Leadership Spot Check: Two Old Friends (Who Happen to Be Navy Chaplains)

In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , Ryan Daffron dives into the essential power skill of communication. More than just words, communication is about how messages are sent, received, and understood—both verbally and nonverbally. Ryan unpacks communication styles, common barriers, and the subtle cues that make or break understanding. Discover how refining your communication can transform you...

In this foundational episode of  Leadership Spot Check , Ryan explores the crucial difference between hard skills and power skills—and why the latter are becoming the defining traits of effective leaders today. Ryan lays the groundwork for upcoming episodes on communication, active listening, and emotional intelligence episodes by showing how power skills are essential for building trust, leading...

What does it mean to be  future smart ? In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , host Ryan Daffron explores how leaders can anticipate, prepare for, and shape the future before it arrives. Through real-world examples from Netflix and Patagonia, Ryan breaks down how insight, desire, and preparation helped these companies disrupt their industries and stay ahead of the curve. You’ll walk away with...

In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , we explore an advanced leadership tool designed to help future-proof your leadership mantra: the Futures Wheel. This tool, developed by Jerome Glenn, helps leaders anticipate the ripple effects of their decisions by mapping out first, second, and third-order consequences. Ryan walks listeners through how to stress-test their leadership mantra, ensuring i...

In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , Ryan explores what it means to be  future smart , the mindset and skill set that allows leaders to anticipate change, embrace uncertainty, and make bold decisions that shape the future.

Leadership mantras that have changed the world. In this episode, Ryan explores real life leaders and their mantras that have helped shape the world. Listen and subscribe to hear how you two can make a difference using your leadership mantra.

In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , Ryan reveals the secret to resilient and purpose-driven leadership: a personal leadership mantra. Inspired by his ultra-endurance race experience, he shares how a simple yet powerful mantra helped him overcome mental and physical barriers—just as leaders must do in high-pressure situations. Learn how to craft your own leadership mantra with a step-by-ste...

In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , we dive into the fascinating world of leadership styles. With over 200 definitions of leadership, how do we define what it truly means to be a leader? More importantly, how do we identify our own leadership style? Join us as we explore the origins of leadership, the influence we all have—whether as a CEO, a stay-at-home parent, or a frontline worker—and...

In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , Ryan explores how the powerful worldviews of Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela didn’t just shape their leadership—they changed the world. Their stories show that leadership starts with how you see the world and the people in it. But this isn’t just about them—it’s about you. Discover how your own worldview can become the driving force behind meaningful im...

Why do you lead the way you do? In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , we uncover the hidden influences shaping your leadership through the  LeaderGram —a powerful tool that maps out your leadership DNA. By tracing your mentors, experiences, and defining moments, you’ll gain clarity, break unproductive habits, and lead with greater self-awareness. 📥  Download the free workbook  at  leadershi...

What shapes the way you see the world? In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of worldview—the invisible lens through which we interpret life and make decisions. Discover the five key factors that shape your worldview, from family and culture to personal experiences and faith. I'll also explore the hidden influences—those subtle, often unnoticed forces—that shape our beliefs and leaders...

In this episode of  Leadership Spot Check , we dive into the story of King Saul to explore the concept of leadership dissonance. Using Saul’s relationship with David as a case study, we examine how insecurity and fear can derail a leader’s alignment with their team and mission. Listeners will gain practical insights into recognizing dissonance in their own leadership and learn how to foster harmon...

In this Leadership Spot Check episode, Ryan explores  leadership dissonance  and how uncovering its root causes can transform leadership effectiveness. Using a personal story, he parallels four key causes of dissonance: unexplored worldviews, improvised planning, underdeveloped power skills, and lack of a maintenance plan. Through practical insights and actionable strategies, listeners will learn...

Episode 3 of  Leadership Spot Check  explores the concept of leadership dissonance, where a leader’s actions, values, and communication fail to align with their team’s expectations or experiences. Using relatable examples, Ryan highlights how dissonance manifests through incongruent values, emotional inauthenticity, hypocrisy, and fractured communication, all of which erode trust and effectiveness...

A leadership spot check is a crucial tool for leaders to evaluate and reflect on their current leadership practices and behaviors. This episode will explore why it's important to pause and assess your leadership approach regularly. By conducting a spot check, leaders can identify areas for growth, reinforce strengths, and make real-time adjustments that align with their values and the needs of the...

This is a new leadership development podcast making its debut in Spring 2025. This episode gives listeners an idea of what to expect and how to prepare for leadership growth. Each episode comes with a workbook. Head over to my website and pick one up! https://leadershipspotcheck.com/shop/ols/products/part-1-workbook