The Craig And Greg Show: Setting Goals, Making Changes

January 25, 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.

Goal-setting and change-making are integral parts of a leader’s job. However, it can often feel like actually accomplishing these tasks is one of the hardest parts of the job! In this episode, Greg and I dive into how to successfully set and accomplish goals, and how to strategically create change in a way that doesn’t disenfranchise your team.

  • [0:30] Why aren’t more people successful in their goal-setting? 
  • [1:30] Focusing on too many things can paralyze a leader.
  • [3:48] Leaders—by definition—have a lot of things on their plates. How do we find the areas that are the most strategic for us to change?
  • [5:28] Leaders need to set a place of change that the entire team can stick to.
  • [7:02] Leaders must learn to trust their teammates to get tasks done.
  • [9:01] Changes are vital for us personally and organizationally, but we must choose those changes strategically and carefully.
  • [10:02] Celebrating accomplishments in meeting our goals is very important.
  • [12:08] How do leaders find the speed of change?
  • [13:39] Enlisting and energizing change agents in the organization will extend a leader’s influence.
  • [15:57] Leader’s shouldn’t make key decision when they are exhausted or distracted.
  • [19:12] Greg shares a helpful acrostic for F.O.C.U.S.
  • [21:29] A coach can be invaluable in helping you be successful in all of your change initiatives. This is where we can help 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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The Craig And Greg Show: The Responsibility Of Power

January 11, 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 goes without saying, but leadership positions confer a level of power to the people who occupy them. This power is necessary for us as leaders to do our job effectively, but if we’re not very careful it can begin to corrupt us and poison our leadership. Tune in as Greg and I tackle this tricky issue.

  • [0:22] Leaders need both enough power to get things done, but not too much that they crush people. 
  • [1:44] Power can corrupt us if we are unaccountable in the use of our power.
  • [3:12] We should always be thinking in terms of how our use of power can empower others.
  • [5:16] A leader’s power should always be linked to responsibility.
  • [6:27] We earn our power—we don’t grab it form others—to better serve.
  • [9:32] Greg says, “Leadership should be dangerous!”
  • [12:40] Sometimes we must use our power to protect those around us.
  • [16:00] Greg steps into “you know what”!
  • [16:27] Are power and serving compatible?
  • [18:25] What do powerful leaders not want to do?
  • [20:26] When it comes right down to it, the use of leadership really comes down to influence.
  • [22:02] Our coaching services can help you use your power more effectively.

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: Christmas Traditions

December 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.

Christmas seems to be the one time of year when everyone loves to share their traditions, both in their families and in their organizations. As leaders we should embrace organizational traditions, and use them to show our team the culture of our organization. We also need to be aware that the personal traditions of our team members might make their lives a bit more hectic, and understanding and flexibility on our part will go a long way for them.

Books make great Christmas gifts! Pick up a copy of my and Greg’s new books to give to the leader in your life. Greg wrote Sage Advice and I wrote Shepherd Leadership.

  • [0:22] Christmas has more traditions than probably any other holiday—both in our families and in our organizations. 
  • [2:22] Organizational culture isn’t written down, so holiday traditions can help us convey the culture to our teammates.
  • [3:28] I share one of my family Christmas traditions.
  • [6:00] What does generosity have to do with traditions?
  • [7:14] Greg shares one of his Christmas traditions with his family.
  • [9:02] Traditions bring comfort in uncertain times, but we can still adapt them as some situations change.
  • [12:25] Leaders need to be aware of the stress our teammates may feel during the holidays.
  • [15:17] Leader should be especially aware of our staff members’ needs during this time of year.
  • [18:00] Greg shares a mistake that his organization made that generated a lot of stress, and how they corrected it.
  • [21:18] We both share some fun stores about Christmas.
  • [24:23] Leader need to really leverage what Christmas really means.

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: Control Your Reaction

November 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.

As a leader, you have the great responsibility, and privilege, of setting the tone for your team. One of the biggest ways you set the tone for your organization is how you react to stressful situations. Remaining calm through adversity signals to your team that they can remain calm as well, and provides amazing stability to your organization. In this episode, Greg and I discuss this topic and give helpful tips that will enable you to better control your reactions.

  • [0:30] When the going gets tough, the tough get going. But what do leaders do during tough times?
  • [2:51] When a leader panics, the team cannot be calm.
  • [3:24] Greg has a great analogy for the world of nature that can help leaders.
  • [5:08] What happens if a leader’s anger erupts?
  • [7:53] Our teammates watch our responses closely in tense times and in our reflection times after the intense activity.
  • [10:15] Leaders have to learn how to control the emotional extremes.
  • [12:35] Insecure leaders tend to react a little too intensely, and their teams will learn to follow their example.
  • [13:28] Both pre-planning and reflection will help leaders avoid an over-the-top reaction.
  • [18:04] Reactions that are too quick usually create additional problems. Thoughtful responses are always healthier.
  • [20:22] Macro and micro situations require different responses from leaders, so leaders need to learn to quickly assess the situation.
  • [23:00] I suggest the most important thing for leaders to work on to avoid overreactions.
  • [25:16] Greg shares a quote with his own helpful modification.

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: Once Upon A Time

November 9, 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.

Everyone loves stories! Whether it be a book, movie, or even a friend’s tall tale, we love hearing stories because they connect with us on a deeply personal level. As leaders, we can use stories as a powerful tool to connect with our staff and help reinforce the point we’re trying to make. Stories aren’t just for kids, they’re a vital part of effective communication.

  • [0:10] “Once upon a time there was a podcast…”
  • [0:48] Stories portray the point better than just telling someone what to do.
  • [1:30] We see an example of storytelling in the way Nathan confronted King David.
  • [2:30] Greg wrote a leadership book by telling compelling stories. Check out Sage Advice here.
  • [4:07] Telling people’s stories honor them.
  • [5:59] Vision casting sticks better with a story instead of a “talking point.”
  • [7:43] Stories are more compelling than facts. Leaders need to listen to the stories of their teammates.
  • [10:39] Stories are under-utilized by far too many leaders.
  • [12:04] Stories set the stage for everything else the leader is going to share next. But we better be sure the story is true!
  • [13:28] Paul Harvey illustrates how a good story can expand a leader’s influence.
  • [15:30] Stories get a reaction and lock it in our brains.
  • [16:48] Stories bridge the gap between people.
  • [17:28] Is storytelling a gift, a skill, or both?
  • [19:42] We need to tell our stories so that others can connect to their own stories.
  • [21:32] Leaders, you have a great story to tell! We can help coach you in how to tell your story even better.

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: Competitive Leadership

October 19, 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.

Every good leader is competitive. From dollars earned to patients treated, there isn’t a leader out there who isn’t constantly trying to improve their numbers and outdo the competition. However, the wrong kind of competition can fester and create an unhealthy workplace. In this episode, Greg and I discuss how fostering healthy competition in your organization is vital to your success.

  • [0:14] I am the best host on this show!
  • [1:52] Leaders need to be competitive but also need to keep it at a healthy level.
  • [3:42] Not every team member will have the same competitive drive as you.
  • [4:35] Leaders need to be competitive with themselves.
  • [7:40] Too much internal competition can be detrimental to the organization.
  • [8:32] Greg tells a tee-ball story highlighting how your team members innately wonder, “How are we doing?”
  • [11:50] I have used Six Sigma initiatives to foster positive competition in my organizations.
  • [13:24] Resilience doesn’t show up until adversity appears.
  • [16:26] Make halftime adjustments.
  • [17:32] Cutthroat leaders get short-term results, but their organization suffers in the long run.
  • [19:53] Giving 100% and failing is difficult, but it’s worse to not know what you could have accomplished.
  • [21:04] When you win, act like you’ve won before. When you lose, act like you’ll win again.
  • [22:49] Compete for achievable outcomes.
  • [24:38] Greg likes to win, but he’s learned more from his losses.
  • [25:34] It’s impossible to grow without competition.
  • [28:10] We would love to coach you to help you be a better competitive leader.

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: 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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