The man whose face launched a thousand memes (warning: language) figured out long ago the importance of reminders over instruction. Reminders help us maintain habits and practices. And stories are reminders on steroids. Stay tuned for wisdom from the Dr. Johnson. Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We’d love to hear from you! …

Roleplay works: Mark coaches his kids to cold-call for the Country Ham Auction
Sales training: It’s never too early! Mark shares how his kids prepared for the 4-H Country Ham Project. Roleplaying cold calls helped them earn big money. But there is a bigger agenda at play … are you making use of it in your training? Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We’d love to …

Author Chris Hunsicker: How to gain a non-duplicatable competitive advantage
Do you suffer from Mood-Dependent Excellence? Do you know why your back-to-basics meeting won’t solve your problems? Do you understand the difference between training and coaching? Chris Hunsicker joins Mike again to unpack a chapter of his book, “Unstoppable Culture: A Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Relentless, Results-Driven, High-Performing Team.” Grab a pen–lots of practical tips in this episode! Interested …
Persuading with “Feel, Think, Do”
If Mike’s wrong about Feel-Think-Do, then people shouldn’t be smoking anymore. And an entire segment of our economy should disappear. The concept will help you persuade others–and yourself. Resource mentioned: Positive Coaching Discussion Questions (free download) Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes … or interview subjects? Email Mike and Mark.
Every time Mike violates his own rule it bites him in the butt.
“If I have not seen you doing it, I will assume that you can’t do it.” Easy to say … hard to master. Tune in to hear Mike’s recent experience in fine-tuning his training and coaching process. (Spoiler alert: It led to the client immediately selling what scientists label “a bajillion more units.”) Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes … …
The simplest feedback method around
Our latest podcast discusses how important it can be to give frequent “Just-in-Time” feedback. We mention the AID method as a way to do that JIT feedback. It takes 60 seconds and can be used for positive or negative feedback. For those new to the tool, here is AID in a nutshell. You share three things: Action observed: “Tom, did …
Recruiting and retaining employees: Start your own school
This is absolutely fascinating look at recruiting and retaining employees (9-minute video): A Seattle Toyota dealership took technician retention from 30 percent to 95 percent … by starting their own school. The general manager hired away an auto repair instructor (and former tech for the store) who teaches in the store’s conference room and service bays. This, along with a …
Stop delegating and start developing
As a manager, one of the few things you cannot delegate is developing your people. In fact, even when you do delegate, it must involve developing. Don’t take my word for it: Here’s the Harvard Business Review’s approach. Think of it as a bullseye (free download here). What training, coaching and feedback do you need to give in order to …
The Lion, the Witch and the Sales Trainer
Here’s another story. And it has everything to do with improving how we train the workforce to be better thinkers.