7 Traits of Leadership Mastery: Learning from Jesus, the Ultimate Leader

Leadership isn’t about titles, corner offices, or how many people follow you. It’s about influence, responsibility, and the ability to shape others by who you are. In this episode of The Impossible Life Podcast, Garrett Unclebach and Nick Surface unpack what they call the seven traits of leadership mastery—the essential qualities modeled perfectly by Jesus.

Whether you lead a team, a family, or just yourself, this episode delivers a clear message: if you want everything around you to get better, you have to get better as a leader.

1. Discipline — Lead Yourself Before You Lead Others

Garrett begins with what he calls “the starting point of leadership.” Discipline isn’t glamorous—it’s doing what you know to do, especially when it’s not convenient. As he says, “If you can’t tell yourself what to do, no one wants to hear you tell them what to do.”

Jesus modeled this first trait with precision:

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed.” — Mark 1:35

Before He preached, healed, or led anyone, Jesus led Himself. His daily discipline prepared Him for His divine mission. Garrett reminds listeners that, like Jesus, “Your private discipline sets the ceiling for your public influence.”

For men serious about leadership, it starts here: wake up early, pray, plan, act—and do it again tomorrow.

2. Servanthood — Leadership That Kneels

The second trait flips the world’s definition of greatness on its head. Jesus said:

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” — Matthew 20:28

Garrett calls servanthood “one of the biggest unlocks in your life.” When you understand that your life is not about you, everything changes.

In his military days, Garrett didn’t go on missions to be cheered for. He went to fulfill a purpose. The same applies spiritually: “God sent you here on a mission,” he says. “You’ll never feel lonely or empty when you live to serve.”

Servant leadership isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control. It’s leading from love, not ego. And it’s the kind of leadership that transforms homes, teams, and entire cultures.

3. Purpose — Knowing Why You Lead

Every great leader operates from a clear why. Jesus lived with absolute clarity of mission: “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” — John 6:38

In this episode, Garrett explains that many men struggle because they’ve never defined their purpose. They drift, chase success, and end up frustrated. But when you understand your God-given mission, leadership becomes natural—it’s no longer about position, but obedience.

Nick sums it up perfectly: “When you realize you’re here to serve God’s purpose, you stop chasing approval and start living with direction.”

4. Authority — Understanding Where Power Comes From

Authority doesn’t come from titles; it comes from God. Genesis 1:26 makes it clear:

“Let us make mankind in our image… so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky.”

In the episode, Garrett and Nick highlight four areas where God has given men authority: creation, family, work, and purpose. With authority comes responsibility. When a man refuses to lead, chaos fills the gap.

Garrett challenges listeners directly: “If you’re married and you have a family, you are by God-given authority the leader. Ignoring it doesn’t remove the responsibility.”

True authority starts with humility before God and courage in action. It’s not domination—it’s stewardship.

5. Responsibility — Steward What God Has Given You

Leadership is stewardship. Everything you have—your family, your career, your influence—is borrowed from God. As Garrett says, “God is sovereign. Man is responsible.”

This principle echoes in Genesis 2:15:

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

You’ve been given a piece of land—your life—and told to cultivate it. Leadership means doing the work, showing up, and creating an environment where others can flourish. When you treat your responsibilities as holy assignments, everything changes—from how you parent to how you show up at work.

6. Vision — Seeing What Others Can’t

Jesus didn’t just react to circumstances—He led from vision. Hebrews 12:2 says,

“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.”

Garrett calls vision the fuel that keeps leaders steady under pressure. Leaders see beyond the moment—they hold a picture of the future that pulls them forward.

If discipline keeps you grounded, vision keeps you inspired. It gives meaning to the mundane and courage in crisis. As Garrett puts it, “You can’t lead anyone further than the vision you carry.”

7. Faith — The Foundation of All Leadership

Finally, every trait finds its strength in faith. Without faith, discipline becomes duty, and servanthood becomes exhaustion. Jesus led with complete trust in the Father’s plan—even to the point of death.

“Not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42

Faith empowers leaders to move when the path isn’t clear. Garrett reminds men that “God doesn’t call you to lead because you’re perfect—He calls you because He’s with you.”

Leadership mastery begins and ends with faith: believing that God is sovereign and that your obedience matters.

Becoming a Leader Like Jesus

The episode closes with a challenge: if you want your business, marriage, or influence to grow, grow as a leader. Jesus showed us that real leadership is service, vision, sacrifice, and faith in action.

Garrett’s reminder rings loud: “Everything gets better when you get better.”

No shortcuts. No quick hacks. Just consistent, courageous leadership built on the model of Christ.

So ask yourself—would the people who follow you want to leave because of you… or become more because of you?

Key Takeaways

• Leadership starts with discipline. You can’t lead others until you master yourself.
  
  

• Servanthood is the secret to strength. The greatest leaders kneel before they rise.
  
  

• Purpose gives clarity. Know why you’re here and who you’re serving.
  
  

• Authority comes from God. Steward it with humility and courage.
  
  

• Faith fuels endurance. Trust God’s plan even when you can’t see the outcome.
  
  

For more leadership insights and high-performance mindset tools, visit theimpossible.life or follow @theimpossiblelife on Instagram.