Guest: Dr. Ross Blankenship | Everyday Leadership: A Guide to Developing Your Mindset as a Leader
When most people think of leadership, they picture CEOs, generals, or heads of state. But as Dr. Ross Blankenship reminds us, true leadership isn’t about position—it’s about presence. It’s woven into the everyday moments where we choose to listen, encourage, and act with purpose.
“At the fundamental level, leadership is a relationship with other people… the repeated gestures in our relationships, the practices of communication and collaboration we return to on a daily basis have more to say about how we lead than our grandest theories.”
— Ross Blankenship, PhD
The Three Pillars of Everyday Leadership
- Anticipation – Seeing what’s ahead and preparing others for it.
- Participation – Turning vision into action.
- Cooperation – Building shared purpose and belonging.
👉 Action: Identify leaders you admire for each pillar. What can you adopt into your own practice?
The Superpowers of Leadership
Dr. Blankenship highlights three dimensions that anchor effective leadership:
- Relationship-Oriented – Foster trust and belonging.
- Task-Oriented – Provide clarity and accountability.
- Change-Oriented – Challenge the status quo and guide through uncertainty.
👉 Action: Ask your team: Where do I shine? Where can I grow?
From Control to Influence
Leadership falters when it clings to control. Micromanaging erodes trust; influence ignites creativity and ownership. The best leaders orchestrate, empower, and trust their people.
👉 Action: Pick one area where you’re over-controlling. Shift from dictating the “how” to clarifying the “why.”
The Legacy You Leave
Leadership is not a career milestone—it’s a responsibility. Your influence ripples into your team’s work, confidence, and even their home lives. Every small act leaves an imprint.
👉 Action: Draft your Leadership Manifesto. Define the kind of leader you want to be—and live it daily.
Your Call to Action: How have you shifted from control to influence in your leadership—or how has it impacted you when a leader did this for you? Share your story below.
🎥 Watch the full episode HERE
🎧 Or listen on:
🔹 Spotify
🔹 iHeart
💬 Join the conversation: What’s one way you help your team members see they are valued or know they add value to your organization while living its purpose? Drop a comment below!
📩 Love these insights? Hit ‘Subscribe’ to get fresh episodes straight to your inbox!
