Own the Moment

by Jon Close

Mar 09, 2026

Leadership is responsibility—not preference.

When challenges arise, teams look first to the leader—not for answers, but for ownership. Avoidance, delay, or deflection weakens trust quickly.

As John C. Maxwell reminds us, leaders don’t wait for perfect conditions—they step forward.

This Week's Practice

Identify one situation you’ve been postponing:

A decision
A conversation
A course correction

Own it. Address it directly and respectfully-this week.

DISC Insight - How Each Styles Approaches Ownership

D - Dominance (Control/Action/Results)

You step up quickly but may dominate the moment. Own the situation while inviting input. Shared ownership strenghens buy-in.

I - Influence (People/Optimism/Relationships)

You may avoid difficult moments to keep morale high. Own the moments by addressing issues directly-clarity builds respect.

S - Support (Harmony/ Support/Stability)

You may delay action to avoid tension. Own the moment by recognizing that clarity creates safety-even when uncomfortable.

C- Cautious (Accuracy/Risk/Detail)

You may hesistate until all facts are known. Own the moment by acting on the best information available. Leadership requires movement, not certainty.

Bottom Line:

Ownership builds trust.

Purposeful leaders step forward-especially when it's uncomfortable.

Detach from Emotional Waste

One of the hidden drains on leadership effectiveness is emotional waste. Emotional waste occurs when leaders spend energy on things that do not move the work forward-complaining, resisting reality, replaying past frustrations, or worrying about circumstances outside of their control. In No Ego, Cy Wakeman explains that leaders create far more value when they focus on facts, solutions, and forw...

See Potential Before Others Do

One of the greatest responsibilities of a leader is seeing what others cannot yet see in themselves. Many people underestimate their own leadership ability. They focus on their limitations rather than their potential. A leader’s role is to help people recognize the gifts, strengths, and capabilities that may still be hidden. John C. Maxwell often reminds us that people tend to become what the m...

Develop People, Don't Create Denpendence

The goal of leadership is not control—it’s development. Situational leaders resist the trap of doing too much for others. Instead, they intentionally move people toward greater competence and confidence. If your're always stepping in, you may be slowing growth. This Week's Practice Ask yourself: Who am I over-helping? Where should I shift from directing to coaching, or from supporting to de...