The Messy, Humble, Listen-First Kind of Leadership We Need in Human Services
If you’ve been in a leadership role in human services for more than, say, four minutes, you’ve probably felt the pressure to “have all the answers.” The quicker you solve the problem, the better leader you must be… right?
Well—maybe not.
Dr. Peter Gerhardt, Executive Director of EPIC School and co-author of Make It Meaningful (a must-read if you’re serious about building programs that prepare people for actual adult life), would argue that leadership is a lot less about quick fixes and a lot more about patience, humility, and shaping growth over time.
Here are a few of his leadership gems that he shared in my recent conversation with him (Part 1 of 2)—and how they just might save your sanity, your staff, and your mission.
1. Listen Before You Leap
Gerhardt says leaders often jump straight into problem-solving mode. It’s faster. It’s cleaner. It also short-circuits the conversation.
Listening first sends a signal—not just to your staff, but to families and clients—that you value their perspective before deciding what to do.
Sure, it feels slower—but remember: leadership isn’t a speed sport. It’s an endurance event.
2. You Don’t Have to Make People Great (But You Can Make Them Better)
His line was:
“I can’t make you great, hopefully I can make you good, but I definitely can make you better.”
That’s leadership gold. You’re not expected to instantly transform someone into the perfect clinician or supervisor; you’re investing in steady, noticeable improvement over time.
Think of it less like flipping a switch and more like turning a dial—small adjustments that, over time, make a big difference.
3. “Don’t Believe Your Own Press”
Yes, the plaques on your wall are nice. But Gerhardt warns against thinking they make you a big deal. Titles and awards are lagging indicators.
What matters most is whether you’re still earning trust today—not just from your staff, but from the people you serve and their families. And in our field, that means keeping yourself sharp, doing excellent clinical work, and staying grounded no matter how impressive your résumé looks.
4. Let It Get a Little Messy
In our field, a “calm” day at the day program can feel like a win. But calm isn’t always progress.
When people are learning and growing, things can be a little chaotic. In fact, they should be. And when you’re working with adult learners, it’s not just about skill-building—it’s about respecting their right to make independent decisions… even if those decisions make things a little less tidy for you.
Why This Matters for New (and Not-So-New) Leaders
If you’re new to leading in IDD services—or you’ve been at it long enough to know your coffee order is now a personality trait—remember:
You don’t have to be the fastest problem-solver.
You do have to grow your people, one skill at a time.
You’re never “done” earning trust—with staff, clients, and families.
Progress isn’t always quiet.
The best leaders in our field aren’t flawless. They’re patient, grounded, and willing to get their hands messy in the name of growth.
If you want to dig deeper into Gerhardt’s approach, check out Make It Meaningful—it’s packed with practical tools and a vision that will challenge how you see both programming and leadership.
And if you’re part of this growing tribe of leaders who believe human services can be both excellent and deeply human… stick around. We’re just getting started. (Plus, there’s the second half of the interview—and the lessons learned.)
