Part 2: Mike and Mark recently discussed three things you must have to successfully coach. Now they return with seven of the very best coaching questions. These are simple and worth memorizing. To go deeper, see “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier. We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. …
Revolutionary change for CX success
By now, most of us agree that CX, customer experience, is the differential for most businesses. If you sell a commodity product or service, it’s how you stand out, attract a tribe, etc. We agree on paper, at least. Execution of CX is a whole other matter. This article from BCG (Boston Consulting Group) is striking in its breadth: “CEOs …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Doctor Worm
They Might Be Giants are my favorite American band. Fun is the keyword. When they performed at my alma mater, there was a confetti cannon. And a conga line. They recently released a free live album that covered their different eras. It was great to hear them in their original, 1980s format (guitar, accordion, drum machine). But I sure loved …
Forgiveness: the missing leadership trait?
I just had a phone call with my mom. (Note to reader: If your mother is still on this earth, call her today.) She has had people apologize to her recently, and she told me she says this to them: I decided a while back that I just would not take anything personally or get my feelings hurt during covid. …
The Lost Tools of Business: An Introduction
I am writing a book, “The Lost Tools of Business.” It is an attempt to share with organizations the secrets to growing successful cultures that I have learned through classical education. I’ll be previewing drafts of the chapters periodically on this blog. The following is the introduction. I would love–and need–your feedback. I hope this is a blessing to you …
Podcast 70: Seven of the very best coaching questions
Mike and Mark recently discussed three things you must have to successfully coach. Now they return with seven of the very best coaching questions. These are simple and worth memorizing. To go deeper, see “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier. We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. Subscribe …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Try a Little Tenderness
Apologies for the swearing of a cuss or two. This is from a lovely little movie about an Irish soul band. Yes, that is the teen actor’s actual voice. I give you the Commitments.
Good managers ask more questions
I’ve had this article bookmarked for some time now because it’s so practical: “Why the best managers ask the most questions.” The author has four practical suggestions for asking more questions. Given our recent posts about listening to sell, listening to receive feedback, listening as a part of wrestling to grow … well, you get the idea. We think listening …
Podcast 69: No one is the bad guy in their own movie!
No one is the bad guy in their own movie! Mark and Mike provide examples of people convinced that they are the heroes in their story. They also discuss how this mindset impacts how you approach and coach these people. This podcast actually raises more questions then it answers. Check it out! We would love your questions and comments for …
The one skill you must have to sell
I had just closed a car dealer on working with me for a second year. In the work I do, there are no salaries or benefits. You work gig to gig, retainer to retainer. Every gig was a big deal for my wife and me–nothing, including income, is guaranteed. (Actually, nothing is guaranteed even for the salaried. We all work …