“I feel like there’s two types of respect when it comes to a leadership role, you have that earned respect and that implied respect..” “…If you are my boss, superior, supervisor, manager – whatever – I find myself doing just enough to not get fire, just enough to not be on your radar because you are my boss and I have to show you enough respect, but the earned respect like Coach Hall or other leaders that have truly shown you that they are a leader, you would do what you thought they might need you to do before they even asked – because of how much you respected them.”

In this episode of Leadership Level Up, Eric Peterson sits down with Jeff and Brian as he shares the foundation of his leadership approach.

The founder of Project Headspace and Timing, an organization dedicated to providing services for veterans, Eric Peterson echoes a sentiment that many great leaders share – that at times he doesn’t feel like one at all. (02:15) “There are moments where I feel like I’m taking charge, I have to take this and run with it and spearhead this project,” He says. “[But] throughout my life there have been many times where I’ve known that I needed to be a follower and not necessarily a leader in that moment, which I also think is also an important aspect of being a leader.”

Eric’s humble approach shines through in how he views the types of respect a leader earns. For Eric, there is implied respect and earned respect. The former refers to the baseline respect conferred to a leader as a result of their position, whereas the earned respect can only be found after a leader demonstrates positive leadership qualities.

Listen to this episode of Leadership Level Up to learn more about these positive leadership qualities Eric describes, as well hear about Eric’s leadership journey and how he works to help his community.

Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don’t miss future conversations with great leaders!

Meet Your Guest

Eric Peterson

Eric Peterson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Project Headspace and Timing, which since 2017 has aimed to help veterans in need. Raised in the Kankakee County Area, Peterson graduated from Herscher High School and went on to serve in the Army National Guard, serving in Afghanistan. 

In 2020, Peterson received the Daily Journal’s Young Citizen of the Year Award and was placed on the Kankakee County’s 40 under 40 list by the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce. He is an ordained minister for the Universal Life Church, currently works in Veteran Services for Banyan Treatment Centers, and lives in Manteno with his wife and children.

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Hosts

Jeff Williamson

Brian Prairie

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.