✨ Student Spotlight: Cody Sharp✨
In my Principles of Advertising class, I challenged students to write a blog exploring:
“What does Servant Leadership look like in real life?”
Today I’m proud to feature Cody’s post: “Living to Serve Others.”
Inspired by his high school principal’s simple but powerful phrase, “Leaders pick up trash when no one else is watching”, Cody reflects on how servant leadership shows up in small, everyday actions that leave a lasting impact.
His story reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about service, humility, and the courage to lead by example.
💡 Take a moment to read Cody’s full blog below and ask yourself: What everyday act of service could you choose today?
During my sophomore year of high school, I had a meeting with my principal to discuss my future, both for the next two years of high school and my plans after graduation. In that meeting, he said something that has stayed with me ever since:
“Leaders pick up trash when no one else is watching.” – Harold Oliver
For some reason, that simple phrase stuck with me. To this day, whenever I see trash on the ground, I think back to that conversation and pick it up. It’s not just about the act itself; it’s about the reminder that authentic leadership is found in the small, often unseen actions.
That saying helped shape me into a better leader because it constantly reminds me of the kind of leader Harold Oliver was. Leaders don’t just take charge when others are watching; they lead by example in everyday moments, whether or not anyone notices. And truthfully, someone is always watching, whether it’s a boss, a peer, or even a young kid who looks up to you.
Harold Oliver lived this principle every day. He was the girls’ basketball coach at Riley County High School for 32 years and the principal for 8 years. Over that time, he became a role model for thousands of people, including me. Harold wasn’t just a leader; he was a servant leader. He helped others without hesitation, without needing recognition, and without ever questioning whether it was worth his time.
He taught me about servant leadership not through lectures or lessons, but by simply living it. And that changed my life.
The Many Forms of Servant Leadership
Servant leadership can take many forms, but Harold embodied two in particular: coaching servant leadership and visionary servant leadership.
- Coaching Servant Leaders focus on developing others through mentorship and guidance. They encourage growth, provide feedback, and create opportunities for skill building. Their goal is to help others reach their full potential and, ultimately, become leaders themselves.
- Visionary Servant Leaders inspire people by aligning them with a shared purpose. They focus on values, ethics, and the greater good, whether it’s for the community, the environment, or future generations. These leaders think long-term and motivate others to serve something bigger than themselves.
Harold was both a coach and a visionary. And while I try to live out those same qualities, I also find myself leaning into another form of servant leadership: the operational servant leader.
Operational servant leaders focus on the day-to-day details that make teams successful. They remove obstacles, streamline processes, and ensure the team has what it needs to perform well. Their servant mindset shows up in the way they prioritize their team’s success over their own recognition.
How Sports and Life Shaped My Leadership
I owe much of my leadership growth to sports and the environment in which I was raised. Growing up in a household that pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with new people helped shape my personality. However, sports, in particular, provided me with the opportunity to live out leadership every day.
Being a team captain on multiple teams taught me the importance of responsibility, accountability, and serving the group. Later, in college, my leadership skills continued to develop.
As a Resident Assistant and someone who works in the athletic department overseeing all the gameday student workers, I’ve learned how to lead both in structured roles and in everyday interactions.
Final Thoughts
Leadership isn’t about titles, recognition, or being in the spotlight. It’s about service. It’s about the small, unnoticed actions that reflect your values and influence the people around you.
Harold Oliver’s simple phrase—“Leaders pick up trash when no one else is watching”—remains a guiding principle in my life. It reminds me daily that true leaders don’t just talk about service; they live it.
And that’s the kind of leader I strive to be.
Cody Sharp is a sophomore at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas. Originally from Leonardville, Kansas, he competes on the college’s cross country and track teams as a decathlete. In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Cody owns and operates a pressure-washing business specializing in driveway cleaning and serves as a member of the gameday staff for Cloud County’s athletic department.
