The Craig And Greg Show: Help Your Teammates Thrive During The Holidays

December 19, 2024 — 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.

It’s no secret that the holiday season becomes extremely busy for us at work and in our personal lives. If we are too busy, we can miss out on the joy of this season. On this episode, Greg and I discuss ways that leaders can help their teammates not just survive but thrive during the holidays.

  • [0:36] Leaders help their teammates find and set healthy boundaries. 
  • [2:49] A good starting point is simply acknowledging the stress that we or others are feeling.
  • [4:01] Can we intentionally scale-back some things at work during busy seasons?
  • [5:06] Leaders also need to talk with their teammates about their personal responsibilities.
  • [8:43] Leaders need to make sure they are modeling all that they are telling our teams.
  • [11:02] Stephen Covey had some wise words for us about priorities.
  • [14:07] Be proactive about some of the strong emotions some of your teammates may be experiencing.
  • [18:01] Leadership has to be about the people!
  • [20:33] Here are your leadership takeaways.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: We Are Grateful

November 27, 2024 — 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.

We are grateful for you! Greg and I love talking about leadership, and it’s a great joy that you tune in to listen. In this episode we discuss why an attitude of gratefulness is so important for leaders year-round, not just around the holidays.

  • [0:17] We are so grateful for you! 
  • [1:25] What is it about gratitude that make someone a great leader?
  • [4:28] Grateful leaders have greater influence with people around them.
  • [8:14] It’s easier to build consensus on our teams when we have a thankful paradigm.
  • [10:52] Thankful correlates with graceful. This is such an attractive quality for leaders.
  • [14:10] Greg asks me elaborate on how gratitude ties into my book Shepherd Leadership.
  • [16:09] How does a grateful mindset help us get through the tough times?
  • [18:56] Happiness is not the same as joy. Joy is much deeper and serves us as leaders much better because happiness can be gone really quickly.
  • [23:16] We give you some “homework” that will help you grow your 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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: The Business Baton

November 14, 2024 — 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.

One of my friend Greg’s passions is helping business owners with the final step of their journey—succession of the organization. It was this passion that drove him to write his new book The Business Baton. In today’s episode Greg and I discuss the new book, and Greg lays out his philosophy for a smooth succession process.

  • [0:15] Greg has written a new book called The Business Baton.
  • [0:53] Greg opened his book with a chapter that surprised me.
  • [1:51] What makes a person ill-prepared to hand off the baton in their organization?
  • [3:26] The questions Greg asks to make sure a business is really ready to hand off the baton.
  • [6:34] Greg’s book has a lot of statistics and case studies to help guide readers who are considering handing off the baton.
  • [8:18] In Greg’s new book he continued a trend he started in his previous book Sage Advice.
  • [10:07] Sometimes a succession navigator has to push for some emotional choices to help you get your business across the finish line.
  • [12:21] Greg discusses the readiness, formation, increase, selection, and succession steps needed to get to a place where a business is ready to sell.
  • [17:02] I really appreciated the voices of other business leaders that Greg included in the book.
  • [17:31] The end of The Business Baton reminds exiting leaders to lead well. 
  • [19:45] Greg gives his final thoughts on writing this book and the role of a succession navigator in the process.
  • [24:03] Visit Maximize Leadership to learn more about how Greg can help you as a succession navigator.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Both Shepherds And Sheep Must Do Better

November 6, 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. 

It’s the age-old question of which came first. I think I’ve got some insight for you.  

Check out this episode of The Podcast. 

You can get more information on both of my books here: 

And check another clip I shared from the Fellowship of Ailbe podcast here.

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

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Is It Time To Move On?

October 24, 2024 — 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.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. You might be motivated by a feeling of limitation where you are, excited by a new opportunity, ready to retire and soak up some sun, or many other reasons. Whatever your reasons are, Greg and I would like to give you practical advice to apply when you’re considering moving on.

  • [0:15] Is it time? 
  • [1:42] Greg goes negative first! Don’t make a move because of “greener grass.”
  • [2:54] Some better questions to ask about moving on.
  • [5:30] I always asks, “Why did you start here?” before asking, “Should you leave here?”
  • [8:01] Greg and I wonder about the value of getting “outside advice” when considering a move.
  • [10:40] We need to weigh both emotion and logic when thinking about the timing of a move.
  • [13:26] We can have regrets about leaving and we can have regrets about staying too long. A navigator can help you think through your options.
  • [18:40] Sometimes an owner is not ready to sell but a leader inside is ready to buy. How do we walk through this?
  • [21:16] Here’s the key takeaway on the timing of moving on.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Good, Better, Best

October 10, 2024 — 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.

It’s good to be good, but good is never great. As leaders we have to consciously work to avoid the trap of good. Join Greg and me as we discuss how to make your good better, and your better best.

  • [0:15] I share a poem my grandma taught me. 
  • [1:09] What happens to our leadership if we become satisfied?
  • [2:10] Striving for perfection is also a terrible trap for leaders.
  • [4:12] What happens if leaders settle for merely “satisfied”?
  • [5:40] How to send the message to your team that we’re going to keep raising the standard.
  • [8:17] Some people are looking for excuses to remain complacent.
  • [9:59] At some point, leaders will have to take a risk to raise the standard.
  • [10:49] Why do people want to cut corners? How do we avoid this trap?
  • [13:19] How do we get motivated to go farther?
  • [15:45] A couple of great examples of leaders who pulled people to excel.
  • [17:36] We have to keep working or it’s going to be more work!
  • [19:10] A quote from Charles Sorenson that is insightful.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Be Clutch For Your Team

September 26, 2024 — 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.

The game-winning field goal, the bottom of the ninth home run, the last-second fadeaway jumper! In sports we are quick to recognize a clutch player. You might not perform in front of millions of fans, but you can be a clutch player for your organization as well! Join Greg and me as we discuss what it means to be clutch for your team, and lay out how your leadership can help empower others to do the same.

  • [0:23] Some people’s clutch-ability makes them stand out from the crowd.
  • [2:20] A clutch person won’t always succeed, but when it matters most they’re the one you trust to deliver. 
  • [3:20] How do people gain the confidence to be clutch? 
  • [5:05] Greg talks about his first college football play, and how the experience helped him learn how to succeed in the long run. 
  • [6:50] As leaders we can’t be afraid of mistakes, we need to view them as learning opportunities. 
  • [10:55] How much can we do as leaders to help our team be clutch, and how much do they need to figure out themselves? 
  • [13:10] Setting the right tone helps your team feel empowered to learn from their mistakes. 
  • [15:23] We can name a lot of greats by looking back at their career, but in the moment they didn’t always feel like greats. 
  • [16:29] As the leader, you have an extra responsibility to acknowledge your mistakes to your team. 
  • [18:11] Why do people quit, and how can we help them stay in the game? 
  • [22:37] Greg shares some wisdom about preparation. 
  • [23:50] Greg tells a story about a compliment he received while coaching high school football. 
  • [26:07] A coach can help you excel and become a clutch member of your team. Check out how our coaching services may benefit your game. 

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Leaders At Every Level

September 12, 2024 — 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.

You might be checking out this episode with the hope of one day being a leader. Well, Greg and I have good news for you—you already are! Leaders are not just the person at the top, but if you have a leadership mindset you can be a leader in whatever position you currently occupy. Join us as we chat about how important it is to start being a leader before you have the “leader” title.

  • [0:24] What if you’re not the point leader in your organization? 
  • [1:22] Regardless of your title or position, you are still a leader.
  • [3:13] Leaders—whether at the top or in the middle—need to try to raise up other leaders.
  • [5:29] One trait that will increase your value to the organization is cross-training.
  • [8:20] Another trait is curiosity that keeps you a lifelong learner.
  • [11:07] An example from Tom Brady about how important passion is for those who aren’t starters yet.
  • [13:47] Two other important traits for emerging leaders is patience and self-discipline.
  • [14:37] How do point leader keep their bench players engaged until there is a new leadership position available for them?
  • [17:07] Mentoring and coaching aren’t the same things. How do we know which one to use in our organizations?
  • [21:22] Maximize Leadership can help coach you on how to mentor your emerging leaders. Check it out at https://www.maximizeleadership.com/coaching
  • [23:21] What you can do if you don’t have any mentors within your organization?

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Patience And Impatience

August 29, 2024 — 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.

In today’s episode we’re going to—IMPATIENCE! Yes, we’re talking about impatience. As a leader it can be hard to resist the temptation of impatience, but Greg and I believe that developing patience is a vital skill for leaders. In this episode we’ll explore some of the pitfalls of impatience, and share strategies for you to develop into a more thoughtful and patient leader.

  • [0:14] We’re looking at the leadership builder vs. killer of patience vs. impatience. 
  • [1:41] Patience is sometimes misperceived as not being in control—like we’re simply waiting around for something to happen.
  • [2:27] Can patience be developed?
  • [3:50] Patience allows a process to mature, and helps people grow.
  • [7:35] Warning: patience can cross a line into procrastination.
  • [8:30] Leaders need to avoid the temptation of impatiently answering too quickly.
  • [10:50] What leadership pressures make us give in to impatience?
  • [12:59] Leaders can help their teammates with their own impatience by asking some thoughtful questions.
  • [15:28] Ego + Bad advice = Dangerous impatience
  • [16:40] Patience helps leaders trust both the process and the people around them.
  • [18:33] Leaders need to be aware of what’s happening in themselves when their patience is stretched. Patient leaders grow their leadership influence.
  • [22:24] Greg quizzes me about the origins of patience.
  • [24:45] I make a confession about my impatience in my early years.
  • [25:55] Greg shares an insightful quote about the value of patience.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Stress Can Be Good For You

July 18, 2024 — 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.

Stress might have six letters, but it seems like some leaders have a knee-jerk reaction to treat it like a four-letter word. While it might be nice to fantasize about an stress-free life, this is both entirely unrealistic and detrimental to your leadership. The truth is, a mild amount of stress can be helpful to you personally, as well as your organization as a whole. Join us as Greg and I unpack why you should embrace a bit of stress in your life.

  • [0:14] I have a brain block to start the show! 
  • [0:59] Let’s define stress in a work environment, as opposed to simply work tension.
  • [1:51] An interesting study about allowing moderate stress to remain in the workplace.
  • [5:30] Mild stress is helpful for our brains.
  • [7:37] Stress expands and strengthens our team connections too.
  • [10:26] Can stress help increase someone’s work performance?
  • [13:01] Our physical bodies use a stress hormone called cortisol. How can leaders maximize its effects?
  • [14:38] Stress can help us rise to the challenge in a way that easy times can’t.
  • [16:02] I share an example of a teammate who grew through stress, as well as a supporting quote.
  • [18:40] Greg shares a negative example of an organization that became stress-free and drifted toward failure.
  • [19:30] When times are easy, we can begin to slide into apathy.
  • [22:40] Should we teach crisis leadership to our teams? If so, how should we do this?
  • [23:47] We love to coach leaders who are dealing with crisis in their organizations. 

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments »
« Older posts