An illustration of an overwhelmed basketball coach on a busy court, surrounded by a distressed young player, another player pointing at a watch, and a ringing phone. In a thought bubble above him, a wooden ruler representing 'success metrics' and 'lives touched' snaps in two. This visual of failure contrasts with a glowing compass in the corner labeled 'SIGNIFICANCE,' which points toward simple icons of connection and care, like a cup of coffee and a comforting hand.

The Dark Side of Transformational Leadership

March 24, 2026•2 min read

There is a danger few talk about.

Just as passion can turn to an unhealthy obsession, purpose can turn into an unhealthy obsession. How so?

When you try to be a savior to everyone in your life, and you don’t help everyone you meet, you feel like a failure.

When you're obsessed with personal growth it gets a new name—perfection.

When you have the very human experience of not being the person you want to be every minute of your day you feel like a failure.

When you judge your purpose by the depth of every relationship and a relationship deteriorates, you feel like a failure.

When you measure your significance by the number of lives you touch, you feel like a failure when you compare yourself to others.

All of these things can lead you to feel disconnected from your purpose— to question your self-worth.

Significance Over Success came at the right time for me.

In my enthusiasm to live a meaningful and purposeful life, I started to lose sight of the thing that is most significant: love.

Above all else, we are all called to love.

To love the person in front of you—from the person making your coffee, to the athlete who can’t seem to figure out how to show up on time, to the family member who always calls you at the most inconvenient times.

You are called to love the sick child who throws off your perfectly planned day of “purposeful” work or the spouse who calls in the middle of your day needing a favor.

Choosing significance over success is not a life-altering choice—it’s not a daily choice—it’s a mindful choice.

Significance is not measured by how many people attend your funeral or the number of people who say you changed their life for the better.

There is no measuring stick for significance.

Only a compass.

Justin Simpkins and Shane Sowden have given us more than a book.

They’ve given us more than inspiration to throw out the measuring stick.

They’ve given us a compass to pursue significance.

Regardless of where you are in your journey, this book will help you calibrate your compass as you pursue significance over success.

J.P. Nerbun

JP Nerbun

J.P. Nerbun is an ICF certified PCC Executive Coach (trained at Georgetown University), Growth Edge Coach, Facilitator, and author of The Culture System.

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