Leadership often pulls us toward extremes: big-picture vision or day-to-day reality. But holding space well means keeping our feet on the ground while still looking ahead.
Keeping it real and rooted is about staying honest—with ourselves, with our teams, and with the moment we’re actually in.
It’s about bridging aspiration and action.
Knowing where we’re going, but also being clear about what’s true right now.
Like the image above, leadership is about holding both perspectives: a grounded presence and a visionary gaze.
Feet in the dirt, eyes on the horizon.
This is where integrity lives.
Where accountability lives.
Where we remember that dreaming big doesn’t mean pretending.
When We Stay Real and Rooted:
We don’t overpromise.
We name what’s hard without collapsing under it.
We stay connected to purpose and people.
This capacity is especially important when leading through change.
When people feel overwhelmed or skeptical, they don’t need hype.
They need honesty and steady ground.
Try This: The Both/And Check-In
When you’re navigating a tough conversation or planning for the future, ask:
What’s the big picture we’re moving toward?
What’s the current reality we need to honor?
What’s one small step that bridges the two?
This keeps your leadership rooted in truth and possibility.
Reflection Questions:
Where do I tend to float too far into the vision—or get stuck in the weeds?
What does “integrity” mean in my leadership right now?
How can I model honest hope without bypassing what’s real?
Keeping it real and rooted isn’t about staying safe or playing small.
It’s about leading from a place of grounded alignment—where your values, words, and actions meet.
Next up: Speaking with Care.
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