Intentional Habits

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Consistent leaders are exemplary leaders, but consistency doesn’t happen automatically. Effective leadership of others starts with effective leadership of yourself. 

Check out the full conversation Greg and I had about leadership consistency. 

You may also want to check out a couple of related posts: 

And I take several chapters in my book Shepherd Leadership talking about the habit that are necessary for us to excel in our ministry positions.

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

The Craig And Greg Show: Consistency Strengthens Leaders

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Like many popular phrases in the lexicon you’ve probably heard “consistency is key” thousands of times and rarely given it a second thought, but Greg and I want to challenge you to revisit this vital area. In today’s episode we discuss how an intentional focus on consistency will make you a better leader—which in turn will make your team more effective and productive.

  • [0:00] Intro
  • [0:30] People naturally gravitate towards certainty.
  • [1:20] One of a leader’s biggest goals should be to be consistent for their team.
  • [2:29] Greg discusses how an inconsistent leader can derail an organization.
  • [3:50] What is the message to your team when you’re not consistent?
  • [5:05] We use non-business examples to highlight the importance of consistency.
  • [6:44] Consistency takes effort and intentionality.
  • [9:03] What are people looking for from their leader to be consistent?
  • [10:53] Greg shares a quote from Aristotle.
  • [12:46] Excellence isn’t just “a habit,” it is an intentional choice of habits.
  • [17:42] Protect your spirit.
  • [18:26] I reveal what has made me the most consistent.
  • [22:41] Greg and I want you to be more successfully consistent as well!

Loving, Truthful, And Calm

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Greg and I took some time to discuss some of the best traits we’ve experienced in some memorable leaders in our work careers. Three traits are linked together in a powerful combination. 

Check out the full conversation we had on Memorable Leaders. 

You may also want to check out a blog post and video I shared previously called “Speak the Truth in Love.” 

And speaking of leadership models, my book Shepherd Leadership calls us back to the leadership model that is most consistently used throughout the Bible. 

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

The Craig And Greg Show: Memorable Leaders

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What do you want people to remember about your leadership? It’s an easy question to overlook, but striving to be remembered well can help you to be a better leader every day. In today’s episode Greg and I discuss the attributes of a memorable leader and reminisce about past leaders in our lives.

  • [0:00] Introduction 
  • [0:42] Here’s a really important leadership question to contemplate about your legacy.
  • [1:53] Memorable leaders give us freedom to use our gifting.
  • [3:48] We debate going negative.
  • [4:07] Memorable leaders believe in us.
  • [7:10] Memorable leaders are calm in turbulent times.
  • [8:16] Memorable leaders love us enough to tell us the truth.
  • [10:20] Memorable leaders show us a preferable end goal.
  • [11:22] Memorable leaders are complimentary.
  • [12:46] Memorable leaders let us take the victory lap for the wins, but they take the blame for the losses.
  • [13:29] Memorable leaders give us grace for second chances.
  • [15:16] What’s one word we would like on our epitaph?
  • [17:59] Memorable leaders have an abundance mindset.
  • [18:41] How do you start becoming a memorable leader today?
  • [22:14] People are watching how you, as a leader, treat others.
  • [22:53] The value of a coach is so impactful for leaders who want to become more memorable.

The Craig And Greg Show: Surviving The Trenches

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Sales is a battle! While there (hopefully) isn’t any real bullets flying, the stress and exhaustion can make it feel like there is at times. To stay in the fight and avoid defeat in these situations you need preparation and planning. This is where Greg’s new book Sales Armageddon comes in. Here is a sneak peek of a couple of chapters in this entertaining and educational book.

  • [0:00] Introduction
  • [0:22] I have a great gift idea for all sales professionals—Greg’s newest book called Sales Armageddon.
  • [1:00] This book has a bunch of interesting characters that are based on real people.
  • [2:24] Greg and I unwrap a couple of chapters in this book. First of all, the chapter entitled “Aggressively waiting for the phone to ring.”
  • [6:47] The subtitle of this book is: Prepare and practices sales differently, or perish!
  • [7:30] Greg shares some traps that can be keeping some sales professionals in a slump.
  • [10:10] I put Greg on the spot with something not in his book: How do sales professionals distinguish themselves when they first contact their prospects?
  • [15:38] Some of the added features in Sales Armageddon.
  • [16:02] Another chapter we discuss is “The Know-It-All.”
  • [21:21] Every chapter of this book stands alone, and you can learn something that will help you learn new sales skills.
  • [22:24] There is great value in getting a coach outside of your organization.
  • [22:51] Greg has some great keynote addresses that he provides for sales and leadership professionals.

I also have a new book out for ministry leaders called Amen Indeed.

Don’t Get Distracted

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One of a leader’s most important jobs is guiding the vision of their organization. Much has been said about getting others to follow that vision, and in our most recent episode Greg and I talked about being careful to stay true to the vision you have set.

You can watch this full episode of The Craig and Greg Show here.

The first book in our Business by the Book series is on a CEO’s vision casting. This will be available soon. In the meantime, check out some other leadership resources from Greg and me:

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

Seasons Greetings From Craig And Greg

Greg and I have enjoyed bringing you quality leadership content this year and we look forward to another great year ahead.

If you want to catch up on all our leadership conversations, check out the full library of Craig and Greg Show episodes.

The Craig And Greg Show: Take Them With You

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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. ◀︎◀︎

Eliminating Toxicity

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

On an episode of The Craig and Greg Show, Greg and I discussed some toxic behaviors that can creep into your workplace and cause major discord. Two attitudes to watch out for are confidence without humility, and humility without confidence. 

Check out this full Craig and Greg Show episode here. 

And check out my Shepherd Leadership book where I dive into this topic in greater depth. 

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

The Craig And Greg Show: Leadership Lessons From Veterans

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

The entire Maximize team loves our veterans! Those that volunteer to serve and protect our nation deserve our utmost respect, and we honor their sacrifice. In today’s episode Greg and I discuss the leadership lessons we have learned from veterans—some directly and others by simply observing the way our nation’s protectors conduct themselves. Join us as we salute the contributions of veterans!

  • [0:00] Introduction 
  • [0:15] One of our favorite days of the year
  • [1:08] Leadership lesson #1 from veterans: Sacrifice
  • [2:28] Leadership lesson #2: Selflessness
  • [4:12] Leadership lesson #3: Camaraderie
  • [5:33] Leadership lesson #4: Organization in planning and training
  • [8:52] Leadership lesson #5: Emotionally invested
  • [9:31] Leadership lesson #6: Training in action
  • [11:18] Leadership lesson #7: Communication skills
  • [12:53] Leadership lesson #8: A bigger cause—a heritage of service
  • [15:41] Leadership lesson #9: A visible leadership style
  • [17:27] Greg’s salute to veterans
  • [19:02] Our challenge to our audience