270. How To Lead Without Taking Over

Have you ever wondered if you're leading well—or if you're accidentally taking over? In Episode 270: How to Lead Without Taking Over, I answer a thoughtful question from a sister missionary who worried she might be controlling as a senior companion. Her vulnerability opened the door to a conversation I think every leader needs to hear. Whether you're a trainer, district leader, mission leader, parent, teacher, or simply someone with stewardship over another person, learning to lead with humility while preserving agency is one of the most important skills you can develop. In this episode, we explore the difference between stewardship and superiority, why good leaders reflect instead of assuming they have all the answers, and how to create as much agency and influence as possible while still carrying the responsibility you've been given. I also introduce my LEAD Framework—Listen, Explain, Acknowledge, and Decide—to help you navigate disagreements with kindness, clarity, and confidence without sacrificing either leadership or relationships. Along the way, I share practical examples from missionary companionships that apply just as well to families, church callings, workplaces, and everyday life. If you've ever questioned your leadership, worried about making the right decision, or wondered how to balance responsibility with respect for another person's agency, I hope Episode 270: How to Lead Without Taking Over gives you greater confidence and peace. My hope is that you'll discover that true leadership isn't about having more power—it's about carrying greater responsibility with humility, compassion, and Christlike love. As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.   00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – A Missionary's Question About Leadership 04:34 – A Companion Episode to "When You Don't Feel Heard" 07:28 – If You're Asking This Question, You're Probably a Good Leader 09:15 – Leadership Should Make You Feel More Responsible, Not More Important 12:31 – Stewardship vs. Superiority 15:09 – Preserving Agency While Carrying Stewardship 20:08 – Low Stakes, Medium Stakes, and High Stakes Decisions 22:31 – The LEAD Framework: Listen, Explain, Acknowledge, Decide 25:46 – Control vs. Christlike Leadership 30:15 – Leadership Is More Responsibility, Not More Power   Website | Instagram | Facebook   5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE   Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE   Free PDF Download:  Podcast Roadmap   Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet   Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool   RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home   Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary   Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here