There’s a quiet fear that creeps in whenever you are asked to lead but deep down, you feel unworthy. Maybe you’ve walked into a room full of people expecting answers, while your heart is full of questions. Or you’ve been handed responsibility when you were still figuring out your own journey. In Zimbabwe, many of us find ourselves in leadership not because we asked, but because someone else saw something in us we never saw in ourselves.
I remember writing in Hello Dr. Alfred about how leadership sometimes lands on the shoulders of those who least expect it. Dr. Alfred’s story isn’t unique—so many great leaders in church, business, and community started as the least likely. In fact, many admitted they felt unqualified, sometimes even after years of experience. The truth is, the feeling of being “undeserving” isn’t a sign of weakness. More often, it’s a sign that you respect the weight of what you’ve been given.
Proverbs teaches, “Wisdom is with the humble” (Proverbs 11:2). Humility is the beginning of wisdom. When you feel undeserving, you approach your work with a listening ear and a learning spirit. You don’t assume you know it all. You ask questions, you value others’ opinions, and you’re willing to grow. That humility draws people in—they trust you because you aren’t trying to prove anything; you’re genuinely trying to serve.
But deep leadership is also about courage. The old African proverb says, “If you wait for the moment when everything is ready, you shall never begin.” Sometimes, you just have to step forward, trembling hands and all. You lead not because you’re the best, but because you’re available. People don’t follow perfect leaders; they follow present leaders. When you show up—fully, honestly—others find courage in your example.
There’s another side to feeling unqualified. It keeps you dependent on God. Moses argued with God, saying, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11), but God didn’t look for a polished speaker—He looked for an obedient heart. When you lean on God’s strength rather than your own, your leadership becomes less about ego and more about impact. That’s when you can say, “His strength is made perfect in my weakness.”
Practical wisdom teaches us: “He who learns, leads.” Every leader who admits they don’t have it all figured out is a leader who’s ready to grow. Never stop learning. Read. Ask questions. Surround yourself with mentors and friends who tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. In Hello Dr. Alfred, we saw how surrounding yourself with wise counsel can be the difference between sinking and surviving.
And never underestimate the power of grace. You might feel undeserving, but leadership is rarely about the person who thinks they deserve it most. More often, it’s about the person who’s willing to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep lifting others—even when they feel small.
So if you ever feel like an imposter in your own shoes, remember this: The ones who feel unqualified are often the ones most ready to listen, to serve, and to lead with a pure heart. Proverbs also reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Let that be your guide.
True leadership starts not with “I am worthy,” but with “Here I am, send me.” And sometimes, that’s all God and the world need from you
