The Craig And Greg Show: Neutral Criticism

October 5, 2023 — 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.

Criticism is baked into leadership. Any change you make, whether good or bad, will be met with some level of criticism either internally or externally. Other times, you’ll be in the position of having to express criticism of a decision someone on your team made.

Navigating criticism in a productive way can be tricky, but luckily Greg and I are here to help! In this episode, we discuss how the right kind of criticism can be empowering for your organization.

  • [0:27] Leaders will always be criticized, even for the good things they have done. 
  • [1:30] Leaders need both humility and confidence to process criticism in a healthy way.
  • [4:18] Is criticism different than an assessment? It seems like the word “critic” has been hijacked in a negative way.
  • [6:00] Defensiveness doesn’t help leaders, but we do need to protect ourselves.
  • [8:27] How do we give constructive criticism without putting others on the defensive?
  • [10:22] Why is it hard for people to receive criticism?
  • [12:55] How should we give feedback to others so that it will be received well?
  • [16:15] Is there a correlation between criticism and coachability?
  • [19:57] Let’s remember that many of our teammates have had negative interactions with a critical
  • leader, so we have to change the climate.
  • [21:28] What happens if a teammate won’t receive any feedback at all?
  • [23:20] Greg shares an insightful quote from Winston Churchill.
  • [25:26] As always, leaders have to go first!

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: Good Habits Make Great Leaders

September 21, 2023 — 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.

Automatic habits are an integral part of our everyday lives. From driving a car to the way we tie our shoes, these habits help us all the time with very little thought. Of course, habits aren’t limited to these mundane tasks, we also form them in other areas, like our leadership. As a leader, it’s important to be self-reflective of our habits and make sure they are taking us in the direction we want to go. In this episode, Greg and I discuss how cultivating the right habits will help you flourish as a leader.

  • [0:19] Aristotle said excellence is a matter of our habits. 
  • [1:27] Our habits are mostly automatic—both the good and the bad habits.
  • [3:10] How do we keep our habits healthy during chaotic times?
  • [5:54] What about coping habits—should a leader use them or avoid them?
  • [7:15] My most beneficial leadership habit.
  • [9:13] Time-wasters are habits too.
  • [10:37] When we make changes in our habits, they should be incremental changes.
  • [12:17] We need to know why we want to make the change in a habit. The “why” determines the “what” and the “how.”
  • [15:24] How do leaders sustain their healthy habits?
  • [16:33] How can leaders regain their list momentum of good habits?
  • [19:27] Leaders need to be aware of the pull of their unintentional habits.
  • [22:23] How do we get our habits to serve us?
  • [23:30] I share two vital habits all high-performing leaders need.
  • [24:56] Leaders need to develop “muscle memory” to keep their healthy habits serving them.
  • [26:27] Greg shares some important quotes about a leader’s habits.

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: Are You A Micromanager?

September 7, 2023 — 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.

If you said, “No,” are you sure? Sometimes micromanagement can come out of good intentions, or as we focus on a project, we as leaders can slide into it without even realizing it. In this episode, Greg and I discuss why micromanagement is bad for your leadership, how to identify if you’ve fallen into this trap, and, most importantly how to free yourself to soar into a place of macro-leadership.

  • [0:17] Greg and I break into song. 
  • [0:38] Micromanagers stunt the growth of others in the organization.
  • [1:45] There is a difference between intense focus and micromanagement. How do we find those differences?
  • [3:44] A definitive quote about the destructive nature of micromanaging.
  • [6:05] Micromanagers create an unhealthy environment.
  • [6:47] The Craig And Greg Show audience is exceptionally intelligent!
  • [8:36] How do we know if we are unconsciously crossing the line into micromanagement?
  • [9:50] Micromanagement needs to give way to macro-leadership.
  • [11:16] Two more telltale phrases that micromanagers use.
  • [12:30] Greg helped a struggling leader break free from his micromanagement trap.
  • [14:07] The value of an “outsider’s” perspective can be huge!
  • [15:03] Greg shares some natural consequences for the entire organization of micromanagement.
  • [17:31] Characteristics of macro-leaders
  • [19:34] Greg shares two very sad stories of micromanagers who created problems in their company.
  • [21:50] Some final quotes to bring it home.

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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Interviewing The Author Of “Sage Advice” (part 2)

August 31, 2023 — 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.

All of us can benefit from having someone wise speak into our lives. That is the message of Sage Advice. Here is part 2 of my interview with the author of Sage Advice. Greg Heeres is my friend of 30+ years and my podcast partner on The Craig And Greg Show.

Check out this episode of The Podcast.

Resources for this episode:

►► 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: Ignorance And Arrogance

August 24, 2023 — 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.

Periodically, Greg and I like to revisit the topic of leadership builders and killers. In this episode, you get two leadership killers, as we tackle the two-headed monster of ignorance and arrogance.

  • [0:25] The two-headed monster that kills leadership potential. 
  • [2:06] We are accepting bribes for our silence 😂
  • [2:23] Why are leaders held back by their ignorance?
  • [4:34] What happens when the followers sense that the leader above them is ignorant?
  • [6:22] What about when the leader admits a need for help?
  • [7:47] The toxicity of arrogance.
  • [9:32] Coachability is fed by humility. This is the leader’s litmus test.
  • [12:01] Our transparent leadership lessons are immensely helpful to our teammates.
  • [15:24] Greg shares a quote about this two-headed monster.
  • [17:35] We each share our personal examples of overcoming this monster.
  • [19:50] Sadly, many people who need the most help won’t seek it for themselves.
  • [21:07] If leaders are going to kill this two-headed monster, they have to stop talking and start listening.
  • [22:00] Know-it-alls are hard to cheer for, so successful leaders will have to eat some crow.

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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Re-evaluating Fear

August 17, 2023 — 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 fears that can paralyze leaders. In this short clip, I talk about an acronym I learned years ago that has helped me tremendously in evaluating my fears.

Check out the full Craig And Greg Show episode on fear by clicking here.

►► 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: The Leadership Lessons Of “Sage Advice”

August 10, 2023 — 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, we are celebrating Greg! His new book Sage Advice has just been released, and everyone at Maximize Leadership is incredibly excited for you to be able to finally get your hands on the finished product. In this episode, Greg and I discuss the new book, and talk about how each chapter pairs a story from Greg’s childhood with a helpful leadership lesson.

  • [0:50] I encouraged Greg to write this book. 
  • [1:49] Each chapter combines a story from Greg’s life, a helpful leadership lesson, and an interview with a modern-day leader.
  • [3:50] How did Greg find the leadership lessons?
  • [6:00] A chapter that I especially relate to has to do with toilets! (It is another reminder of Plungerman!)
  • [9:06] What if you don’t have parents and grandparents that could give you sage advice? Where would you go to get wisdom?
  • [11:37] There are more people out there that want to invest in both emerging and seasoned leaders than most people think.
  • [13:58] We can really trust mentors who have a “limp.”
  • [15:27] Every chapter in Sage Advice is a stand-alone leadership lesson.
  • [16:08] I share my favorite chapter in this book.
  • [17:09] Greg shares a great tip for all leaders who are readers.
  • [18:02] What does a girl in a red bikini have to do with leadership?
  • [20:10] You can get an autographed copy of Sage Advice here. 

Check out my totally(!) unbiased book review of Sage Advice here.

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: Reframe Your Fear

July 27, 2023 — 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.

Fear is something every leader struggles with, but great leaders learn to reframe that fear into an opportunity to grow. Join Greg and me as we discuss overcoming fear, reframing fear, and helping your team to do the same.

  • [0:23] Good leaders learn how to frame their fear in a different way.
  • [1:09] Greg and I talk about our biggest fears.
  • [2:21] I share about having to overcome fears about making a decision.
  • [3:38] Most of fear is rooted in past experiences, but reframing as a learning experience can help you grow.
  • [6:17] Attempting to use fear as a motivation tool will backfire and restrict your team’s potential.
  • [7:23] Reducing the fears of your team begins with leading from a place of transparent humility.
  • [9:20] Self talk is important in your battle over fear. Lead by example and show your team how to reframe their mentality. 
  • [11:55] Pride is a big stumbling block for leaders, don’t be afraid to include others in the decision making process.
  • [13:50] The top fears that paralyze leaders.
  • [19:55] Good leaders game-plan for future conflict, so when it comes their team is ready.
  • [20:34] Give your team opportunities to battle their fears and grow from them.
  • [22:51] Greg shares a quote from Henry Ford.
  • [24:11] I share a Little League story.
  • [25:03] Greg and I would love to come alongside and help coach you!

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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Interviewing The Author Of “Sage Advice” (part 1)

July 26, 2023 — 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.

I am thrilled to introduce Greg Heeres to you! He’s not only a great friend and my podcast partner on The Craig And Greg Show, but he is also a published author. We chatted recently about why he wrote “Sage Advice” and how it can benefit every reader. 

Check out this episode of The Podcast.

Resources:

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

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The Power Of Using Names

July 20, 2023 — 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.

It is important for leaders to use the right words to encourage their teammates. The most memorable, motivating, and beautiful word a leader can use is their teammates’ names. 

You can check out this full conversation Greg and I had about taking people up with our words on this episode of The Craig And Greg Show.

And I would also invite you to check out this blog post and this blog post about significant name changes recorded in the Bible.

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

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