Annual Impact Report 2023.