The Craig And Greg Show: Take Them With You

December 11, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.

In a previous episode we brought you the exciting news that Greg and I are collaborating to write a series of books called Business By The Book. In today’s episode, we revisit the first book in this series—A CEO’s Vision—and discuss how once the vision has been cast the next vital step is to bring your team along with you. 

  • [0:00] Introduction
  • [0:11] I welcome Greg to an exclusive club!
  • [0:49] We show why we think we are over-achievers.
  • [2:00] Leaders need to take others along with them, transitioning from “I” to “we.”
  • [4:39] How do leaders handle the frustration of a slow-moving team?
  • [6:51] How we wrote “Business by the Book” for a CEO who is casting vision.
  • [7:11] The importance a leader going first.
  • [10:53] Be realistic with your team about the challenges ahead.
  • [11:49] How do leaders handle doubts or questions from their teammates?
  • [14:37] Leaders need to know the pitfalls of casting vision.
  • [16:59] Watch out for the things that will distract from your vision!
  • [20:25] The courage to take the first step is vital.
  • [22:03] Leaders need to help the stragglers catch up with everyone else on the team.
  • [23:23] The last crucial step is for leaders to move forward confidently.
  • [24:31] Maximize Leadership has a lot of resources to help you on your leadership journey.

Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens 

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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The Craig And Greg Show: Leading Generations

October 2, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.

“Kids these days just don’t understand!”

That’s probably a phrase you’ve heard more than a few times from members of generations your elder, and there is some truth to it! Each generation has very diverse experiences which make them unique from the groups before and after them. In today’s episode, Greg and I want to encourage you to understand and embrace generational differences to make your team stronger.

  • [0:00] Be sure to pick up Greg’s new book Sales Armageddon.
  • [0:32] I got called a Boomer!
  • [1:18] Communicating with a multi-generational team requires different approaches.
  • [2:52] Many from the Boomer generation are past retirement age, but still enjoy the work they do.
  • [4:09] Boomers tend to respect authority, where Gen X might be more skeptical.
  • [4:42] Boomers value formality, but Gen X have embraced a more relaxed work culture.
  • [6:01] “Put in the time” versus “the value I bring” mentalities.
  • [6:59] Boomers have a very work first mentality, Gen X embraced more of a work-life balance.
  • [8:33] Newer generations are much more likely to work multiple jobs in their career.
  • [9:43] Motivations and loyalties across different generations.
  • [12:31] Generation iY.
  • [13:32] The learning and work styles of different generations.
  • [14:39] Gen Y are heavily influenced by internet and social media thought.
  • [16:01] Gen Y are very well informed, but sometimes lack practical experience.
  • [16:44] Desire to collaborate varies across generations.
  • [17:33] We like to lead in our preferred style, but that isn’t always the best approach.
  • [20:18] Gen Z have in many ways begun to mirror Boomers.
  • [21:18] The top line takeaway is respect.
  • [22:51] I share my biggest lessons learned growing in the workforce.
  • [24:14] Greg shares his final thoughts on generational divides.
  • [26:43] Maximize coaching can help you learn to better connect with your team.

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Clarifying Questions Avoid Trouble

July 10, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

Misunderstandings happen all the time. Leaders can help their teammates navigate these verbal landmines—and avoid a lot of trouble—by asking the clarifying questions that will bring the whole team together. 

Check out the full conversation Greg and I had about unifying your team. 

We would love to serve as your leadership coach, so get in touch with us. My book Shepherd Leadership also has some biblical principles that leaders can immediately apply to their organizations. 

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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Links & Quotes

March 22, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Leaders would help their teams by (1) having shorter meetings, and (2) ensuring their language is clear and concise. Check out the full conversation about “Jargon” on this episode of the Craig and Greg Show. 

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

In a fascinating article about the ways the planet Jupiter protects Earth, the conclusion is spot-on: “Jupiter is more than merely a beautiful planet in the tapestry of the night sky. Its massive size and powerful gravity make it a mighty guardian of Earth. From protecting us from dangerous space debris to helping maintain stable orbits, Jupiter’s influence is essential for life on our planet. Proof of our solar system’s complex design is everywhere around us. It’s easy to see that our world seems purposely made rather than just being a result of random chance causes. From the stars to the tiniest particles, everything in our universe is balanced and works together in a coordinated system. As science progresses and uncovers more about our solar system, scientists keep finding out how perfectly suited our solar system is for life.”

T.M. Moore encourages us to pray for the Church. “The Church is the in-time agency through which the Kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven. The Kingdom is a spiritual realm; the Church is a physical entity. But is is also a spiritual one; thus it partakes of two worlds at once, and is able to channel the spiritual into the physical to make all things new. The Church is both the sign that the Kingdom has come and the outpost from which the Kingdom advances in the world. Our text is a watershed moment of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and it signals an important focus for every believer’s life and prayers.”

“Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed.” —Mia Hamm

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The Craig And Greg Show: Jargon

March 13, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.

If the expected target metrics of today’s program are met, we expect significant workflow performance advancements from team lead positioned individuals.

Does that seem a little complicated? Jargon in the workplace can very quickly cause significant problems, leading to confusion and disengagement in your team. The solution is simple—clear, concise communication. So let’s try this again without the jargon: Greg and I hope that this episode inspires you to remove the jargon from your communication, and as a result you will see your leadership influence grows.

  • [0:41] Today we are returning to Leadership Builders and Killers with a topic inspired by a series of videos I saw online about business jargon.
  • [3:21] Greg asks, “Why all the jargon?”
  • [5:34] Jargon can take away from what you want to communicate, and can cause others to disengage from the conversation.
  • [8:26] Jargon is antithetical to a commitment to clarity.
  • [9:33] I share a story of a conversation with students that highlights wisdom we can take into the workplace.
  • [12:06] One of the lowest form of communication is assumption.
  • [14:03] It’s important to circle back with people after a meeting to maker sure they understood.
  • [15:13] Jargon frequently shows up when there’s bad news to share, and when leaders are trying to cast vision.
  • [16:50] Sometimes we use jargon to hide.
  • [19:30] I share a story from the life of John Wesley about how he became a better communicator.
  • [21:14] It’s important to communicate with everyone on an even playing field, and not use jargon to avoid being pinned down.
  • [22:39] Using jargon can negatively impact your influence as a leader. Conversely, clear communication will lift your influence.
  • [24:58] Jargon can creep into your communication without you being aware of it. A coach from outside your industry can help you notice these blind spots.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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When Shepherds And Sheep Talk

September 10, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

In John 10:1-18, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, and He refers to those who follow Him as His sheep. 

Anyone who has ever seen a shepherd interact with his sheep knows that the sheep are listening for their shepherd’s voice to give them direction, but they will ignore or run away from a stranger’s voice. 

(You may want to check out this video clip where I talk about how shepherds individualize their care for their sheep.)

This requires two-way communication. The shepherd must speak tenderly and convincingly, and the sheep must remain tuned in to their shepherd’s voice with an ear to follow. 

This requires proximity. The shepherd cannot speak from a distance without raising his voice, and sheep will never be attracted to someone who yells at them. 

This requires consistency. The shepherd needs to continually speak life-giving words, and the sheep need to consistently obey the shepherd’s words in order to reap the benefits. 

This requires discernment. The sheep have to be able to know the difference between their shepherd’s voice and a stranger’s voice. The shepherd needs to speak “words of eternal life” (see John 6:68-69). 

This requires patience. A shepherd’s directions really “get through” the first time, so the message needs to be patiently, lovingly, and creatively repeated. 

This requires abiding. The shepherd needs to show himself trustworthy, and the sheep need to show themselves faithful in their abiding with their shepherd. 

Jesus is the good and perfect Shepherd. There is no one else to whom I should be trusting, abiding with, listening to, and obeying. 

The Good Shepherd will call some of His sheep to serve as His under-shepherds for other sheep. Those under-shepherds bring the Good Shepherd glory by shepherding just as Jesus models for them. 

When shepherds and sheep remain in constant communication, there is a vitality and maturity that is readily apparent. And when the communication breaks down, the health of the sheep quickly deteriorates. 

If you have been called to be an under-shepherd, please check out my books Shepherd Leadership and When Sheep Bite that will give you practical, biblical guidelines for you to thrive in this beautiful ministry. 

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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Speak The Truth In Love

February 21, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

The thing that people need most to move ahead might be right on the tip of your tongue.

Check out this episode of The Podcast.

Some resources from this episode:

The Scriptures I reference: Proverbs 27:5-6; Proverbs 12:18; Ephesians 4:15

Check out my blog post True Friends.

And a couple of related videos where I talk more about this topic: We need loving friends and A true friend loves you enough to confront you with the truth. 

My new book When Sheep Bite is available for pre-order!

Here are a bunch of ways to get in touch with me and follow along with other projects on which I am involved

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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Our Growing Communication Problem

February 13, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

Our society seems to have a growing communication problem. I’d like to talk with you a little bit about that, and share four things for us to try.

Check out this episode of The Podcast.

Some resources from this episode:

Check out my blog post Interruptions: The relationship killer.

Here’s a video where I talk more about the Golden Rule. 

My new book When Sheep Bite is available for pre-order!

Here are a bunch of ways to get in touch with me and follow along with other projects on which I am involved

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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Secrets Of Dynamic Communication (book review)

May 18, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple or Spotify.

If you’ve ever seen Ken Davis speak, you will recognize instantly his ability to capture an audience’s attention and keep them engaged through his entire presentation. In Secrets Of Dynamic Communication, Ken has given us the step-by-step regimen he uses to prepare such enthralling presentations. 

Let me just state right up front that anyone who communicates with a group of people will need to get this book. I’m not talking about just those who speak to large groups of people, but even someone who runs a sales meeting or teaches a Sunday School class will benefit from the strategies outlined in this book. 

Ken has developed a whole course around the acrostic SCORRE. These are steps that have been battle-tested by Ken himself and refined over years of his public speaking. He has done a masterful job in distilling the basic structure of an engaging address, while still leaving ample room for every speaker to infuse their own unique style and personality. 

Each chapter ends with a review and practice section that will help you begin to learn and apply these steps. Ken also has some excellent tools in the Appendices that will jump-start your speaking craft. 

I’m so appreciative of Ken Davis’ willingness to open up his storeroom of speaking insights to share with all of us! 

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? ◀︎◀︎

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The Craig And Greg Show: Leaders Love

February 16, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

On this episode of “The Craig And Greg Show” we talk about: 

  • Greg won’t pick a husband for his daughter’s arranged marriage  
  • Gary Chapman’s outstanding book The Five Love Languages 
  • if leaders don’t love what they’re doing and they don’t love the team around them, are they really leaders?  
  • Greg challenges leaders to go beyond the Golden Rule in communicating with others
  • leaders naturally communicate in their native love language but they must learn how to communicate in the languages of their teammates
  • once you start speaking someone else’s love language consistently, you fill their love tank and then all of the love languages become effective  
  • servant leadership is defined as learning and speaking the love languages of my teammates
  • how leaders can use love languages to more effectively transmit a vision or announce a new project
  • download the free Love Languages assessment → 5 Love Languages assessment 

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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