The Question that Changes How You Lead 

By Melissa McGath | April 9, 2026

Recently, I was teaching my Sunday school class the story of blind Bartimaeus, and a leadership insight from Jesus, the greatest leader who ever walked this earth, stood out to me. As Bartimaeus sat begging by a Jericho roadside, he heard Jesus was approaching. He called out for Jesus to have mercy on him but was hushed and rebuked by the crowd. Jesus, however, saw him and stopped to ask: 

“What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51) 

This question has stayed with me because it reveals something about how Jesus sees and leads. He notices those overlooked by the crowds. He responds to the man in need with humility by asking how He can bless him.  

I imagine Jesus is asking us this same question today: “What do you want me to do for you?” How amazing is it that the God of the universe invites us to name our need, and delights in serving us! Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus challenged me to reflect on how I lead. 

When Leadership Chooses to See 

If I’m honest, I don’t always lead like Jesus. 

It’s easy to get caught up in running the business and staying on pace with goals and miss the needs of the people serving the company. I should serve them more intentionally.  

Jesus didn’t rush past Bartimaeus or let the crowd decide his worth; He chose to see him, acknowledge him, and engage him directly. 

Jesus’ question has become a strong reminder for me as I conduct one-on-ones with my team. 

Am I leading with a servant’s heart, choosing to see each individual and acknowledge their world, or am I assuming they’re fine because they haven’t said anything to indicate they aren’t? I’ve noticed something shifts when I ask, “How can I help?” 

Any weight they bring into the meeting seems to lift. They often open up and share things from a perspective that I hadn’t fully seen, and as a leader, it gives me the opportunity to bring clarity and strengthen areas that need alignment. 

The Culture We Create 

What stands out to me most is not just that Jesus asks the question, but that He makes space for Bartimaeus to answer, even though He already knows the need. 

In that moment, Jesus accomplishes several things. He gives dignity to a man dismissed by others, blesses Bartimaeus through healing, reveals to the crowd who He is, and demonstrates what servant leadership looks like. 

The way we lead one person doesn’t stay contained within that interaction. It shapes what others notice, what they expect, and what they feel comfortable bringing forward. 

When we take the time to ask and listen, trust builds, and people are more willing to share what’s really going on. When we don’t take that time, things tend to stay under the surface. 

So, this simple question, “What do you want me to do for you?” shows people they are seen and that their voice matters. 

Bartimaeus may have called out to be noticed, but Jesus saw him before he heard him. That’s the awareness I want to carry as I lead. I want to be intentional in how I show up for my team, knowing even small moments shape the kind of team we become over time. 

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Download The One Question that Changes How You Lead Guide to help your team feel seen and improve alignment. 

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” 

Mark 10:45