TRLP 065: Lead From the Heart: Why Distance Weakens Leadership

2026-02-10

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Got questions or comments? Text them to me!In a world more connected than ever, leadership has quietly become more distant.We have constant access to people—texts, emails, meetings, metrics—but proximity isn’t the same as presence. And when leaders begin leading from a distance, something subtle but serious happens: our decisions start to lose their soul.In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul Jenkins reflects on an often-overlooked moment in Exodus 28:30, where God instructs the high priest to wear the breastplate—the place o...

Got questions or comments? Text them to me!

In a world more connected than ever, leadership has quietly become more distant.

We have constant access to people—texts, emails, meetings, metrics—but proximity isn’t the same as presence. And when leaders begin leading from a distance, something subtle but serious happens: our decisions start to lose their soul.

In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul Jenkins reflects on an often-overlooked moment in Exodus 28:30, where God instructs the high priest to wear the breastplate—the place of discernment—over the heart.

That detail is more than symbolic. It’s formative.

This episode explores why:

Good decisions flow from a well-connected heart
Leadership always moves in two directions—toward people and toward God
Distance shows up first in our decisions
Vulnerability isn’t a soft skill, but a leadership necessity

When leaders close the gap emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, people stop being projects and start being people again. Stories stay close. Pain stays human. Growth stays personal.

If you’ve been feeling cynical, sharp, or detached in your leadership, this episode offers a hopeful invitation—not to work harder, but to move closer.

Closer to God.
Closer to people.
Closer to the heart.

Key Takeaways

You can be around people and still not be with them
Discernment belongs near compassion, not distance
Leadership breaks down when either people or God drift from the heart
Vulnerability keeps decision-making human and God-honoring
The heart must stay involved for leadership to remain effective

Scripture Referenced

Exodus 28:30

Leadership Practice for the Month

Wear the breastplate again.
Let decisions be shaped by love.
Lead with people, not over them.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone you’re leading—or another leader who needs the reminder. And as always, keep giving God your best, and He’ll do the rest.

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