Archive for the 'Business Growth' Category

Podcast 92: Lead Well and Prosper with Nick McCormick

Published by
Greg
at June 23, 2009 in Business Growth, Communications, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Leadership Courses, Personal Growth Courses and Podcasts. 0 Comments

Do you want to to become a better manager of people?  Then you will want to listen to my podcast with author Nick McCormick.  Nick is the author of a new book entitled, “Lead Well and Prosper, 15 Successful Strategies for Becoming a Good Manager”.

In my interview with Nick we will explore the challenges that most managers have in learning how to become more effective at managing people.  In this simple to read book, filled with examples, you will be able to understand more fully the skills necessary in becoming a great manager.  Each chapter starts with a humorous, true to life example of an ineffective way to deal with a situation.  Nick then provides the reader with the strategy to deal more positively with these situations, and a list of “dos and don’t s” that cut right to the chase.

Nick states that most managers don’t want to perform poorly, they just don’t work on the right things.  This books not only shows them what those “right things” are, but it offers straightforward ready-to-execute solutions.

As any reader knows, there are thousands of books on management and becoming a better leader, but this book contains the simple strategies that can assist any manager in a matter of minutes.

If most managers were to apply the tips that Nick provides in the 87 pages of this quick read book, they would become more valuable to their employers, and most importantly be looked at by their fellow co-workers as mentors.

Nick Mc CormickI do hope you enjoy my interview with Nick McCormick, and that you will glean something valuable from our interview together.  If you would like to learn more about Nick’s book or his workshops and seminars please visit his website by clicking here.


Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 90: Be Yourself Everyone Else Is Taken with Mike Robbins

Published by
Greg
at June 12, 2009 in Business Growth, Communications, Great Books, Personal Growth Courses, Podcasts and Spiritual Growth. 1 Comment

If you truly want to meet an authentic person, then I recommend that you make an attempt to reach out to Mike Robbins.  Mike is the author of a new book entitled, “Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: Transform Your Life with the Power of Authenticity“.

In my interview with Mike, we explore what helps to make a person more authentic through his five principles of authenticity:

1) Know Yourself   2) Transform Your Fears   3) Express Yourself       4) Be Bold   5) Celebrate Who You Are.

When you first read the principles you might think, “well this is simple”.  Well, think again, because for most people, our ego gets in the way of us becoming the most authentic we can be.  We are hiding behind our wall of protection where we feel comfortable.  It is usually here that we create the alter ego which frequently prevents others from really knowing who we are, and and for us to be able to liberate ourselves to express freely and openly.

Mike has done a masterful job of laying out his book so that the reader can easily utilize and apply the principles taught.  The first part of the book looks at WHY it can be hard for us to be authentic-the familial, cultural, and personal influences, thoughts, and fears that make it difficult for us to do and say what is true for us, or lead us to believe that who we are is not acceptable enough.  He really helps in creating more awareness about what authenticity is, and what blocks us for attaining it.

Part two of the book lays out the Five Principles of Authenticity that Mike has developed over the last ten years of working directly with individuals and in groups.

In the third part of the book, Mike provides the reader with HOW to take action.  He has created interactive exercises and practices to assist us in becoming more authentic.

There is a great quote in Mikes’ book from Mother Teresa, “Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable.  Be honest and transparent anyway”.  I think that this quote really sums up what authenticity is, the real question is what prevents you from expressing your divine authenticity and how will you show up in life once you have explored your true nature.  I encourage you to explore and understand your true nature, for it is here that you are liberated to express yourself and shine as an individual.

Mike is an awesome speaker, coach and author.  He works to help people transform their lives, and live with more passion and authenticity.  If you would like to learn more about Mike, his books and coaching programs then I would recommend that you click here.

Mike RobbinsPlease enjoy this interview with Mike, and if you like what you hear during this interview please let either Mike or myself know.


Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 89: Don’t Bring it To Work with Sylvia Lafair

Published by
Greg
at June 12, 2009 in Business Growth, Communications, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Great Web Sites, Leadership Courses, Personal Growth Courses, Podcasts, Relationship Counseling and Resources. 0 Comments

I was first introduced to Sylvia through my good friend and incredible transformational leader Larry Wilson.  When I first learned that Sylvia was writing her book, and the subject matter  was about family patterns that effect our success I very intrigued.   How many of us really think about how the patterns we pick up from learning how to cope with our family conflicts would ever effect our performance on the job?   I know that I really had never gave it a thought until I spoke with Sylvia in our interview together.

In Sylvia’s book, “Don’t Bring It to Work: Breaking the Family Patterns That Limit Success“, she explores how our family has a tremendous influence in how we think and act, and how this influence effects our success on the job.  Her information is based on years and years of consulting and coaching work that she has completed with individuals in businesses worldwide.  Sylvia has created a Pattern Aware program which assists the reader in determining the underlying patterns that are sabotaging their success.  The Pattern Aware quiz can be taken at her website by clicking here.

The quiz gives vital insights into the age old question: “Why do people behave like that?” You will learn how to quickly identify behavior patterns and how to transform them. You’ll be able to transcend beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors that interfere with work relationships.

Sylvia’s book is loaded with real-life anecdotes and practical, workshop-style exercises that clearly show how anyone can get beyond old, outmoded attempts to conflict resolution and empower themselves to make profound differences both at work and their personal lives.

If you would like to understand more clearly just what might be holding you back from the success you thoroughly deserve, then I would highly recommend reading, “Don’t Bring It to Work: Breaking the Family Patterns That Limit Success“.

Sylvia LafairFor more information on Sylvia’s appearances, workshops, consulting, coaching and how to purchase this book please click here.

Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 87: Making it All Work with David Allen

Published by
Greg
at June 1, 2009 in Business Growth, Communications, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Leadership Courses, Personal Growth Courses, Podcasts and Resources. 2 Comments

I first became acquainted with David Allen over eleven years ago when I traveled to Ojai, CA to attend a workshop entitled, “Getting Things Done“, a wonderful program that he created and facilitated.   It was an all day workshop,  and David did an incredible job of not only educating his the attendees, but he was quite entertaining as well.  As a result of this workshop, David and I developed a friendship and subsequently created an audio program for the financial services industry entitled, “Taming Time and Technology.”

In  this interview with David, we explore the great ideas and methodology that he has articulated in his new book entitled, “Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and Business of Life.”  As David states, “Making it All Work” provides the reader with a road map, with both bearings to help you figure out where you are in life and directions on how to get where you want to be going.

The keys to achieving that are control and perspective-taking charge of everyday commitments and confidently knowing where to situate them on the horizons of your goals and aspirations.  These two ingredients for making it all work are the fundamentals of self-management,  and if you can learn how to equalize these two ingredients you will be more focused and productive in your life.

In David’s first book entitled, “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity”, the focus was on the process of capturing, clarifying, organizing, reflecting, engaging/action.  These are to-dos that assist one in becoming more productive while reducing the distractions.

The ultimate benefit of getting things done, is to experience the fulfillment and freedom that come with being positively engaged in our lives. ” Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and Business of Life”, reveals how acquiring coherence and direction leads directly to that state, and to the wisdom to understand that it is the way that you are in the game that determines whether you win, and not the final score.  David ability to articulate these concepts to the reader are simple, and he provides tools that are powerful in assisting in your personal awareness and transformation.

David AllenI highly recommend this book, and would recommend that you check out David’s website by clicking here for more information on his products, workshops and tools to assist you in Making it All Work.

Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 86: The Energy Bus with Jon Gordon

Published by
Greg
at May 19, 2009 in Business Growth, Great Books, Great Web Sites, Personal Growth Courses, Podcasts, Relationship Counseling and Spiritual Growth. 0 Comments

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy, is a great inspiring read. Simple concepts, but something that we all need to reinforce over and over again.

Jon Gordon, uses this business fable to tell the story about an average guy by the name of George.  George happens upon a set of circumstances that requires him to have to take the bus to work.  Obviously, George is quite angry for he looses his independence and the loss of his car, and has to take the bus to work.

George however is one lucky man for he meets the bus driver, Joy, and gets to learn many lessons about life from her.  Jon Gordon takes takes the reader on a wonderful journey weaving in a great story to assist the reader in understanding some of the lessons we need to learn to manage our life for greater joy, happiness and success.

In my interview with Jon we get to explore the The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy.

Those rules are instrumental in leading a life with enthusiasm, and they are:

1. You’re the driver of your bus.

2. Desire, vision and focus move your bus in the right direction.

3. Fuel your ride with positive energy.

4. Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead.

5. Don’t waste your energy on those who don’t get on your bus.

6. Post a sign that says no energy vampires allowed on your bus.

7. Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride.

8. Love your passengers.

9. Drive with purpose.

10. Have fun and enjoy the ride.

I highly recommend this wonderful book.  The rules are for everyone, and if applied can really change your outlook on life.

Jon GordonIf you would like to learn more about Jon Gordon, his workshops, books and seminars please click here.

Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 83: Thank God it’s Monday with Roxanne Emmerich

Published by
Greg
at May 11, 2009 in Business Growth, Communications, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Podcasts and Relationship Counseling. 0 Comments

How many of us can really say “Thank God It’s Monday!?  How many of us dread Mondays, going back to work and not really enjoy what we are doing?

Roxanne Emmerich believes that it does not have to be that way. She has worked for years helping organizations create cultures that allow people to come to work, authentically living and working on purpose. Sounds wonderful, so what is the secret?

In my interview with Roxanne, we explore the values that an organization has to embody to create an environment that is liberated, allowing employees the space to be themselves, to learn from mistakes, and fall forward.  An organization that allows employees to work in a collaborative, engaging and energized environment that values the contribution of the individual and the collective.

In Roxanne’s book, “Thank God It’s Monday!: How to Create a Workplace You and Your Customers Love”, she tells real stories about real people working in organizations where the cultures need improvement, and other cultures that are inclusive and embrace the human capital.

Great organizations realize that the most important asset on the balance sheet are the valued employees. The employees that are making a contribution to the organization.

I recently read that the value of each Google employee was in the millions, and that the value of a GM employee was in the 100 of thousands. Obviously, we know which organization has created a culture where they value their employees, and when they come to work they say, “Thank God It’s Monday”.

Roxanne EmmerichI hope you enjoy this wonderful interview with a very savvy author that knows how to create productive, purpose driven organizations. If you would like to learn more about Roxanne’s book and her consulting services, please click here for more information.

Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 81: Ultimate Productivity with Jim Stovall

Published by
Greg
at May 4, 2009 in Business Growth, Career Counseling, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Personal Growth Courses and Podcasts. 0 Comments

I have never had the pleasure of meeting Jim Stovall, but all of my colleges that have had the opportunity to work with Jim state that he is one of the most positive guys that you will meet. Considering that Jim is blind, he is a successful speaker, author and is the co-founder of Narrative Television Network which makes movies and television for the over 13 million blind and visually impaired people. Needless to say Jim is a busy man, but never too busy to provide us with a great interview about his new book entitled, “Ultimate Productivity”.

In my interview with Jim what I learn is that there is a very simple formula to help one attain success. Jim explains the formula as motivation+communications+implementation=ultimate productivity=success. Jim explains that we can not be successful in just one area of our life. Success is like a three-legged stool. You have to be balanced in all area of your life to be successful. Even though success is a moving target, and an ongoing journey, Jim recommends strongly that you develop a personal mission statement. He emphasizes that the mission statement is like the guiding light when you embark upon your journey.

Jim states that productivity is a derivative of the word “produce” which means “to generate results”. It is one thing to produce results, but if they are not focused it is like  you are running on a treadmill, going faster and faster but with no direction. To really be productive, motivation and implementation are so important. Jim states that in all of the successful people that he has worked with they share a common characteristic, a unwavering and burning passion for their personal goals.

If you want to learn more about Jim’s powerful success formula, then I recommend that you listen to our podcast. Our dialogue will open your mind to the possible, and will transform how you think about, “Ultimate Productivity“.  I encourage my listeners to take the Ultimate Productivity Profile. You can complete this profile by clicking here, and typing in the access code: 586404.

Jim StovallIf you would like to learn more about Jim’s books, workshops, lectures and services I recommend that you click here for more information on the Ultimate Productivity tools at his website.

Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 80: Succession: Are You Ready? with Marshall Goldsmith

Published by
Greg
at April 28, 2009 in Business Growth, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Leadership Courses, Podcasts, Relationship Counseling and Resources. 0 Comments

I first learned of Marshall Goldsmith’s work through a good friend Simon Vetter.  Marshall has a bio that reads like the who’s who in business management.  He was recently named by Business Week Magazine as one of the most influential practitioners in the history of leadership development, and the American Management Association named Dr. Goldsmith as one of 50 great thinkers and leaders who have influenced the field of management over the past 80 years.

In the podcast with Marshall we get to explore the concepts and ideas in his new book entitled, “Succession: Are You Ready? (Memo to the CEO)“.  The best thing about this new book, is that it is condensed, easy to read and part of the Harvard Business Press books designed for the time starved executives. While the book is written as letters to a fictional CEO, the learnings apply to leaders at all levels – who are faced with the prospect of either letting go or developing their successor.

Frequently leadership succession is presented as a dry, “check-the-boxes” process during which seemingly robotic executives are concerned only with the buzzwords like “strategic fit”, “core competencies”, and “long-term shareholder value”.  Very little of what is written deals with “soft” personal issues like relationships, self-interest, ego, or God forbid, feelings!

What Marshall has accomplished, (that many authors who have attempted to broach this subject have failed to accomplish,) is a focus on the human and behavioral elements of transition.   “Succession: Are You Ready? (Memo to the CEO)”, is designed to help the reader: prepare for the transition, choose a successor, coach your successor and pass the baton.

Marshall GoldsmithIn my podcast with Marshall we explore the human elements of succession planning.  It is my opinion that the human elements of succession planning are so much more important than the strategic aspects.  In our podcast you will be exposed to practical real world advice.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Marshall. If you would like to learn more about Marshall’s consulting organization, and his other books and publications please click here to access his website.

Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 77: Reinvention-How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life with Brian Tracy

Published by
Greg
at April 21, 2009 in Business Growth, Career Counseling, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Great Web Sites, Personal Growth Courses, Podcasts and Resources. 3 Comments

I am sure that for most of you it goes without mention, that you are familiar with the well known author and speaker, Brian Tracy.  I was recently forwarded a copy of his new book entitled, “Reinvention: How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life”.

I had the pleasure of interviewing him for this podcast about his new book, and was very impressed with his philosophy about our current world affairs regarding the job market and finding employment.  It is Brian’s opinion that the 80/20 rule applies to most people.  That 20% of the people are proactive and have an entrepreneur mentality when it comes to finding work, and that 80% of the population are very reactive.  He states that most people are not continual learners, and that when asked about their job experience they will state that they have 20 years of experience. He contends that they really have one (1) year of experience repeated 20 times over.

Brian states that people spend an inordinate amount of time in tension releasing activities such as being entertained, and much less time educating themselves for personal improvement.

Brian’s new book, “Reinvention: How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life”, is about taking control over your life and career.  His book helps you to take stock of yourself before you go out looking for a job, to understand the job market and how to find the unadvertised jobs.  He mentions that most good careers/jobs are not advertised, and that it takes investigative work using the internet and other resources to find the job you are looking for.

Brian provides a combination of practical tactics, motivational incentives and encouragement to the reader.  Anyone seeking fulfillment and a fresh start will find proven strategies and invaluable advice on how to move forward in these turbulent times.  How to master critical thinking skills such as: reevaluating, rethinking, reorganizing, restructuring, reengineering, reinventing and regaining control after an unexpected setback.

“Reinvention: How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life”, is a must read for anyone experiencing the challenges associated with finding new employment and reinventing themselves. This book is packed full of wisdom, advice and how-to strategies and it is an easy read.  I highly recommend Brian’s new book.

BrianTracyIf you would like additional information about Brian Tracy, please visit his website by clicking here.

Download the podcast (MP3).

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.

Podcast 76: The Power of TED with David Emerald

Published by
Greg
at April 21, 2009 in Business Growth, Communications, Consulting Organizations, Great Books, Leadership Courses, Personal Growth Courses, Podcasts, Relationship Counseling, Resources and Spiritual Growth. 0 Comments

I recently interviewed David Emerald the author of, “The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) - Updated and Revised.  David’s book is a wonderful story about a character by the name of Ted that David meets after a series of unfortunate events in his life.  This fictional character, Ted, provides David with some sage advice regarding the dreaded Drama Triangle.

The foundational frameworks of TED* include essential tools that support individuals, professionals and organizations in identifying limiting roles and how to replace them with more resourceful ways of being.

The Empowerment Dynamic (TED)™ is the antidote to the Drama Triangle, which was first described by Stephen Karpman, MD. The Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT) is comprised of three roles – or ego states: Victim (the primary role that is at the heart of all three), the Persecutor (which the Victim blames for their suffering); and the Rescuer (who steps in to try and take away the Victim’s suffering). People shift in and out of playing all three roles in this Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT).

TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic), offers a different triangle with a different set of relationships. At the heart of this new dynamic is the Creator life orientation.

The power of this book and it’s message is quite meaningful. It allows the reader to identify and understand when we have all played each of these roles in our life, and how we can empower ourselves to a new way of life orientation as a creator.

David EmeraldI highly recommend, “The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)”.  David Emerald has just posted a newly revised website that is a great resource both for individuals and organizations that are in need of making a shift in their organizational culture.  Please click here to link to David’s website.

Want more resources and information on personal growth? Try the resources page.