3 Paradigm Shifts For Leaders

February 9, 2022 — 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. 

Why is it that so many people have a worst-case mindset as their guiding factor? 

As a leader responsible for programs, and large groups of people, and the financial well-being of organizations, I know that I frequently fell into this trap. When we began making plans for the future, I wanted to keep a “fallback plan” in place. I frequently found myself saying to our leadership team, “Even in the worst case scenario we can….” 

But then I realized how much vitality this was sapping from our team. 

If we as leaders want to infuse more energy and excitement in our teams it may take some paradigm shifts on our part. Here are three shifts that I have endeavored to implement in my life: 

  1. Shift scarcity to abundance. 
  2. Shift fear to hope. 
  3. Shift worst-case to best-case.

On a recent episode of our leadership podcast, my friend Greg Heeres and I discussed the limitations that come as a result of a leader’s limiting fears.

As a Christian, I believe the greatest Helper in these three paradigm shifts is the Holy Spirit. When I take time to pray about the big decisions for my personal life and for the organizations I lead, I find that His guidance helps me tap into God’s abundance, which gives me hope for the best-case scenarios to be realized. This hope in me quickly translates to hope and expectation in my team. 

Leaders, start with prayer and then try these three paradigm shifts. As the Holy Spirit transforms your heart and mind, I believe you will begin to see a greater energy and excitement in the organizations that you lead. 

Let’s stop asking, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” and shift to asking, “What’s the best thing that could happen?” 

I would also encourage you to subscribe to The Craig And Greg Show on YouTube to hear more of our leadership-building conversations. 

►► 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: A Leader’s Top Priority

February 8, 2022 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

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

  • [0:38] What are the origins of the word “priority” and why should priority be singular and not plural? 
  • [0:56] Is it true that multi-tasking increases efficiency? 
  • [2:52] Greg tells a story about shopping with his parents.
  • [3:55] Greg reminds us that the devil uses distraction as a tool.
  • [5:04] I talk about how leaders should set their first priority.
  • [6:32] Why is it so hard to invest in unavailable people?
  • [7:58] I explain how leaders can make time for their “have to” list.
  • [9:58] Greg loves “StrengthFinders” and how it helps leaders learn to work in their strength zone.
  • [10:52] We discuss the book No Is A Beautiful Word.
  • [12:42] How can leaders use the priority vs. priorities paradigm to create margin in their life?
  • [14:36] We throw out the “Not-To-Do List Challenge” for leaders.

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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You Get What You Ask For

January 12, 2022 — Craig T. Owens

On a recent episode of our leadership podcast, Greg Heeres and I were discussing how easy it is for people to slip into a complaining attitude. One of the things I point out is that if we ask for compliments instead of complaints, we can begin to change the culture of our organization. 

Check out all of The Craig And Greg Show episodes on our YouTube channel.

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The Craig And Greg Show: Leaders Lead At Home First

December 21, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

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

  • [0:15] Leaders need to use their leadership skills at home 
  • [0:46] Home should be where leaders get replenished 
  • [2:12] Work comes and goes, but family can be our lasting legacy 
  • [2:30] How do effective leaders think about success at home? 
  • [4:09] A sad story of misplaced priorities 
  • [4:45] How I helped my church board learn how to make family a priority 
  • [6:31] Greg learned some parenting insights from one of his clients 
  • [8:20] God equips leaders to lead well with their spouse and kids 
  • [9:43] Greg shares a quote about sacrifice, investment, and ROI 
  • [10:16] We share habits and practices that have helped us lead at home 
  • [13:07] How do leaders create a legacy of success in our families? 
  • [15:14] Greg explores how leaders can even lead their parents 
  • [16:14] What do you want on your tombstone? 
  • [17:14] I share a poem from my son Brandon 
  • [18:30] Legacy is determined by what our family says about us 
  • [19:56] How leaders can set family leadership goals for the New Year

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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Leaders Lead At Home

December 21, 2021 — 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. 

On a recent episode of The Craig And Greg Show, Greg and I discussed the vitally important role of leading in our families. 

Most parents know they should do this, but one of the things that gets in the way is trying to determine just how “success” should be defined in a family setting. 

Greg and I talk about the distractions to meaningful interactions with our spouse and kids, and I share a story about how I helped my church board understand this concept so that they could support me in this.

The bottom line: Someone else can do our jobs, but we are the only ones who can be the godly spouse for our husband or wife, and the godly parent for kids. Let’s make sure this is always our priority! 

If you would like to watch this full episode of The Craig And Greg Show, please click here. And if you would like to know more about my book which I mentioned in this podcast, please click here. 

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

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The Craig And Greg Show: Why Leaders Must Stop Complaining

November 30, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

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

  • [0:26] Craig gives Greg a special gift
  • [1:27] what leaders do that will undermine their leadership 
  • [2:48] why it’s more fun to be around grateful people 
  • [4:12] Craig shared about the impact grateful teammates have had on him 
  • [4:52] why is it so easy to complain? 

  • [6:28] leaders need to speak positive things into this around them 
  • [7:42] leaders need to shut down complaining teammates quickly 
  • [8:39] Greg challenges leaders to confront their own negative attitude 
  • [10:00] leaders need to create a place of safety to help others to develop to their full potential 
  • [12:08] Greg reminds leaders that busyness can restrict gratitude 
  • [13:29] criticism is both a mindset and a “heartset”
  • [13:59] how many of our criticism come from our assumptions about others? 
  • [15:06] poor leaders have a misunderstanding of what gratitude does 
  • [15:55] some ways leaders can express gratitude to their teammates 
  • [17:57] another look at the problem of assumptions 
  • [19:08] a grateful person attracts others to them 
  • [21:00] Craig gives leaders a challenge to help bolster their attitude of gratitude

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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The Craig And Greg Show: What Leaders Can Learn From Veterans

November 16, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

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

  • [0:36] One thing I have learned about veterans that I have appreciated. 
  • [1:35] Giving a shout-out to our favorite veterans. 
  • [2:35] We wonder how many current leaders would agree to step into tough roles if they weren’t getting paid to do so. 
  • [3:35] What intrigues us about volunteers. 
  • [5:15] What else motivates people beside getting a paycheck?  
  • [6:35] Leaders help their people get involved in a bigger cause—they help them see beyond the organization’s “bottom line” as a way to energize their team. 
  • [8:29] Some leadership examples from our military personnel. 
  • [9:18] What any leader should be able to learn from veterans: respect, understanding of the chain of command, innovation while follow the mission plan. 
  • [11:13] How having veterans on your team can benefit your organization. 
  • [13:41] What we can learn from our veterans about defending our values. 
  • [14:00] Greg shares a great quote on defining true heroes. 
  • [15:20] Find a way to invest in your people and unleash their potential.

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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Take A Big Swing

November 4, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

Leaders need to give their teammates permission to try some things, to take some chances.

If they are just standing still, doing nothing, that means there is nothing for you to coach. Let them take some chances and see what happens! You never know when their big swing is going to result in something amazing!

This is a recent clip from our leadership podcast “The Craig And Greg Show.”

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The Craig And Greg Show: How Leaders Overcome Their Fears

October 26, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

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

  • [0:58] Our empowerment comes from facing our fears. 
  • [1:35] How does fear paralyze a leader? 
  • [2:14] One fear leaders need to address in themselves and others: The fear of dropping the ball. 
  • [3:00] Leaders need to be aware that confidence can ebb and flow. 
  • [3:50] How we lead through fear. 
  • [4:27] Transparency in a leader empowers the team to greatness. On the other hand, blaming is a defense mechanism that disempowers the team. 
  • [5:49] Greg shares how we lead by example and with transparency. 
  • [7:25] I address the fear that blocks leaders from giving authority to others. 
  • [8:15] Greg suggests we switch our mindset from fear to learning opportunities. 
  • [9:21] I share a Little League lesson that served me well into adulthood. 
  • [10:50] How Greg and I help coach people through their fears. 
  • [11:34] What other fears to leaders face? 
  • [12:50] Creating a culture of safety helps our teammates confront their fears. 
  • [14:03] How can leaders encourage people who are trapped by their fears? 
  • [15:41] Leaders have to go first. I said, “Sometimes bravery is just going one step farther than you went before.” 
  • [16:50] Greg shares a brave moment in his adoption process. 
  • [18:18] We need to assess the gifts that others on our team possess. 
  • [19:20] Greg unpacks a great quote about bravery. 
  • [20:03] I share about the moment when I think bravery begins.

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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The Craig And Greg Show: Leaders Are Hope Dealers

October 12, 2021 — Craig T. Owens

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

  • [0:23] Greg makes a very personal investment in me—a special figurine to remind me, and all of us, about servant leadership. You can get more information on my book by clicking here. 
  • [2:18] Only servant leaders truly know how to breathe hope into the people around them.
  • [3:17] Greg describes how leaders can become hope dealers. 
  • [3:53] I paraphrase a proverb to help leaders see the immense value in dispensing hope. 
  • [5:59] Greg explains how leaders instill hope into themselves. 
  • [7:48] Hope-filled people are still realistic about the present difficulties they are facing. 
  • [8:59] Hope isn’t just about one-time vision casting—we talked about how leaders keep the message of hope consistent. 
  • [12:29] Leaders have to be around people in order to invest hope into them. 
  • [14:00] Greg notices how hope connects faith and love. 
  • [15:32] Greg gives leaders a challenge to grow as hope-fillers. 
  • [17:42] Leaders give their teammates hope for a better future. 

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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