Connect Mobilize Deliver: Recent Episodes
Greg Harrod
Great leaders don’t go it alone. They connect people, mobilize them for action, and deliver results. And, the very best leaders aren’t afraid to admit that they care deeply for their teammates. They lead with kindness and confidence. In this weekly podcast, host Greg Harrod and his guests share their experience, stories, and tips for successfully leading teams without compromising your values. Greg keeps it simple and practical by focusing on mastering the fundamental career skills you need to achieve success for yourself and your teams. He’ll cover topics like communication, leading effective meetings, empathy, role clarity, listening, asking powerful questions, project management, servant leadership mindset, organizational health, diversity, inclusion, and much more. With over 30 years of experience leading in business, community, and family settings Greg embraces curiosity because he’s got enough experience to know he still has much to learn. Listen in and grow with him as fascinating guests with diverse backgrounds and perspectives share their best leadership wisdom. If you want to be an even stronger leader and you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit, you’ll find a consistent source of ideas and encouragement you can immediately apply. Whether you are a small business owner or have a corporate job with a side hustle too, there’s something here for you each week. It’s a mix of interviews and solo shows you’re not going to want to miss. Hit subscribe and get ready to boost your confidence as a leader and energize your career. Learn more at GregHarrod.com/ConnectMobilizeDeliver.
You know going through change in an organization can be difficult.
Sometimes, change can feel like complete chaos.
Even if it seems like a small change, sometimes it can feel overwhelming.
Your productivity plummets and so does your teammates'.
Here's the good news.
You have the power to create order from the chaos of change.
This week's guest, Rachel Berbiglia, is an expert on helping businesses manage change.
She shares her best tips on how to recover and maintain your productivity during a period of change.
Rachel also teaches you how to help your teammates do the same.
You're going to experience change many times throughout your career.
Listen to Rachel Berbiglia so you and those you lead are prepared when the next change arrives.
Today's Guest
Rachel Berbiglia
Rachel Berbiglia is consultant, entrepreneur, podcast host, and expert on bringing order to business operations.
Her expertise includes successful change management in organizations across a variety of industries.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rachel is a self-proclaimed Kansas Ambassador.
You'll Learn
- Why creating order from the chaos of change is a career superpower
- The value of being able to see a high-level vision and all the details required to make that vision a reality
- How to avoid a victim mindset when going through change
- The basics of the change curve and its impact on your productivity
- Why being "all business" is not always the best approach
- How to protect your productivity and your professional reputation when going through a change
- When you should consider leaving a company because of a change
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest
1. Prioritize well
Watch out for "fake urgency"! You must be able to separate urgent and important tasks from those that are wasting your time.
If you're letting email drag you through the day, you're prioritizing your time incorrectly.
2. See things from the perspective of others
It's important to have your own point of view. And, to be able to see things from the perspective of others.
Empathy is a valuable career skill. It applies to business insights as well as human emotions.
3. Build relationships and emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are critical for building meaningful relationships.
And, solid relationships are the foundation of successful careers.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Connect with Rachel Berbiglia on LinkedIn
Learn how to manage change with Rachel's free Change Management Curriculum
Listen to Rachel's People Move Organizations podcast at PMOCoaching.com
Hear my conversation with Rachel on How to Lead Meetings
Discover the great state of Kansas on Rachel's Uncovering Kansas podcastSee the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
No one wants to attend a bad meeting. And, you definitely don't want to lead a meeting people complain about.
Here's the problem.
You may not know how to make them better.
Don't worry. You're not alone.
Many leaders want to make the meetings they lead and attend better.
But, they don't know where to start.
If that describes you, relax.
In less time than you wasted in your last bad meeting, you'll be done with this episode.
And, you'll know how to get started creating exceptional meetings.
You just need to focus on 3 easy to remember words.
They all start with the letter P.
You'll Learn
3 keys to creating exceptional meetings
- Purpose - Know why you're bringing people together for a meeting
- People - Make sure you have the right people (and only the right people) in your meeting
- Preparation - Be ready to accomplish the purpose of the meeting with the people you invite
Links and Resources from this Episode
Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings
Learn more about creating exceptional meetings in these blog posts and podcast episodes:
How To Use Structure To Effectively Lead Meetings (blog post)
How To Unlock The Power To Lead In A Role You Probably Don’t Like (blog post)
CMD 033: How To Create An Exceptional Meeting With 7 Steps (podcast episode)
CMD 035: How To Lead A Meeting In A Way Most People Won’t Try (podcast episode)
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
You may feel more comfortable using these 3 words away from work than in your career.
That awkwardness you feel is natural.
But, it doesn't have to stop you from incorporating 3 powerful words into your work vocabulary to set yourself apart as a leader.
A leader who is kind and confident.
And, highly effective.
In this week's episode, we'll talk about how to be a better leader using 3 awkward words.
You'll Learn
- Why leadership experts recommend being gentle, gracious, and kind to lead teams effectively
- 3 conversation scripts you can use to incorporate these 3 words into your daily work
- How to have a positive impact on the people in your organization without feeling awkward
- The power of applying "soft skills" to distinguish yourself as a leader
Links and Resources from this Episode
Read one of my favorite books on leadership, Gracious Leadership: Lead Like You’ve Never Led Before by Janet Smith Meeks.
Get your copy of my free guide, 5 Simple Ways to Lead when You’re Not the “Leader”.
Check out the blog post, "How to Lead with Gentleness, Not Fear" by Michael Hyatt, bestselling author and leadership expert.
Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Krissy Buck knows how to build connections and community.
It's what she does best.
In her personal life and her career.
And, these communities lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Relationships with people you can serve and support.
They will do the same for you too.
If you're building a business, you need these type of relationships for your business to grow.
Especially if your customers are online.
Krissy has turned the skills she's honed for decades into a process you can follow.
In this week's episode Krissy shares how you can build community and your business with 3 simple steps.
Today's Guest
Krissy Buck
Krissy Buck is the Department Chair for Digital Marketing for WSU Tech.
Prior to that she served as Digital Communications Director then Chief Community Officer for QuiCC.
Krissy is also active in the Wichita, Kansas community where she serves in multiple ways including helping local, aspiring entrepreneurs as a 1 Million Cups Organizer.
You'll Learn
- How to grow you business from digital marketing expert, Krissy Buck
- How to create fans of your brand by earning trust with your community
- Why influencers and affiliates can help your business without making you feel sleazy
- The power of community to turn your fans into your best sales team
- The importance of celebrating wins. Both yours and your community members'.
- Why going where your customers are is required to grow your business online
3 Simple Steps to Build Community and Your Business
1. Accept
Accept people where they are in the buying journey.
2. Seek
Seek out the influencer. The person of peace and connection in the community.
3. Go
Go where the people are. Don't wait for customers to come to you.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Connect with Krissy Buck on LinkedIn
Listen to Krissy's previous episode, How To Have A Rewarding Career With A 2 Year Degree – Krissy Buck
Engage with Krissy and others on Digital Marketing on Twitter using #dmkchat
Explore career building opportunities in digital marketing at WSU Tech
Listen to Krissy Buck on the Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator podcastSee the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
This might be the best way to create an exceptional meeting when you’re not the official leader.
You can actually lead a meeting as a participant.
And, not many people want to do this.
That’s why you need to know this strategy.
Perhaps the most powerful role in a meeting is the note taker.
The scribe.
Yet few people volunteer to take notes during a meeting.
In fact, most will find some way to avoid this dreaded task.
They run away from it like they flee a typical boring, inefficient meeting.
I encourage you to be different.
Embrace the role.
Volunteer to take notes in the next meeting you attend.
Especially if it’s a meeting that is less than exceptional.
In this week's episode we'll talk about the hidden powers held by the meeting note taker.
You'll learn how you can lead any meeting you attend in a way most people won't even try.
You'll Learn
7 serious powers a meeting note taker holds
The power to:
- Stay engaged
- Interrupt
- Bring clarity
- Ensure alignment
- Document decisions
- Drive action
- Not be perfect
Links and Resources from this Episode
Supporting information in the post, How To Unlock The Power To Lead In A role You Probably Don't Like
Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Have you ever piloted a plane?
You have?
Okay.
But have you ever refueled an Air Force F-16 jet flying at 500 knots?
And, not just any F-16 fighter jet, but one of the elite Air Force Thunderbirds squadron you may have seen at air shows?
I haven't.
But, that would be so cool!
Today's guest, Aaron Stark, has done those amazing things in his career.
And a whole lot more.
Aaron no longer flies planes for a living. Instead, he helps his clients get where they want to go with their money.
He made the career switch from Air Force pilot to wealth management advisor.
The same skills he learned at the Air Force Academy and used in combat have served him well in every stage of his successful career.
Aaron shares those lessons in today's episode so you too can learn how to navigate your career like an Air Force pilot.
Even if you never see the inside of a cockpit.
Today's Guest
Aaron Stark
Aaron Stark is the founder of HSI Wealth Strategies, a financial advisory team comprised of former United States Air Force pilots.
Aaron and his team work primarily with professionals in the aviation industry: airline pilots, aviation business owners and executives as well as those who own and operate aircraft.
Their aim is to provide a flight path that alleviates anxiety and empowers their clients to live out their dreams through financial and retirement planning, tax-efficient strategies and investment management. They specialize in helping reduce marginal retirement tax brackets through tax efficient strategies for many clients.
Aaron graduated from the Air Force Academy with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, Aaron went on to fly the KC-135 R/T. He earned his MBA in 2011 from Webster University in St Louis. During his flying career, Aaron instructed in both the KC-135 and T-6. He’s flown over 150 combat missions in the KC-135 over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
Aaron spent 13 years on active duty, and upon separating founded and built one of the fastest growing and most successful financial practices and has been recognized at a national level.
You'll Learn
- How the checklist discipline of a pilot will help you deliver results in your career and business
- How to eliminate risk and fear by applying flight safety practices
- The value of perseverance in your career and life
- Why grit may be more valuable than talent and skill
- The strength in admitting weakness and being vulnerable and authentic
- How an F-16 fighter jet crash brought Aaron and me closer together
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Be tenacious
Develop the skill of not quitting. Build grit.
The majority of results come from the last bit of effort. So don't give up when things get hard.
2. Drive to be the best at what you do
Successful people find satisfaction from getting better.
There's no substitute for persevering and consistently improving over time.
3. Be strong enough to admit weakness
Recognize you need support. Seek help and advice from those who have done what you're trying to do.
Learn from the best if you want to be the best you can be.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Contact Aaron on the HSI Wealth Strategies website (hsiwealthstrategies.com)
Connect with Aaron Stark on LinkedIn.
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
No one wants another boring meeting that wastes their time.
And, you certainly don't want to lead a meeting like that.
You want to plan and run meetings that aren't like all the other meetings you and your coworkers can't stand to attend.
You want to create exceptional meetings.
And, you can!
By following these 7 steps, your meetings will stand out.
They will be different.
Better.
In a good way.
And, you'll stand out as a leader too. One who shows respect for every person you invite to your meeting.
Because you honor their time.
All it takes is a bit of preparation and a proven process to follow.
That's what you'll learn in today's episode.
You'll Learn
7 steps to use structure create an exceptional meeting
- Plan ahead
- Create a document to guide the meeting
- Identify the topics
- Budget the time
- Select the participants
- Optimize the meeting structure
- Share the meeting document
Links and Resources from this Episode
Supporting information in the post, How To Use Structure To Effectively Lead Meetings
Michael Bungay Stanier’s books, The Advice Trap
Tom Henschel on The Way to Make Sense to Others on the Coaching for Leaders podcast with Dave Stachowiak
Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Having your creations evaluated and judged by other people is hard.
And, sometimes critiquing another person's work is even more difficult.
This process of giving and receiving critique is a regular part of an artist's world.
And, there are many lessons non-artists can learn from this practice.
Today's guest is visual artist and professor, Shannon Johnston.
Shannon shares from an artist's perspective what she's learned in her career about giving and receiving critique.
It's a valuable process in any career.
So, listen to Shannon's tips and begin applying them in your work so you can boost your career.
Today's Guest
Shannon Johnston
In addition to being an artist, Shannon Johnston identifies as a daughter, sister, friend, introvert, teacher, student, feminist, collector, maker, consumer, and nail-biter. All of this informs her creative practice.
It is engagement within and reflection upon community, both large and small, that ground Johnston’s practice. Repetition, generosity, and regeneration drive her making. Collection that borders compulsion builds her palette and ritual forms her process.
Shannon holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Wichita State University. She currently lives in Wichita, KS with her husband where she is Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Steckline Gallery at Newman University.
You'll Learn
- The benefit of being curious and willing to learn and be surprised when receiving critique
- The power of valuing input from others even when they don't know as much as you do
- How to leverage daily debriefs to give and receive critique
- How our worldview and perspective impacts the critique we give
- The value of seeking input from outsiders, peers, mentors, and those with less experience
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Pursue critique often, regularly, and when it's not required
Get input early in the creative process from your manager and your customers so you can adjust if needed.
Make getting critique a normal part of your building process.
2. Learn to filter critique
Just because someone gives feedback doesn't mean it's the right feedback.
Know what critique to take and what to leave.
3. Be gracious when giving critique
Lead with positive comments when providing feedback.
Include compliments with the critique to build relationship.
Remind the person you are critiquing their work, not them.
We are not what we create. Our work is not our identity.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Check out Shannon Johnston's website.
Follow Shannon on Instagram (@Shannie2345).
Connect with Shannon Johnston on LinkedIn.
Listen to Shannon on previous Connect Mobilize Deliver episodes
- Connecting Through A Weird Piece Of Art, with Shannon Johnston
- How To Lead When You Don’t Fit In, with Shannon Johnston
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
You may love your career.
But, do you want to have an even bigger impact on people's lives, but you're not sure where to start?
Here's the good news.
You can.
And, you can do it by connecting with your community. Your local schools to be specific.
Today's guest, Brandt Wilson, of Love Schools in Wichita, Kansas shares how he is using the skills he learned in his career to connect people, mobilize them for action, and deliver results.
He shares how you can do the same thing by joining with him or learning from his example.
So, if you're feeling a stirring within you to have an even bigger impact in the lives of others, listen to what Brandt has to say in this week's episode.
He's helping community business leaders change the lives of school kids and have their own lives transformed for good as they serve.
Brandt's love for schools and his passion to make a difference will inspire and motivate you.
Today's Guest
Brandt Wilson
Brandt Wilson is the founder of Love Schools, a non-profit organization with a worthy and compelling mission.
Love School's goal is to connect the community to the classroom by facilitating partnerships between local organizations and local schools.
Brandt's career has prepared him well for this role of service.
As a pastor and a community volunteer for 15 years Brandt has lived out his passion to make a positive impact on people with every opportunity he is given.
Now, Brandt continues to change lives while also serving in a full-time job with a locally owned small business.
This experience equips Brandt to connect people in various roles in the local community and help them get started helping their local schools.
You'll Learn
- The power to change employee's lives by connecting them with their local community
- Who really benefits the most when business executives join reading programs in their local schools.
- How to begin when you want to make a difference in local schools but don't know where to start
- The importance of listening well to connect with people and help meet their needs
- Why experimentation is critical to finding solutions that work
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Be willing to make an impact
When someone gives us an opportunity to join them in service our community, how should we respond?
If we want to use our gifts to make an impact on people's lives, a good first step is to say yes to learning more and staying curious about how we might be able to serve.
2. Be willing to ask for help in the right way
Asking for help isn't easy. We don't want to be told no.
But, people often say yes when they're asked in the right way.
Helping specific people understand they are uniquely equipped to meet a specific need causes them to recognize their importance.
3. Be willing to give strategically and intentionally
Giving often means giving up something good to do something great.
We can have a much bigger impact and be more fulfilled when we are purposeful and thoughtful in giving our time, our attention, and our money.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Learn more about Love Schools on Instagram (@love_schools_wichita)
Follow Love Schools on Facebook (@Loveschoolswichita)
Connect with Brandt Wilson on LinkedIn
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Have you had a rambler wreck a meeting you were leading?
If you have, you know exactly who I'm describing as a "rambler".
They usually don't mean to destroy the meeting you planned so well.
But they do.
It's hard to know what to do to regain control.
You have to protect your meeting from a rambler.
In this episode, we'll cover a set of tips, techniques, and strategies that I've seen used successfully throughout my career.
The best part is this.
None of them require you to be rude.
In fact, they all are built on a foundation of being an kind and confident leader.
You'll Learn
3 steps to managing a rambler with kindness and confidence
- Pause and Empathize
- Stop the Ramble
- Help Them Be Heard
6 possible reasons your teammate might be rambling
- Insecurity
- Loneliness
- Trust
- Passion
- Compensation
- Inexperience
4 strategies to help a rambler be heard
- Include them in the meeting agenda
- Help them prepare before the meeting
- Ask them to send you an email
- Offer to meet with them personally after the meeting
Links and Resources from this Episode
Supporting information in the post, How To Stop Someone From Rambling So They Can Be Heard
Michael Bungay Stanier’s books, The Advice TrapSee the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Disconnected. Isolated. Separated.
Who do those words describe?
Unfortunately, many workers today would use those harsh adjectives to capture how they feel.
That's true now more than ever.
With more and more people working remotely or in a hybrid model, it's hard for leaders to stay connected with their teams.
And, even harder for team members to stay connected with one another.
Thankfully, today's guest has a proven solution.
Showing appreciation, using the appropriate language of appreciation for each coworker, will help your team stay connected.
Dr. Paul White, best selling author and psychologist, has done the research and he's an expert.
Dr. White shares in this episode what he's learned from data gathered from hundreds of thousands of employees working in companies of various sizes in all types of industries.
In this conversation you'll get practical strategies and techniques you can apply with your team to help them stay connected.
And, they're all based on the power of showing appreciation.
Today's Guest
Dr. Paul White
Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, speaker, and consultant who makes work relationships work.
Dr. White is the coauthor of four books including, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, written with Dr. Gary Chapman (author of the #1 NY Times bestseller, The 5 Love Languages), which has sold over 400,000 copies.
His latest book is Making Things Right at Work: Increase Teamwork, Resolve Conflict, and Build Trust.
In this book, you’ll learn:
- How to discern the causes of workplace conflict
- How to avoid unnecessary disputes
- How to repair relationships when you’ve messed up
- How to let go of past hurts and rebuild trust
You'll Learn
- Why showing authentic appreciation delivers better results than traditional recognition programs
- How people who are working remotely want to be shown appreciation
- What younger employees really want from organizations and you as a leader
- How to keep remote and hybrid workers connected using a 3-step process
- The right way to build trust as a leader by letting people get to know you. And, an easy trick to get started.
- Why appreciation and connection is important for everyone, even "tough guys" and "tough gals"
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Perseverance
"Overnight success" doesn't happen overnight.
Be diligent and consistent in pursuing your goals and dreams.
And, don't give up.
2. Listen to your clients
Pay attention to those you are seeking to serve in your business.
This will give you insight to determine how to best help your customers. And, grow your career and business in the process.
3. Focus on serving your clients
Focus less on making money or being profitable.
If you serve your clients well, by providing either a good quality product or service, they're going to pay you for it.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Learn more about Dr. White on his website (AppreciationAtWork.com)
Connect with Dr. White on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter (@drpaulwhite)
See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Giving someone a casual, thoughtless “Do you need any help?” offer for assistance is easy.
But, if you want to actually help your teammate, there’s a better way.
In fact, there are five better ways.
And, we’ll cover each of them in this episode.
We’ll also discuss some conversation scripts you can start using immediately so you can actually help others as soon as you’re done listening.
And, before we get into the five better ways to offer assistance, we’ll talk about five tips on how to avoid negatively triggering another person just by how you phrase the question.
This follow up to last week’s episode is packed with practical strategies and techniques you can quickly apply.
If you didn’t catch last week’s show, you might want to listen to it first.
Click here to listen to “Why Your Offer To Help Might Actually Hurt Your Team”.
Then you’ll be caught up and ready to learn how to actually help your teammates with your offer to assist them.
5 Better Ways to Ask “Do You Need Any Help?”
1. Offer ideas on how you might help
Before you casually ask your teammate, “Do you need any help?”, invest some time to observe their situation.
Ask yourself these questions.
- Is the person struggling with something I find easy?
- Does the person dislike doing something I enjoy?
- Can I teach them something I know to help them do their work more productively?
2. Be specific regarding your availability
If you’re serious about helping the person you’re asking, make an offer you can actually deliver on.
By planning ahead and considering when you are available, you can communicate healthy boundaries as you ask your teammate if they need help.
3. Help as you ask the question
Help can come in a variety of forms. Encouragement and appreciation can sometimes be just as helpful as completing tasks.
Before you ask a teammate if they need help, consider how you might help them even as you ask.
You may be able to do this with something that is simple and easy for you but has a major positive impact on the other person.
4. Don’t say “help” if you own the work
The word “help” really doesn’t apply if you’re the owner of the task.
If someone else is working on tasks you also own, your efforts to complete those tasks aren’t “help”. The work is what every owner should be doing.
This is a subtle aspect of word choice, but being careful and intentional with the words we choose is important.
5. Help before you ask
If you know what needs to be done and you can do it, just do it. Without asking.
If you trust one another and you’re familiar with the work they are doing, this technique can be extremely helpful to your teammate.
And, it reinforces the strong relationship you already have with them.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Get a copy of the book The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White.
Read my blog post on fighting perfectionism, “You Don’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Ideal“
Check out the resources related to the outstanding book The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni on the official websiteCheck out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
"Do you need any help?"
Wow! Did that question trigger me a while back!
I tell that personal story in this episode to explain how this simple question can be interpreted (or misinterpreted) in many different ways.
I'm sure you've been asked this question more times than you can remember. And, you've probably asked it hundreds of times too.
It seems like a useful question. But in some cases, asking "Do you need any help?" may not really help at all.
In fact, instead of helping your teammate, it may hinder their progress.
Like it did for me.
As a leader striving to lead with kindness and confidence, that's not what you're after.
So, to make sure we are actually helping our teammates when we offer assistance, in this episode we explore some different interpretations of this familiar question.
4 Interpretations of "Do You Need Any Help?"
1. Questioning my competence
Depending on who is asking me, I can sometimes interpret this question as communicating a lack of confidence in my ability to do the job I've been asked to do.
This interpretation might come when I'm feeling insecure about the work I'm doing or intimidated by the person asking. For instance, the person might be my manager or a person I look up to but I'm unsure of their opinion of me.
As a leader, it's important to consider this possible interpretation of "Do You Need Any Help?" when seeking to support your teammates.
2. Revealing a disconnect regarding ownership
As you'll hear in my story, this interpretation is what set me off. And, wrecked my productivity on an important project.
Don't let this happen to you!
3. Asking me to do more work
I could be way off on this one, but being asked if I need help sometimes feels to me like I'm getting more work.
Maybe you and I cause others to have similar feelings based on how and when the question "Do You Need Any Help?" is delivered.
There are ways to avoid this if we're aware of this interpretation.
4. Really wanting to help
This is the best interpretation of all.
Someone offers to help us and they really mean it. And, we actually interpret their offer for assistance as sincere and genuine.
As a leader, it doesn't get any better than this.
How we listen to what people say is important. And, how we interpret the words that enter our minds is even more important.
When we consider these possible interpretations and then empathize before we ask "Do You Need Any Help?" we'll be even more effective leaders and teammates in our organizations.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Testing multiple interpretations of a set of observations is a critical leadership skill. I've learned much on this topic from The Kansas Leadership Center. The book Your Leadership Edge is an excellent resource on this topic.
Managing our self-talk, reframing, and dealing with our inner critic is another important leadership skill. The work of Brene' Brown and many others in this area is highly valuable.
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
What does the Wichita Flag have to do with the Connect Mobilize Deliver podcast?
The city of Wichita, Kansas and the fans of this great community proudly display the flag today because of the work of Angie Prather and Courtney Sendall to connect and mobilize a team of people to deliver the results of a united and inspired city.
Angie and Courtney tell the story of how they did it with basically no budget but filled with passion, enthusiasm, and commitment. And, supported by a team of volunteers who caught the vision they had.
The techniques they used to build the Wichita Flag's social media campaign and engage enthusiasts around the world are applicable to any project you're working on.
And, they share their memories of their adventure with joy and laughter.
This is a fun episode you don't want to miss.
Today's Guest
Angie Prather
Angie Prather is currently the Vice President of Marketing and Chief Community Engagement Officer at the United Way of the Plains.
Prior to this role, Angie served as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.
In this position, Angie played a pivotal role in launching the Wichita Flag movement along with today's second guest, Courtney Sendall.
Courtney Sendall
Courtney Sendall served at the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Marketing and Communications. There she partnered with Angie to transform the Wichita, Kansas community through the Wichita Flag grassroots community pride-in-place campaign.
Now Courtney is the Director of Foundation for WSU Tech.
You'll Learn
- Why Wichita, Kansas now has a growing community pride that was sparked and built by the Wichita Flag
- The power a symbol, like the Wichita Flag, has to unite a community and inspire people to be a part of something greater than themselves
- How enthusiasm and a positive, "can do" attitude can fuel a movement and change a community
- The importance of collaborating and helping others shine
- Tips on how to start a low budget grass roots social media campaign that can outperform expensive branding strategies
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Community building
Highlight, magnify, and amplify other people.
Lift them up and give them a platform to shine and display their talent.
2. Collaboration
Getting others involved and bought into what you are trying to accomplish is critically important.
3. Creativity
When you courageously approach situations differently, you will deliver results when others can't.
Follow @wichitaflag and these hashtags on social media: #WichitaFlag #ILoveWichita
Connect with Angie Prather on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter (@angieprath) or Instagram (@angieprath)
Connect with Courtney Sendall on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter (@courtneysendall) or Instagram (@courtneysendall)
For photos and videos of the Wichita Flag
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
If you would like to make more money and continue to be successful in your nine-to-five job, you will like this episode.
Stephen A. Hart, joins me to share how you can build your personal brand, generate more income, and build your career.
He shares his perspective as a Black man from Jamaica and explains how we each have a unique background that can be a powerful tool to help us stand out from the crowd.
We get personal as we talk about the joys and challenges of life, finding purpose, and how therapy might change your career and your life.
And, our conversation is about much more than making money. We focus on how to serve people using the gifts we've been given and the skills and experience we've developed throughout our lives.
Today's Guest
Stephen A. Hart
Stephen A. Hart is a marketer, brand strategist, entrepreneur, podcaster, speaker, proud husband, and aspiring #bestdadever.
Stephen is the founder and host of the Trailblazers.FM media company and podcast. In each episode he has bold conversations with brilliant Black men and women including best-selling authors, self-driven entrepreneurs, and passionate leaders.
He’s also the creator of Brand in Demand which helps busy, heart-centered entrepreneurs and leaders through a proven step by step process to build an amazing personal brand that is authentic, impactful, relatable, and profitable.
You'll Learn
- How to overcome the number one obstacle preventing you from making more money
- Tips on building an online business and creating more income now
- Key steps to take to better understand the people you're seeking to serve
- How to start now to get where you want to be in 5, 10, 20, and 30 years
- The power of committing to being bad until you get good
- How to create options and multiple revenue streams in a post-pandemic economy
- Strategies to develop your personal brand to stand out from the crowd
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Embrace video as a career building skill
Hit record on your phone and just get started.
Make it simple. Make it short.
2. Make sure your digital presence is consistent
First, buy your domain name for your first and last name. Today!
Next, secure your domain handle for Twitter and Instagram too.
Then, personalize your url on LinkedIn.
3. Identify one thing you can do for income beyond your 9 to 5 job
Do one thing to make a little more money.
You can even make "sleep coin" passive income when you're not awake.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Learn more about Stephen A. Hart and his work on his website (stephenahart.com)
Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter (@stephenahart) or Instagram (@stephenahart)
Listen as Stephen interviews successful black entrepreneurs and leaders on the Trailblazers.FM podcast.
Check out Stephen's discussion with Dave Stachowiak on Coaching for Leaders episode 495: How to Get Noticed on LinkedIn, with Stephen Hart For More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Compassion is not only a fundamental life skill. It's a fundamental career skill too. That's true regardless of the industry or field you're in.
That's according to today's guest, Dr. Nate Regier of Next Element Consulting, an organization with a mission to bring more compassion to every workplace in the world.
A lack of compassion in a company undermines productivity and makes retaining talent ever harder than it already is.
This is why being a compassionate leader will bring career success.
True compassion is combined with accountability and it brings teams together to deliver results.
Being a compassionate leader isn't about being nice. And, it's not for the faint of heart.
Listen as Nate Regier shares a framework for thinking about compassion in the workplace and applying it as a leader in your work, at home, and in your service to the community.
Today's Guest
Dr. Nate Regier
Nate Regier, PhD, is the CEO and founding owner of Next Element Consulting, a global leadership firm dedicated to bringing compassion into the workplace.
Dr. Regier is a former practicing psychologist and expert in social-emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication, and leadership.
Nate is the author of three books: Beyond Drama: Transcending Energy Vampires; Conflict without Casualties: A Field Guide for Leading with Compassionate Accountability; and his newest book, Seeing People Through: Unleash Your Leadership Potential with The Process Communication Model.
You'll Learn
- The power in giving ourselves permission to fail and not have all the answers
- That there is purpose when we struggle
- How to look at conflict as the energy source for creation
- Why compassion is the key to finding opportunity in conflict
- The proper balance of compassion and accountability and the negative results that occur when they're out of balance
- The mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities
- The 3 core competencies of compassion: openness, resourcefulness, and persistence
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Be open and disclose your motives
Have the courage to be honest with people about what's really going on with you.
2. Be curious
Curiosity is about being truly interested in another person.
There's a simple way to be curious. Ask someone a question and then ask them another question about what you just heard.
You can distinguish yourself as a leader because most people don't do this. They are too busy thinking about what they are going to say and not genuinely curious to learn about the other person.
3. Learn cross-personality communication skills
Develop the ability to adapt how you communicate based on the personality of the person you're talking to.
Personality is the strongest influencer of how we communicate. The impact of personality is fundamental and deep.
Communicating in a way that connects with the other person's personality allows you to speak to their heart not just their head.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Learn more about Nate's work at the Next Element website (next-element.com)
Connect with Dr. Nate Regier on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter (@NextNate)
Listen to the On Compassion with Dr. Nate podcastFor More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Saying thank you isn’t quite as easy as it seems.
Well it can be easy, but if you want to say thank you in a way that’s really meaningful and has a deep and lasting impact, it takes some effort. Some up front planning.
You actually have to think about it.
That effort is totally worth it if you want to have a positive impact on the person you’re thanking.
And, isn’t that the reason you’re saying thank you? To positively impact another person? To let them know they’ve done something that has helped or encouraged you?
To help you say thank you better, I’m sharing 3 questions that I find helpful to step my game up and go beyond a casual, poorly planned two word: “Thank You”.
I also tell the story of how one thank you I received from a friend and coworker made a huge difference in my outlook on my career and my life.
I explain why that thank you was so powerful in my life.
And, I show you how you can also say thank you in ways that will impact the people in your life in a powerful, positive way.
It starts with asking 3 questions.
3 Questions to Ask to Make Your Thank You Better
1. Who will you thank?
There are situations where the answer to this question is obvious. But, the most powerful thank yous are sometimes given in less obvious circumstances.
Saying thank you to someone when they don't expect it can have a big impact.
2. What will you thank them for?
The answers to this question and question 3, are based on the book The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White.
These three tips will help you determine what you will thank a person for:
**Be Specific
Focus on Character Traits
Focus on Personality**
These guidelines apply when you say thank you just like they do when you show appreciation to your teammates.
3. How will you thank them?
How you thank someone is critical.
Consider these four settings and determine which will make the person you want to thank feel most appreciated.
**Personal, one-on-one
Small group setting
Public scenario
Written words**
Some people want to be thanked in public. Others don't.
Many of your teammates would like to receive a hand-written note, but others may like an email with their manager copied.
Intentionally design your thank you based on these three questions and you will distinguish yourself as a kind and confident leader.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Explore the many valuable resources on the Appreciation at Work website
Get a copy of the book The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White.
Follow Dr. Paul White on LinkedIn
Connect with my buddy who got me started podcasting, Chet Sears on LinkedIn
Listen to Chet on the Hardheaded podcastFor More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
What do spreadsheets and data visualization have to do with being a kind and confident leader?
Today's guest, Ann K. Emery, explains how those things fit together. And, she gives us 5 specific ways to be kind with data visualization.
She also shares her process for giving your manager what they need instead of what they ask for. Without getting fired!
You don't want to miss that clever tip or any of the other wisdom from Ann on how to be more effective and efficient when communicating using data.
Whether you're a spreadsheet whiz who loves all the technical details or a non-technical manager who just wants to know the story your data is telling, you'll find valuable information in this conversation.
Today's Guest
Ann K. Emery
Ann K. Emery is an internationally-acclaimed speaker who equips organizations to get their data out of dusty spreadsheets and into real-world conversations.
Each year, she delivers over 100 keynotes, workshops, and webinars with the aim of equipping organizations to visualize data more effectively.
She has been invited to speak in 30 states and 10 countries; 5,600 people have enrolled in her online training academy; and she has consulted to 200 organizations, including the United Nations, Centers for Disease Control, and Harvard University.
You'll Learn
- What data visualization is and why it's an important career skill in any industry or field
- 8 questions to ask when doing upfront planning for data visualization
- Strategies and techniques for serving your audience through the charts, graphs, and reports you create
- How to adjust your presentations for color blind viewers and why it's important.
- What 508 compliance is and how it helps you be more inclusive when you communicate
- When to tell a story with data and when to let your audience discover the meaning in the data on their own
- The link between data visualization techniques and improved sustainability
- How to humanize data and make it easier and faster for your audience to understand
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Get some spreadsheet training
In nearly every type of career you can get ahead by knowing how to use spreadsheet software.
Getting some training can give you skills that will save you time and make you a more valuable employee.
2. Discover what software is available and pick one to learn
There are many software choices for data analysis and visualization. You may like Excel, Tableau, PowerBI, Google Sheets, R, Python, or another tool.
3. Teach Others.
You have valuable information others can benefit from. Share what you know. By helping others you will also be building your own career.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Connect with Ann K. Emery on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter (@AnnKEmery)
Ann's blog post "Why 'Know Your Audience' is Terrible Dataviz Advice - and What to Do Instead"
Test your data visualizations for color blindness accessibility at color-blindness.com
Learn more about data visualization on Ann's website, Depict Data Studio (depictdatastudio.com)For More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Sometimes our professional lives (and our personal lives for that matter) can cause us to have a crappy attitude.
But, what if I told you that thinking about poop could actually be a good mindset to have?
It may seem odd, but I explain in this episode how you can be a better leader using a manure mindset.
That's right setting your mind on livestock waste can actually help you lead your teams and yourself more effectively.
And, I use a proverb from the Bible to make my case.
If that sounds like a load of, well... manure to you, check out this week's episode.
Then, let me know if you think I'm on to something or if I'm just full of... (you can fill in the blank).
You'll Learn
- A livestock leadership lesson
- How a farming lesson from Biblical times still applies to leaders today
- A 3-step process to develop a "manure mindset" that will make you a more effective leader
- Why identifying the resources that generate revenue and the challenges they bring is critical to be a successful leader
- One common resume' mistake many job seekers make and how to avoid it
3 Fundamental Career Skills Related to Today's Episode
1. Identifying critical resources
Leaders must be keenly aware of the resources they and their teams need to deliver results. Whether it's people, software, equipment, or something else, we must identify and protect the things we rely on to be successful.
2. Acknowledging the challenges associated with critical resources
The critical resources we depend upon bring challenges and costs along with their benefits. Effective leaders acknowledge this reality and are ready to address difficult circumstances.
Good leaders aren't surprised by messy people and malfunctioning tools and equipment.
3. Choosing what is valuable
Leaders and teams must continually make choices. The skill of being able to choose what you value begins with knowing what is valuable to you and your organization.
Some decisions produce short-term benefits and avoid pain and discomfort. But, the long-term impact negatively impacts the organization.
Other choices bring challenges and messy situations to manage but generate results that have a lasting positive effect on people and the business.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Previous blog post with similar, written content, How A Manure Mindset Can Make You A Better Leader
Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean; But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.
Proverbs 14:4 in the Bible (New American Standard translation)For More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Krissy Buck built a rewarding, and highly successful career in digital marketing travelling the world while having just a two-year degree.
If you've been discouraged when others have told you a four-year degree is required to be successful, Krissy's story will encourage and motivate you.
She's been an entrepreneur, helped build a startup technology company, and taught others how to achieve success through careers in digital marketing. And, she's done even more.
Each of us has a unique career journey. Some of us will have advanced degrees. Others will have no college education.
Krissy has demonstrated how to be successful with no formal training as well as with a two-year associates degree. Now she is pivoting and continuing her education so she can help even more people be successful through digital marketing.
Her work history that took her around the world and then back home is fascinating and inspiring to me.
Check out this week's episode and see if you agree.
Today's Guest
Krissy Buck
Krissy Buck is the Department Chair for Digital Marketing for WSU Tech.
Prior to that she served as Digital Communications Director then Chief Community Officer for QuiCC.
Krissy is also active in the Wichita, Kansas community where she serves in multiple ways including helping local, aspiring entrepreneurs as a 1 Million Cups Organizer.
You'll Learn
- How to build a powerful, global career network (and lasting friendships) through digital marketing
- The power of community to produce amazing growth for startup companies
- What Millennials and Gen X workers value when building their careers
- How digital marketing can enable a digital nomad lifestyle with multiple income streams and freedom that doesn't come with a 9 to 5 job
- Why having a bachelor's degree is still important to get an interview
- The importance of a strong network of authentic relationships to get a job
- The value of taking risks to learn failure is beneficial and beautiful
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Build your network
Seek and nurture strong, authentic relationships. The people you know, and those who know you, are critical to building your career.
2. Always be learning
Humble yourself and learn from other people. Also learn from any resource you can find.
Always be looking for and learning about the next thing.
3. Be disruptive
You don't have to be loud. You just have to be different.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Connect with Krissy Buck on LinkedIn
Engage with Krissy and others on Digital Marketing on Twitter using #dmkchat
Explore career building opportunities in digital marketing at WSU Tech
Listen to Krissy Buck on the Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator podcast
Listen to the story of Quicc from the founders
Learn more about Quicc video captioning and search toolFor More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Learn how you can get what you want without being a jerk from expert negotiators, Dan Oblinger and Allan Tsang.
You may not think you don't negotiate in your career, but the truth is you do.
Not only that, you also engage in negotiations continually in your personal life, even with your family members. And, these can be the most difficult negotiation challenges of all.
So how do you engage in these business and personal interactions in a kind and effective way?
Dan and Allan share their proven strategies and techniques for successfully negotiating to build strong agreements with another person or company.
These two guys are obsessed with helping people overcome their fear of negotiation, build stronger agreements, and get more of what they want without unnecessary compromises.
And, they interact with one another in a way that is engaging and entertaining. In fact, I think they're hilarious.
Whether you are an executive, or a sales professional, or an entrepreneur, or start-up CEO, you will benefit from what Dan and Allan have to say.
Or, even if you're a frazzled parent trying to communicate with your teenager, this conversation will help you.
This episode will equip you to be a better parent, spouse, and teammate as well as a kind and confident leader.
And be sure to grab a copy of their new book, Negotiation Myth Busters, Rethinking Everything You Know About Building Strong Agreements on Amazon.
Today's Guest
Dan Oblinger
In addition to being a consulting business negotiator and coach by day, Dan Oblinger is an FBI-certified hostage negotiator by night with his local law enforcement team.
He serves as President and Co-founder of the Oblinger & Tsang joint venture of negotiation consultants and coaches.
Dan is also the co-creator of the #NegotiationTribe LinkedIn community.
Most notably, Dan is the metaphorical step-brother to today's other guest, Allan Tsang.
Allan Tsang
Being Dan Oblinger's metaphorical step-brother is not Allan Tsang's only claim to fame.
Allan is Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Oblinger & Tsang and co-founder of #NegotiationTribe LinkedIn community.
He is also Negotiation Coach and Founder of 88 Owls which exists to equip today's leaders with skills they need to succeed in life and business.
To learn more about Allan and Dan check out their LinkedIn profiles using the links below.
You'll Learn
- How to get what you want in a negotiation without being a jerk
- The power of listening well for successful negotiation
- Why you don't need to trust a person to negotiate a strong agreement with them
- How to avoid the dangerous trap of a ''win-win" agreement
- The three kinds of people you will deal with when negotiating
- The benefit of curiosity when seeking to understand your counterparty
Links and Resources from this Episode
Dan Oblinger on LinkedIn
Allan Tsang on LinkedIn
Follow #NegotiationTribe on LinkedInFor More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Delivering results is an absolute requirement to be a successful leader of a successful team. Even if your team members love you and everyone wants to be on the teams you lead, you still have to get things done.
So, how does that fit in with being a kind leader?
That's what we talk about in this episode of Connect Mobilize Deliver.
In part one of this two-part series (click here to listen), I explained why I use a framework of Connect Mobilize Deliver when leading teams.
I also talked about connecting your team and gave some super simple techniques you can use to connect your teammates and help them fight the loneliness we all face at times.
In part two I focus on mobilizing teams for action and leading them to deliver the results your organization needs.
And, I explain how you can be both kind and respected as a leader of teams who get things done.
We'll also cover the mindset you need to mobilize your teams to deliver results even when they encounter difficult challenges.
Check out the links below for more of my posts with related content and valuable insight from other experts like Shane Parrish and Patrick Lencioni.
You'll Learn
- What is often overlooked by leaders in preparing to lead teams
- How to be an exceptional leader by preparing for adversity and difficulty
- The proper mindset you need to be a successful leader
- Why acknowledging and communicating hard truths to your team early is so important
- How to deal with and overcome insecurity as a leader
- How to give your team an advantage over the competition in any situation
- How to be kind even when you're facing adversity and still deliver results
- Why leaders must deliver results to keep the position they have to positively influence others
- How to avoid being a mediocre leader of a mediocre team
3 Fundamental Career Skills Related to Today's Episode
1. Expecting resistance
When our minds expect resistance, we are less likely to be surprised when we and our teams encounter inevitable barriers. Preparing for resistance protects us against our own insecurities which can attack when things get difficult.
2. Communicating hard truths early
Helping your team be aware of and prepare for the reality of the challenges they are facing is critical. Sharing hard truths early will give you and your team an advantage over your competition and bring success.
3. Preparing for action
Leaders and teams must be ready to act. Our minds must be prepared for action. We need to continually fight against our tendency to succumb to the inertia of doing nothing or continuing to do what we've always done.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Previous blog posts with similar content:
- CMD 016: How To Connect, Mobilize, And Deliver With Your Team – Part 1
- Prepare Your Mind For Action To Be Confident
- Want To Be A Kind And Confident Leader? Deliver Results.
For More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
If you're new to this podcast and my blog, you may be wondering about the title, "Connect Mobilize Deliver".
You know it's about connecting people, mobilizing them for action, and delivering results. But, why are those three words the foundation to my approach to leadership?
In this two-part series, I'll explain why I use a framework of Connect Mobilize Deliver when leading teams.
And, I'll share some super simple techniques you can use so you'll know how to connect, mobilize, and deliver with your team.
Like most of the leadership wisdom I share, it's basic and fundamental. Because I believe consistently practicing and applying fundamental career skills will bring you success as a leader.
I covered some of this content in previous blogs posts but you can hear me go deeper in these episodes. The links to those posts are below.
This episode is part 1 and I give a summary of each step in the Connect Mobilize Deliver framework. Then I dive deep on the topic of connecting.
You'll get two fast, easy, and practical techniques you can use today to positively impact people's lives as you connect them with one another.
You'll Learn
- Why I'm convinced the Connect Mobilize Deliver framework is critical for leading with kindness and confidence
- Two proven techniques to connect members of your team in two minutes or less
- How to help your teammates be less lonely
- A powerful tool for starting conversations even if you think you're not good at it
- How to stop wasting precious opportunities to strengthen your team during time you usually let slip away
- Why people are longing for leaders who connect with them and help them connect with other people
3 Fundamental Career Skills Related to Today's Episode
1. Listening
Listening intently and paying attention even during casual conversations will make you a better leader. You'll be more equipped to connect people when you know things about them that they share during normal conversations.
2. Starting conversations
Prompting conversations with or between your teammates doesn't have to be hard. Try some of the techniques on the website listed below. The casual discussions you start may lead to deep and lasting relationships between your colleagues.
3. Being intentional with your time
If you're thoughtful and purposeful about how you spend your time, you can make a positive difference in the lives of your teammates during time that is often wasted.
For example, by asking intentional questions to connect people as you're gathering for a meeting or video call, you can strengthen your team. And not just talk about the weather... again.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Previous blog posts with similar content:
- 3 Thing to Focus On To Lead A successful Team
- Connect People With 2 Easy, 2-Minute Techniques
Learn how to start a conversation on the website, Conversations Starters World
For More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Our youngest son had the privilege to play in a high school basketball program led by a coach that many people say could be coaching successfully at any level.
And, in my son's senior year, I was able to watch him and his teammates enjoy an experience few players have.
They won the state basketball championship.
Throughout the season and the three years prior to that, I observed the head coach, Chris Grill. I watched him as he invested countless hours building the program and developing the players.
It was clear to me that I could learn a lot about leading teams from him. I knew the strategies and techniques he used with his players and staff were applicable not just on the basketball court with young men in high school. They could be used by any leader in any situation.
So, as soon as the season ended I invited Chris to be on the show to share his experience and wisdom with me and with you.
Today's Guest
Chris Grill
Chris Grill has been coaching basketball at the high school level for over 23 years. And, in the 2020-2021 season, as the coach of the Maize (Kansas) High School boys basketball team, he led the team to their first state championship.
His coaching expertise and performance during the season was recognized with many awards including the following.
- Wichita All Metro Coach of the Year
- League (Ark Valley Chisholm Trail) Coach of the Year
- Kansas 5A Coach of the Year
- Kansas All State Coach of the Year
- Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission – High School Boys Coach of the Year
- Coach of Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Team Sports in Kansas: 2021 Boys Basketball Coach of the Year
He's been practicing and perfecting his skills as a coach and leader since his playing days at Butler County Community College, Marist University, and Wichita State University.
Chris knows what he's doing when it comes to basketball. But, he also knows how to lead young men and develop their character.
Off the court, he is also a dedicated teacher, husband, and father of three sons.
You'll Learn
- How bad teams can become champions
- The power of having team members complete self-assessments as well as assessments of their teammates
- Why having team members focus on their unique strengths more than their weaknesses brings success
- Why you sometimes have to be flexible with rules to get the most from each team member
- How humility with the people who report to you is critical for success as a leader
- The importance of having the courage to stop doing things that aren't working
- The role of establishing ownership for each person on the teams you lead
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Take care of your family
Work together as a team with your family to take care of each other. This allows you to focus your energy when you are at your job on getting work done.
2. Set clear expectations for your team
Make sure the people on your team know what you expect of them and that they understand your expectations of them.
3. Build relationships
Treat every person on your team with kindness and let them know you care about them.
Regardless of the person's performance or contribution make sure each team member knows you value them as a person and member of the team.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Follow the Maize High Boys Basketball Team on Twitter (@MHSBBallBackers)
For More Information
Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Every leader wants to know how to deliver results. Sometimes, it can be as easy as asking one simple question.
In this solo episode, I share how I, and many others, have had success leading teams using the question, "Who needs to do what by when?"
It's not complex or hard to ask this question. But, sometimes we forget the most basic solutions to helping our teams deliver results.
Well, I do anyway.
And, that may be the case for you too.
If it is, check out this episode where I not only explain the power behind this simple question. I also open up about why I sometimes avoid doing what I know should do: asking who needs to do what by when.
You'll Learn
- How to deliver results by asking "Who needs to do what by when?"
- Strategies for leading effective meetings and team discussions using this question
- The obstacles I, and maybe you, need to avoid when leading a team with this technique
- The importance of being a vulnerable and authentic leader
- Why things get done when specific action items are assigned to specific owners with clear deadlines
- The benefit of having conversations and dialogue when leading people and projects
- How to be aware of and avoid the traps our ego sets for us when we're leading teams
3 Fundamental Career Skills Related to Today's Episode
1. Being clear and specific
Asking the question, "Who needs to do what by when?" requires a leader and a team to get clear and specific. A thoughtful answer that will produce results takes an investment of mental energy and focus.
The act of asking this question will help you and others clarify the resources required to be successful and secure the commitment of the team and organization.
2. Being vulnerable
Being vulnerable to admit you aren't perfect as a leader and are susceptible to the dangers of following your ego and pride isn't a sign of weakness.
It's an indicator of strength.
Admitting to your team that you are a flawed human being will earn the respect of the people you are leading. Because they too are imperfect humans.
3. Trusting your team
Vulnerability is made possible by trust. As you learn to trust the people on your team, you will find it easier to be more authentic and real with them.
And, you will also find it easier to share responsibilities and tasks with them. As you do that, they will be given increased opportunities to grow and develop as leaders and you can focus on tasks that only you can do.
For More Information
Check out the full show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Do you feel like you don't quite fit in? Maybe it's in your workplace or even in your family. But, you're just not what other people are expecting you to be.
This may discourage you at times as you strive to build your career and be a successful leader. If it does, this episode will be an encouragement to you.
Visual artist, professor, and experienced leader, Shannon Johnston, returns to talk about how to lead when you don't fit in.
And, she's got the credibility from being a successful leader while rarely fitting in throughout her life and career.
From military bases to mission fields, academia, and the contemporary art culture, Shannon just doesn't fit the stereotypes.
But, as she explains this has been a benefit to her and to the teams she's built and led. And, her uniqueness has been especially encouraging and helpful to other team members who also aren't like the other people in the group.
Today's Guest
Shannon Johnston
In addition to being an artist, Shannon Johnston identifies as a daughter, sister, friend, introvert, teacher, student, feminist, collector, maker, consumer, and nail-biter. All of this informs her creative practice.
It is engagement within and reflection upon community, both large and small, that ground Johnston’s practice. Repetition, generosity, and regeneration drive her making. Collection that borders compulsion builds her palette and ritual forms her process.
Shannon holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Wichita State University. She currently lives in Wichita, KS with her husband where she is Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Steckline Gallery at Newman University.
You'll Learn
- How to lead when you don't fit in, regardless of your situation and environment
- The benefits not fitting in can bring to your career and your life
- How being a homeschooled middle child in a military family prepared Shannon for a successful career as an artist and a leader
- The power of being different and honoring our differences and the differences of our teammates
- How being the "odd ball out" puts you in a position of power and privilege to connect other people
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Honor the differences
Find the thing that makes you different and the thing that makes someone else different. Embrace both of those and see it as a learning opportunity.
2. Get comfortable being uncomfortable
This has been said before, but it's worth repeating because it takes practice to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don't walk away from uncomfortable situations.
Leading people is going to make every leader uncomfortable at some point.
3. Recognize the power of being different
Being the "odd ball out" is a position of privilege and power. As the person who is not quite like everyone else, you are uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge to connect people.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Shannon Johnston's website (with more photos from The Scarf Project).
Shannon is @Shannie2345 on Instagram.
Shannon Johnston on LinkedIn.
Connect Mobilize Deliver episode 3: Connecting Through A Weird Piece Of Art, with Shannon JohnstonFor More Information
Check out the full show notes at GregHarrod.com.
Is community important to you? Do you value being connected with people who are committed to a common purpose?
If like me, your answer to both of these questions is "yes", you'll want to listen to this episode.
Arielle Nissenblatt joins me to share her advice on how to build a successful career by building community. She knows what she's talking about because she's done exactly that throughout her personal and professional life.
In fact, that's how Arielle and I met. She personally contacted me to see if I would be interested in joining the customer community groups for SquadCast, the remote recording studio software I use to create the Connect Mobilize Deliver podcast.
Arielle is the Community Manager for SquadCast and is an expert at connecting people and helping them feel welcome and important.
And, I think you may just feel the same way as you listen along with our conversation.
Today's Guest
Arielle Nissenblatt
Arielle Nissenblatt is Community Manager at SquadCast. She is also the founder and head curator of Earbuds Podcast Collective, co-creator of Outlier PodFest, and a member of Podcast Taxonomy.
In other words, Arielle is a powerful, influential voice in the podcasting community.
Arielle combines her passion for people and podcasting to make a positive impact in the podcasting industry and the world in general through her work.
You'll Learn
- The power of our upbringing and family experiences in shaping our passions and our career paths
- Why podcasting needs to continue to improve in diversity, equity, and inclusion
- How Arielle's confrontation of the founders of SquadCast led to her role with the company
- The benefit of accepting correction and admitting (then fixing) your mistakes when you're called out
- How SquadCast turned a PR mistake into a positive for recruiting and company image
- The key to building community as a company
- Why every company should focus on building community to engage and serve their customers
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Give what you want to get
Invest what you would like to receive. As often as you can, say yes to meeting with others who need your support and advice.
Be generous and help others be successful without expecting anything in return.
2. Ask for what you want
Be bold. Being assertive can boost your career and connect you with new opportunities.
Have the courage to ask for a stretch assignment in your job or take the initiative to talk with people you find interesting.
3. Speak up to address issues
Saying something when you observe inappropriate behavior and uncomfortable issues will set you apart as a leader.
Being courageous and tactfully confronting those who need to be corrected or informed of their blind spots is a highly valuable career skill.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Try SquadCast.fm for easy, high-quality remote and in-person recording [Note: this is an affiliate link to support the podcast]
Follow Arielle Nissenblatt on Twitter
Connect with her on LinkedIn
Discover podcasts on almost any topic on the Earbuds Podcast Collective websiteFor More Information
Check out the full show notes at GregHarrod.com.
I have the privilege of having another conversation with my good friend, Chet Sears. You will remember Chet from Episode 2, where he taught us How to Lead Boldly.
In this episode, Chet shares his wisdom on building a career by connecting with customers. He's done that successfully for over two decades and is an expert in this area.
Today's Guest
Chet Sears
Chet Sears is my long time friend and former coworker. He has successfully led Quality and Customer Experience organizations for major corporations in high profile, high pressure positions. His approach of seeking to understand the customer and starting where they are has set him apart as a leader.
Chet has developed the skill of being transparent and acknowledging the truth when others might not have the courage to admit shortcomings. This honesty and humility has earned him and the organizations he represents the respect of some of the most demanding customers.
He currently serves on the board of the Wichita, Kansas chapter of Habitat for Humanity and is the co-host of the Hardheaded podcast.
You'll Learn
- The story of how Chet started a new role by becoming an instant target for criticism in front of a hotel ballroom full of upset customers. And how he earned their respect.
- The power of listening to customers and seeking to understand their position
- How "starting where they are" can transform your career and your empathy with customers
- Why truth is the greatest currency we have
- The benefit of transparency in building trust with your customers by being vulnerable and transparent
- How what you do as a leader can transform the reputation of your company
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Be energetic
Bring energy and enthusiasm to the conversations you have with customers and with coworkers.
2. Be a peacemaker
Don't gossip. Don't talk bad about your teammates behind their backs. Deal with issues directly and support the people on your team even when they're not around.
3. Be a visionary
Provide a reason for your team to be excited and energetic. Communicate your vision in multiple ways and live it out. People will get behind you as a leader and follow with enthusiasm.
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
In this solo episode, I discuss what I believe to be one of the most important career skills for any leader: listening well.
I've written on this topic many times here on the blog, but I wanted to dive deeper into a few of those posts and add some thoughts that will help you set yourself apart as a leader.
Most people think they're above average listeners, but the truth is we can all improve in this area.
If you want to build or boost your career, check out this episode to learn how you can lead others with kindness and confidence by listening well.
You'll Learn
- 2 questions to continually ask yourself to be a better listener
- How to avoid "after-meeting regret" by asking for clarification immediately while listening
- 5 phrases to use to ask for clarification in a non-threatening way
- 3 reasons we aren't good listeners
- 3 actions we can take immediately to improve our listening skills
- Why listening well improves the diversity and inclusion of an organization
3 Fundamental Career Skills Related to Today's Episode
1. A mindset of service
Serving others as a leader, or servant leadership as some call it, is essential to building a career that is not only successful, but also meaningful. Listening well starts with truly valuing others and seeking to serve them.
2. Empathy
Being able to empathize and understand another person's perspective is critical to listening well. And, as we seek to better understand the person speaking to us, we will become more effective transmitters of information as well.
Empathy is a fundamental career skill all expert communicators continually practice and refine.
3. Humility
Humility applies directly to listening. When we are listening well, we are acknowledging that we don't know everything. We are admitting that we can learn from what another person has to say.
Humility as a leader also gives us the freedom to admit when we get distracted and miss what someone has said to us.
When we don't take ourselves too seriously and resist the pride within us, we can invest our mental energy in focusing on what our team member is telling us instead of thinking about how we are going to respond.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Listening expert, Oscar Trimboli's website
Dan Oblinger's book, Life or Death Listening: A Hostage Negotiator's How-to Guide to Mastering the Essential Communication Skill on Amazon or locally in Wichita, Kansas at Eighth Day Books
Michael Bungay Stanier's books, The Advice Trap and The Coaching Habit
The blog posts discussed in this episode:
- How to Listen to Understand not Just to Hear
- More Tips on How to Listen to Understand not Just to Hear
- Why We are Poor Listeners and How to Improve
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
In today’s episode I talk with bestselling author and financial coach, Victoria Sexton. We talk about how knowing what we really want can have a powerful impact on all our decisions related to money and our careers.
She shares how viewing ourselves as a “business of one” can make a big difference in every area of our life. This is a perspective I personally found intriguing and helpful.
Victoria also explains why it’s important for us to remember that personal finances are just that, personal and unique to each of us. The rules of thumb that work for some people aren’t the best approach for others.
And, be sure to stick around toward the end to hear how Victoria’s question when she was an ambitious analyst early in her career caused the Chief Financial Officer of a major corporation to “almost lose his mind”.
As you’ll find out, Victoria isn’t shy when it comes to asking hard questions and dealing with the truth.
This conversation is loaded with lots of good discussion about how to properly view money and our careers.
Today’s Guest
Victoria Sexton
Victoria Sexton helps women make their money effortless so they can stop stressing and start the process of creating real wealth.
Victoria is the founder of Align Wealth Coaching, creator of the Effortless Money System and host of the Don’t Play With Trash podcast.
After spending years of working in finance and still not meeting her own financial goals, she discovered her own secret sauce, combing money mindset with a straight forward personal finance system. Now she teaches her clients the same system that allowed her to experienced financial freedom.
You’ll Learn
- The value of viewing yourself as a “Business of One”
- Why spending the company’s money like you would spend your own isn’t always the best approach
- How women can become more confident to invest in the stock market and talk to a financial advisor
- How “woo” is valuable for managing our careers, our money, and our lives
- How connecting with people and helping them will benefit you as well as them
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest
1. Emotional intelligence
Successful employees and business owners need to know how to work with people in a way that is going to motivate them. Doing this in a way that produces psychological safety, not fear, is a skill that will benefit individuals and leaders in every stage of their career.
2. Communicating the truth with tact and discretion
Being able to clearly communicate the truth is critical to career success. And, presenting the facts of a situation with the appropriate level of bluntness is a valuable skill.
3. Connecting people
Connecting people with the right people, resources, and projects to help them do their job well will lead to their success and yours.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Contact Victoria at her website, VictoriaSexton.com
Follow her on Instagram @victoriafinancialcoach
Check out her financial training courses
Listen and subscribe to her podcast, Don’t Play With Trash
Connect with Victoria Sexton on LinkedIn
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
It seems uncommon to me for high school students to say they love their principal. But, I’ve heard more kids than I can remember say this about this week’s guest, Dr. Chris Botts.
In this second of two interviews with Dr. Botts, or Chris as he prefers to be called, I have the honor of listening to him describe some of his strategies for connecting with students. And, making sure every kid knows they are valued and appreciated.
Chris shares the unique and effective techniques he and his staff have used throughout his 22 years of service as a high school administrator.
Dr. Chris Botts is an exceptional role model for leaders with careers in education administration and teaching.
But, if you’re not a principal, you will easily see the parallels between serving students and caring for customers.
The three fundamental career skills from Chris will help you build and boost your career in any industry.
Today’s Guest
Dr. Chris Botts
Dr. Chris Botts is the principal of Maize High School in Maize, Kansas. He started his career at Complete High School Maize and has been in the USD 266 district 22 years.
Loved and respected by his staff and students alike, Dr. Botts was named as Sedgwick County Area Educational Services Interlocal Cooperative No. 618’s Principal of the Year in August 2017. In 2020, he received the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year award.
You’ll Learn
- Who the customers are for a principal, including the most important customer
- How to improve your organization’s culture with a few pennies
- Creative ways to empathize with and better understand your students or customers
- Why it’s so important to never forget what it’s like to be a kid (or a customer)
- How embarrassing yourself can build connections with your team and prepare you for future career opportunities
- The story of how one student’s Tik Tok skill helped identify disconnected students and create connections to support them
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest
1. Show up
Showing up and doing the job or task you were assigned to do is a huge part of having a successful career.
2. Stand out (by working hard)
Why not be the best at whatever you do?
The little things are going to add up in life. Take pride in what you do.
“Any success I’ve had in life, I attribute it to that lone trait, period. Work hard!” - Dr. Chris Botts
3. Problem solve
The ability to think and solve problems will serve you well at every stage of your career in any industry or field.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Connect with Dr. Botts through email at (cbotts AT usd266.com)
Follow him on Twitter at (@thebotty)
Maize News newsmagazine produced by the Maize High School journalism department articles:
“Mystery of Botts’ missing stapler solved“
“Botts challenges teachers to do one nice thing a day "For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
I'm never had a job as an educator in a school system, but I don't think it's easy to find a principal who is as loved and respected by his staff as Dr. Chris Botts.
In this first of two interviews with Dr. Botts, or Chris as he prefers to be called, I have the honor of listening to him share his approach to leading teachers and other education professionals to serve and care for their students.
Chris outlines the mindset and techniques he has learned and successfully applied in his 22 years of service as a high school administrator.
Dr. Chris Botts is an outstanding example of a kind and confident leader in the field of education.
But, even if your career is not as a teacher or administrator, you'll benefit from his wisdom. And, the three fundamental career skills Chris shares will help you be a better leader.
Today's Guest
Dr. Chris Botts
Dr. Chris Botts is the principal of Maize High School in Maize, Kansas. He started his career at Complete High School Maize and has been in the USD 266 district 22 years.
Loved and respected by his staff and students alike, Dr. Botts was named as Sedgwick County Area Educational Services Interlocal Cooperative No. 618's Principal of the Year in August 2017. In 2020, he received the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year award.
You'll Learn
- You can have empathy as a leader and have high expectations at the same time.
- Every kid (and adult) has "stuff" going on even when they appear to have it all together.
- Why substitute teachers are so valuable to the school system even though they don't get the credit they deserve.
- How giving employees the freedom to be gone from work is a good long term investment.
- One skill or character trait that is an absolute requirement to be in education.
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Communicate by listening
Ask good questions. Be receptive to critique and feedback.
2. Empathize
School administrators should never forget what it's like to be a teacher. Every leader, regardless of their field, needs to remember what it's like to be on the front line.
Teachers and administrators should never forget what it's like to be a student.
3. Be adaptable
Lead through change by being able to adjust and meet people where they are.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Connect with Dr. Botts through email at (cbotts AT usd266.com)
Follow him on Twitter at (@thebotty)
The Jordan Peterson podcast
Words of nomination for 2020 Kansas Scholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year
2013 #askbotts video from Maize News newsmagazine produced by the Maize High School journalism department
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
Being in business for 51 years will teach you more than a few things.
In this episode, Jerry Harrod, who is also my dad, tells the story of how he started Harrod’s Blacksmith and Welding in 1970. He shares how he, my mom, and my brother made it through what could have been a business-ending accident that put him in the hospital just a few months after they went out on their own.
Dad also gives the three fundamental career skills he recommends every small business owner or corporate employee put into practice to be successful.
Today’s Guest
Jerry Harrod
Jerry Harrod is the founder and owner of Harrod’s Blacksmith and Welding in Howard, Kansas. Jerry and his wife, Mary, still operate the business they started in 1970. Along with their son, Gary, they serve customers throughout Kansas and Oklahoma.
And, as I said above, I’m proud to say Jerry Harrod is my dad.
You’ll Learn
- Why “the customer is always right whether he is or not”
- How, when Jerry was only 26, his dad died and caused him to take a big career risk to care for his family
- Why the best leaders don’t ask their employees to do anything they wouldn’t do themselves
- The biggest challenge new small business owners face today
- Tips on diversifying to survive in business when economic conditions change
- The core principles successful business owners share regardless of their companies’ revenue levels
- What to consider to avoid letting rules put you out of business
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest
1. Get input and make a decision
Great leaders get input from their team members, analyze the situation, and make decisions.
2. Treat customers right
Successful business leaders sincerely appreciate their customers. And, they let their customers know they are appreciated.
3. Ask don’t tell
Avoid “command language” and be polite when assigning tasks, even when you’re the boss.
Links and Resources from this Episode
My blog post, “3 Simple Tips for Polite and Effective Email“
Facebook page for Toot’s Drive In. Still going strong since 1955.
My hometown, Howard, Kansas on Wikipedia. Just in case you’re interested.
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
If you’re like me, you do not like to waste time. Especially by listening to a podcast that’s just not a good fit.
In today’s episode I want to help you avoid making a bad decision to invest your time listening to Connect Mobilize Deliver. This podcast isn’t for everyone. So, if it’s not for you, I want you to know that as soon as possible.
I’ll cover 9 reasons what I’m trying to accomplish through this podcast may not align with what you’re looking for in a podcast focused on helping you build your career. You may find our leadership goals and styles are not aligned. Or, the format of this podcast doesn’t match your needs or preferences.
You’ll Learn
- What I hope to accomplish with the Connect Mobilize Deliver podcast
- My approach to leadership and career success
- The format I’m planning to use for this podcast
- How the theme of Leading with Kindness and Confidence fits in
- Why I am committed to focusing on fundamental career skills
- The reason Wichita, Kansas may be mentioned regularly
- Why all these things may be reasons this podcast isn’t right for you
9 Reasons This Podcast May Not Be Right For You
1. Leading with Kindness and Confidence
Kindness will be a core ingredient of Connect Mobilize Deliver, not something that is occasionally sprinkled in with an apologetic mention.
2. Experts you may or may not have heard of
I will always bring on interesting people who can help you learn and be successful in your career. Regardless of their level of notoriety.
3. No experts at all
I won’t always have a guest join me for a discussion. I’ll do solo shows focusing on specific topics or dive deep into practical steps to apply certain fundamental career skills to build and boost your career.
4. You’ll get me as I really am
I’m going to speak from my experience, my worldview, my perspective. And, you may not agree with me. But, that’s okay.
5. I'll share what I know
On Connect Mobilize Deliver I'll share what I know if I think it will help you in your career. And, I'll bring on guests who will do the same.
6. This podcast won't be perfect
I'm forcing myself to release episodes that are not perfect.
But, I know that you listening to an imperfect episode will help you, even if it could be better. But, a decent episode, especially with an amazing guest, that never leaves my computer does you no good at all.
7. We'll stick with fundamental career skillsConnect Mobilize Deliver will focus on fundamental career skills. We'll cover the basics, over and over.
**I believe career success in any field or industry comes through consistent, proper execution of fundamental career skills.
- I want your money My intent with this podcast is to generate some amount of revenue. My commitment is to only recommend things that I truly believe will help you. 9. I want your input and feedback** Way more than I want your money, I want your input and feedback.
You're the reason I'm doing this podcast. Your input is critical for the show to be a success.
Links and Resources from this Episode
The book, Gracious Leadership: Lead Like You've Never Led Before, by Janet Smith Meeks.
The book, The Art of Caring Leadership: How Leading with Heart Uplifts Teams and Organizations by Heather R. Younger
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
In my first time as a guest on a podcast, I get to have a conversation with 3 good friends on their Hardheaded podcast.
In this light hearted but insightful discussion we each share our Top 3 skills to advance your career. We each have a unique perspective based on our diverse roles in large corporations, small businesses, and the military.
Watch This Episode On YouTube Today's Guest
I'm actually the guest in this episode since I'm sharing the conversation I had as a guest on the Hardheaded podcast.
Click here to read the full show biographies of Matt, Chet, and Troy.
You'll Learn
- More details of how Chet and I started our first podcast together
- The value of story telling to effectively communicate a message
- Why networking is critical to building a successful career
- How to build your own business while supporting your employees' side hustles
- The power of saying "yes" as a leader and trusting your team members to deliver
- The story of how Chet's dad cared for his Air Force buddies (and a future general) using government gear and a loophole
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
Matt Amos
1. Decisiveness
"A bad decision made quickly is better than no decision made at all."
2. Networking
Making connections with good intentions, to help other people not just for personal gain.
3. Integrity
Always being true to your word. When you say you are going to do something, you do it. Stick to your morals no matter what might happen.
Troy Trussell
1. Web Development
Build the many skills that web development requires: software code writing, design, integrating systems.
2. Camera Operating and Editing
Filming and editing can be learned through practice. And, these skills can be used to run a lucrative side business.
3. Managing Multiple Roles as a Business Owner
Being able to put on and take off the various “hats” is a critical skill to be successful as a business owner. Wearing the “business owner hat” is the most important.
Chet Sears
1. Communication
Communicate clearly through story telling and avoid using slide presentations when possible.
2. Data-backed Boldness
Have the courage to speak up even when others won’t. Especially when you have data to support your position.
3. Modesty / Humility
Relate to every team member in a way that invites input and is not arrogant.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Hardheaded podcast website
Hardheaded on Apple Podcasts
Hardheaded on YouTube
Admiral’s Pennant Beard Oil website
Trussell Media website
The Kansas Leadership Center website
The book, Your Leadership Edge: Lead Anytime, AnywhereFor More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page on GregHarrod.com
Visual artist and exceptional leader, Shannon Johnston, tells me the story of how she turned her vision to help the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan into a reality. She explains how The Scarf Project she and many others created went on to connect and provide comfort to those hurting from many other disasters since then.
The actual scarf created through The Scarf Project lives on today and continues to support and inspire people around the globe.
Today's Guest
Shannon Johnston
In addition to being an artist, Shannon Johnston identifies as a daughter, sister, friend, introvert, teacher, student, feminist, collector, maker, consumer, and nail-biter. All of this informs her creative practice.
It is engagement within and reflection upon community, both large and small, that ground Johnston’s practice. Repetition, generosity, and regeneration drive her making. Collection that borders compulsion builds her palette and ritual forms her process.
Shannon holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Wichita State University. She currently lives in Wichita, KS with her husband where she is Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Steckline Gallery at Newman University.
You'll Learn
- The story of how Shannon connected and mobilized people from very different walks of life around the globe to turn The Scarf Project from idea to reality
- How to meet people where they are and enable them to give out of what they have to thrive as a part of a team
- How to deliver results with people even when you aren't the same and don't agree on everything
- Art exists in many different forms all around us. Whether we recognize it or not.
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest
1. Practice repetitive acts
Do something over and over again to build confidence, create focus, and keep yourself centered.
Once you can do a small thing repetitively through practice, you're equipped to do another new thing.
You prove that you can learn to learn.
2. Create buy-in
Creating buy-in is all about knowing your audience. Then knowing how to message your self, your product, or your passion for your audience is how you can create buy-in.
3. Know when to let go
Recognize when the project, or whatever you're working on, needs you to take a step back.
Get buy-in and put your team in positions where they can thrive. Then, relax knowing the project will work out fine.
Links and Resources from this Episode
Shannon Johnston's website (with more photos from The Scarf Project).
Shannon is @Shannie2345 on Instagram.
Shannon Johnston on LinkedIn.
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
I have the privilege of having a conversation with my good friend, Chet Sears, for this episode. Chet talks about the experiences we’ve had together as coworkers and how he introduced me to podcast hosting so we could apply and share the training we received at The Kansas Leadership Center.
Chet also shares his experience serving on the board of Habitat for Humanity to support the Wichita community and the lessons he’s learned in that role.
Today’s Guest
Chet Sears
Chet Sears is my long time friend and former coworker. He has a passion for building relationships and serving others. Chet has applied that passion in leading others in the workplace and serving the communities in which he’s lived.
He currently serves on the board of the Wichita, Kansas chapter of Habitat for Humanity and is the co-host of the Hardheaded podcast.
You’ll Learn
- The story of how Chet and I started our first podcast together and how he put his career success in my hands
- The value of leaders who trust and empower their team members to pursue experiments to make progress
- How Chet and I align on our core values, but are very different in how we do things
- How to deliver results with people even when you aren’t the same and don’t agree on everything
- The number of houses Habitat for Humanity gives away each year
- Which of Chet’s three fundamental career skills I struggle with regularly
- The story of Chet speaking up when no one else would and the impact it had on the organization
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest
1. Humility
Be humble in what you do. Know you don’t know it all. Be willing to learn.
2. Boldness
Know when to speak up and not pass up opportunities to say something. Avoid being a coward.
3. Communication
Communicate well through email and in the spoken word, in one-on-one conversations and in meetings.
Be brief and concise. Get to the point very quickly.
Links and Resources from this Episode
The Kansas Leadership Center website.
The book, Your Leadership Edge: Lead Anytime, Anywhere.
Habitat for Humanity – International website.
Habitat for Humanity – Wichita, Kansas website.
5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace website.
Chet Sears on LinkedIn.
Hardheaded podcast website.
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
Great leaders don’t go it alone. They connect people, mobilize them for action, and deliver results. And, the very best leaders aren’t afraid to admit that they care deeply for their teammates. They lead with kindness and confidence.
In this weekly podcast, host Greg Harrod and his guests share their experience, stories, and tips for successfully leading teams without compromising your values.
Greg keeps it simple and practical by focusing on mastering the fundamental career skills you need to achieve success for yourself and your teams. He’ll cover topics like communication, leading effective meetings, empathy, role clarity, listening, asking powerful questions, project management, servant leadership, strategic thinking, mindset, diversity, inclusion, and much more.
With over 30 years of experience leading in business, community, and family settings Greg embraces curiosity because he’s got enough experience to know he still has much to learn. Listen in and grow with him as fascinating guests with diverse backgrounds and perspectives share their best leadership wisdom.
If you want to grow as a leader, you’ll find a consistent source of inspiration and encouragement you can apply immediately. Whether you’re a small business owner or have a corporate job with a side hustle too, there’s something here for you each week.
It’s a mix of interviews and solo shows you’re not going to want to miss. Hit subscribe and get ready to boost your confidence as a leader and energize your career.
Learn more at GregHarrod.com/ConnectMobilizeDeliver.