Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak Podcast (c)
By Brian Smith - Power Link Dynamics
I understand the challenges facing managers and business leaders today, having spent 40+ years as general manager for a major retailer, college professor and an award-winning entrepreneur. Hi - My name is Brian Smith. In my "Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak" podcast, I will give you my take on the ins and outs of today's business world and share tips and techniques to help you develop the people skills needed to manage or lead others more effectively, regardless of gender or generation. Tune in and learn how to manage and lead the 21st Century way.
Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak Podcast (c)May 19, 2020
00:00
04:11
Your Aging Workforce Is Your Competitive Advantage
Would it surprise you to learn that the fastest-growing segment of today's workforce is not Millenials or Gen. Z - it's Boomers? According to Gallop, that demographic is growing at 10,000 people per day. Stop letting your most experienced employees walk out the door, or worse, getting hired by your competition. Why not encourage them to stay, if only in a part-time capacity, instead of ushering them out the door? Adults can learn new things given the correct set of circumstances and in an environment conducive to learning. Listen to my podcast and learn Knowles's Five Adult Learning Principles
to create a positive learning environment.
to create a positive learning environment.
Apr 01, 202407:18
Start Embracing Your Unique Talents
Have you ever wondered why you do what you do, why you do it the way you do it, and why you might not fit into someone else's puzzle? We become who we are at a very young age which heavily influences how we communicate with others, build collaborative teams, resolve conflicts, and manage others and like to be managed. I believe you are who you are. Start embracing your unique talents by visiting my website and downloading a Free DISC E-Book and determine your ideal career.
Mar 17, 202408:03
But We've Always Done It This Way Isn't An Option.
But we've always done it this way. How many times have you heard someone say that famous line.? You've probably heard it so many times you've lost count. Just because you've always done it that way doesn't necessarily mean you should keep doing it that way. The business environment is constantly changing. Technology changes. Management changes. Team's change. Leadership changes. Ownership changes and organizations must change to keep pace with the changes that are swirling around them. Listen to this podcast and discover the three questions you and your team need to ask and answer because we've always done it this way is no longer an option.
Feb 11, 202406:37
Don't Take The Path Less Travelled
Who will accomplish more and go farther in today's team environment - the lone wolf or the pack? Chances are you stand a better chance of hunting down your prey if you stay with the pack. Using that same analogy makes you more likely to get better results and go farther if you stay with the team. Teams don't need a lone wolf - they need team players. They need players who work well with others but can work independently of others. They need team players to stay focused, do their job, and don't get distracted by what other players are doing. Are you prepared to be a good team player? Listen to my podcast to learn how.
Jan 16, 202406:30
The Secret To Your Success in 2024 is Between Your Ears
Think it, act it, and you'll eventually accomplish your goals through patience, hard work, persistence, and implementing the right plan. The secret to your success in 2024 is between your ears because just dreaming about it isn't good enough. You have to do something about it. You have to go out and physically apply yourself. Listen to my latest podcast on how to accomplish all your 2024 goals.
Dec 29, 202307:33
How To Lead Your Team Through Change
Change is often inevitable when changes are made under new management, mergers, hostile takeovers, or acquisitions. Change can be disruptive. Some people adapt well to change -
some tolerate it - while others dislike it and try to ignore it or hide their heads in the sand. Announcing that changes will occur is the easy part; it makes your organization look bold and forward-thinking. However, implementing those changes can be complicated because no matter your reasons for making those changes, there will always be some resentment and resistance, especially when the changes require a new way of working or painful budget cuts. There is an easy way to lead your team through change. Listen to my podcast to find out how.
some tolerate it - while others dislike it and try to ignore it or hide their heads in the sand. Announcing that changes will occur is the easy part; it makes your organization look bold and forward-thinking. However, implementing those changes can be complicated because no matter your reasons for making those changes, there will always be some resentment and resistance, especially when the changes require a new way of working or painful budget cuts. There is an easy way to lead your team through change. Listen to my podcast to find out how.
Dec 14, 202307:49
Learn To Lead The OpenAI Way
Generative AI systems have been in the news lately, so I thought I'd have some fun with them to come up with a list of invaluable management or leadership traits because I believe managing and leading others effectively is a learned behavior. If you aspire to take on a manager or leader role in your organization, this podcast is for you.
Dec 01, 202306:60
Are You Uncomfortable Yet?
Are you comfortable being where you're at in your life or career - or do you want more? If you're comfortable and don't aspire to take on more or do more, don't. There is nothing wrong with that. But if you aren't satisfied and still want more out of your life or career, then you need to change because nothing changes unless you do. Nothing changes until you're uncomfortable being comfortable. If you want more out of your life or career - then you need to listen to this podcast to find out how.
Nov 13, 202307:13
The Seven Principles of Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
Your advertising and traditional marketing campaigns based on the Four P's - Product, Price, Promotion, and Place - are no longer considered a strategic advantage. Some businesses refer to their customers as guests or clients and add non-traditional product lines in an attempt to maintain or grow market share. However, the only advantage you have left to separate yourself from your competition is the level of customer service you provide. Listen to this podcast episode to discover how to deliver exceptional customer service. It may be easier than you think.
Oct 07, 202307:43
Authentic Leadership Defined
You can't rub the stripes off the tiger or the dots off the leopard no matter how hard you try. You are who you are. However, your authentic leadership style might not be effective in some situations. A strength overused can become a weakness. One style of managing and leading others does not fit all. The key to working with others is to communicate and interact with them the way they like. You don't have to change your authentic self - just modify your approach. Listen to my podcast and find out how DISC can help you and your management team manage and lead others more effectively regardless of gender or generation.
Sep 17, 202307:29
Shit Happens - Figure It Out!
Shit happens - it's called life. You have a choice to make. You can either step in it or step over it. You pick. You can let it ruin your day and torpedo your plans or learn the lessons it's trying to teach you and begin again. This time a little wiser and a little more informed. I choose to see the positives in everything that happens to me because I believe everything that happens to me is a learning opportunity. Even the negative things that will happen to you, and trust me, there will be plenty of them, are learning opportunities if you look at them from another point of view. I know that between the space of stimulus and response, Dr. Covey talks about and what Dr. Viktor Frankl knows to be true from his experiences, I must react in a way that is going to get me what I want. I know that shit happens - I will figure it out. Will you be able to figure yours out? Listen to my podcast and find out.
Sep 09, 202307:34
Do You Need To Learn To Say No?
We all face the same dilemma: too much to do and not enough hours in the day to do them. How you spend your time is the limiting factor, not the things you need to get done. How you manage your time is how you manage your life. Do you need to learn to say no? Listen to my podcast to find out how.
Aug 12, 202307:09
Unleashing The Power Of Your Potential
Have you ever wondered why you do what you do and why you do it the way you do it? We become who we are at a very young age. We get accustomed to acting a certain way, communicating and interacting with others a certain way that eventually becomes us. An individuals personality remains relatively stable throughout their lifetime. You are who you are - embrace it. Understanding your behavior and how it impacts you and the people around you can be Listen to my latest podcast to discover how scoring a DISC Behavioral Assessment can be the catalyst to unleashing the power of your potential.
Jul 26, 202307:23
The Challenges of Transitioning Into A Leadership Role
You've just been promoted into a leadership role in your organization. Your management group believes you have the credentials to take on this position. Making that transition from worker to manager or leader can be complex. It requires a different set of skills. It's no longer about what you know - it's about your ability to teach someone else. It's no longer just about you - it's about everyone on your team and what you must do to help them succeed. If your team succeeds, then you've done your job. But if your team fails, you fail because your job is to give them the tools they need to complete the task and accomplish the goal. Listen to my podcast to find out what I recommend you do.
Jun 30, 202307:10
The Key To Building Strength-Based Teams
Managing and leading others is not about you - it's about the people you are leading. By understanding our different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, we can all become more effective in working with and interacting with others. Different is just different - and different is ok. I use a DISC behavioral assessment tool developed by Dr. William Marston because it's easy to administer, and you don't need a degree in Behavioral Sciences to interpret the results. Listen to this podcast and discover how DISC will help you build a strength-based team.
Jun 02, 202307:27
How To Attract And Retain An Emerging Workforce
It will be your fault if you have trouble attracting and retaining talent. Management has a big challenge ahead. You are entering a new era of leadership. According to Gallup, the latest generation to enter the workforce - Generation Z - will make up 27% of the available talent pool by 2025. They are like no other generation that has come before them. Listen to today's podcast to discover what managers and leaders must do to attract and retain this emerging workforce.
May 06, 202307:25
If You Think About It - You Are A Project Manager
According to Wikipedia, a project manager is a trained professional responsible for the planning, procurement, and execution of a project with a defined scope and a defined start and completion date. If you think of yourself in the same context - you are a project manager because you are in charge of all aspects of managing your life. In this episode of my Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak Podcast, I will share five competencies critical to your success as a project manager. You'll need to decide which ones you're good at - and which ones you'll need to learn. After all - if you think about it, you are the project manager of your life.
Apr 15, 202306:52
Teamwork Sucks Because Most Managers Suck
Having teams work together is challenging at the best of times. You can't expect to throw a bunch of people together, call them a team, and have them perform like one without carefully setting team goals and priorities and how team members are selected and trained. Listen to this podcast episode and discover what managers can do so their team doesn't suck.
Mar 26, 202307:23
How To Work With Your Boss And Live To Talk About It
Working with and being managed or supervised by someone with a different way of communicating and interacting with others. You need to keep one thing in mind - you aren't going to change your Boss. The key is to work with them the way they like. Listen to my podcast for a few tips on how to work with your boss and live to talk about it.
Mar 10, 202306:51
How To Get Along With People Even If You Don't Like Them
Think of someone you are having difficulty working with. For whatever reason, you two are not getting along. It can be someone from work or in your social circles. Daniel Goleman believes that soft skills - sometimes referred to as emotional intelligence are a common core of personal and social abilities that have proven critical to people's success. Take the 3-R Challenge and learn how to get along with people even if you don't like them. Listen to this podcast to learn the 3-step process and establish those all-important relationships. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Feb 24, 202309:16
Forget X or Y Management Styles - Switch to Z
People don't leave jobs ... They leave bad bosses and poor management who dont appreciate their value. Forget X or Y management styles you need to switch to Z. Gen Z will make up 27% of the workforce by 2025. They are like no other generation that has come before them. To attract and retain Zeds you need to develop a management style for aligned with Edward Deming's 14 points and remove barriers that rob employees of pride in workmanship. Listen to this episode of Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak on what you need to do to switch to a Z management style.
Jan 29, 202307:12
You Need To Be Dialed In To Be An Exceptional Manager Or Leader
You can't motivate anyone to do anything they don't want to unless they think they will get something they want in return. Motivation is inside out - never outside in. People do things for their reason - not yours. Even those who volunteer their time and energy are getting something out of it, or they wouldn't keep volunteering. People only listen to the music they want to hear. Either MMFIAM on the AM dial or WWIFM on the FM dial. Are you dialed in? Listen to my podcast to find out how.
Jan 07, 202307:11
It's Time Leaders Got FOCUSED On People
People like to work with and socialize with people they like. Building relationships at work is just as meaningful as building relationships with those you interact with outside of work. The newest generation to enter the workforce - Gen Z - prefers to work for an organization that allows for fun, friendships, and life-enriching activities. How much fun are you and your leadership team to be around? It's time leaders got FOCUSED on people. Listen to this podcast to find out how.
Dec 26, 202206:36
The Key To Stress-Free Goal Setting In 2023
Well, that's a wrap. You can kiss 2022 goodbye. It's another year in the books. How did you make out? Did you accomplish everything you set out to do? What's left on your to-do list to carry over to 2023? Listen to my most recent podcast for the key to stress-free goal setting in 2023. (Hint - plan them the way you plan your vacation.)
Dec 10, 202207:37
Different Strokes for Different Folks - The Sweet Science of Great Coaching
I believe we are born with a particular style - a particular way of behaving that heavily influences how we communicate and interact with others. Great coaches can assemble a group of people with different personalities, different skill sets, and varied backgrounds and mold them into a cohesive, collaborative team by identifying how they prefer to be coached and working with them the way they like. If you are a coach that believes in science, then listen to my podcast and discover how DISC Behavioral Assessments can help you become a great coach.
Nov 20, 202207:33
Finding Your Why
The question to ask yourself is not what you do - the question to ask yourself is why you do it. Once you know your why all you need to do is find the courage to create your life around it. What really turns your crank? In a perfect world what would you rather be doing? What would it take for you to develop a career around it? What things need to fall into place for you to live a purposeful life - a life you envisioned for yourself? Listen to this episode to find out how to find your why.
Nov 03, 202207:32
Up Your Leadership EQ!
EQ - Emotional Quotient - known as emotional intelligence or soft skills is the ability to understand, use, and manage your emotions in positive ways to reduce stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflicts. We may live in a hi-tech world, but your soft skills - empathy, patience, flexibility, open-mindedness and the ability to communicate and interact with others - play a more significant role in your success. If you want to attract and retain takent, managers and leaders need to up their leadership EQ. Listen to this podcast to find out what the research is telling us about managing and leading the 21st. Century way. Thanks for tuning in.
Oct 13, 202206:58
The Leadership Imperative - How to Attract and Retain Gen Zeds
We are entering a new era of leadership. Generation Z - born between 1996 and 2012 - is the latest generation to enter the workforce. They are like no other generation that has come before them. They are the first generation to grow up in the digital age. They jury is still out, but there is one thing for sure, your organization's future depends on this generation. Today's managers and leaders must relearn how to connect, communicate, educate and delegate effectively to attract and retain Zeds. Listen to my podcast to find out how.
Sep 29, 202207:23
MBWA - A Fresh Take On The Old Way
MBWA - Manage by walking around; you can't do that by sitting in your corner office. A study by HayGroup concluded that sixty-seven percent of the competencies are emotionally based. If you can't make an emotional connection with those you work with and interact with, you stand little chance of successfully managing or leading others. Listen to today's podcast to find out how to manage and lead others the 21st—Century way - the MBWA way.
Aug 26, 202206:34
Think it, Act it, Become it. You Are Whoever You Think You Are
Your internal dialogue has everything to do with the image you project externally. Image is everything. People will judge you based on how you look and how you behave. We all feel insecure and unsure of ourselves at times. We all have self-doubt, especially if we are doing something we are uncertain of or doing something for the first time. Think it, act it, become it. If you look and act like a leader - everyone will think you are.
Jul 29, 202207:01
Educate Don't Terminate
Terminating someone is taking the easy way out. You shouldn't terminate anyone unless you've done everything possible to turn that situation around. Managers and leaders will not be judged by what they know. They will be judged by their ability to teach someone else what they need to know. There is no such thing as a dumb student, only dumb teachers who refuse to use every tool available to help the student learn. If you aren't teaching someone else, you aren't doing your job. Malcolm Knowles, a subject matter expert on adult learning, believes that we are born with a particular learning style, which dictates, or at least heavily influences, how we like to learn. Listen to this episode of Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak Podcast and learn about all three styles. Educate don't terminate.
Jun 25, 202206:03
Trust is Not a Given - You Need to Earn it Every Day
Do your employees trust you? Just because you've been given the title of manager or have taken on a leadership role doesn't automatically mean they will trust you. It takes time to establish trust. Listen to this episode of Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak Podcast for six strategies that you can do to build trust.
Jun 05, 202206:02
Get Ready - Your World Is About To Change. The Zoomers Have Arrived
Are you ready for the most significant workforce shift in over 100 years. Undoubtedly, this shift will dramatically affect how we communicate and interact. If you thought Millennials were challenging - think again. You haven't met Generation Z - the Zoomers have arrived. Think of the Zoomers as the hyper-connected generation. The first generation to grow up in the digital age. Gen Z has a unique culture and working style. Your success as a manager or leader working with Gen Z will hinge on your ability to work with them in a manner they like. Listen to this podcast episode to find out how.
May 08, 202206:25
Everything You Do is a Matter of Choice
My ex-wife and I still have a good relationship. I consider her one of my closest friends. Divorce can be adversarial or not - it's a choice. You can decide to drag it out or negotiate the terms in good faith. You can choose to chastise your employees for making a mistake or use the opportunity to teach them the way you want it done so they don't make the same mistake a second time. It's a choice that you get to make. In this podcast episode, I will share what I do to make sure I can live with the choices I make. Thanks for tuning in.
Apr 16, 202206:20
We Need Leaders Who We Can Trust and Believe In
What does it say about a leader if they behave one way in public and behave a different way behind closed doors? Does that mean there are two kinds of ethics; business and personal? I believe you are either ethical or you're not. What are ethical or unethical behaviors? How should a leader behave? Listen to this podcast episode to hear my take on how a leader should behave.
Feb 26, 202206:07
To Promote or Not to Promote? That is The Question
Making the transition from worker to manager is very difficult, and it can be even more difficult if you are promoted from within the same department or peer group. You're a co-worker one week, and the next week, you're their manager. In this podcast episode I will share with you what I believe makes for a great manager. We aren't born knowing how to manage others - but we can learn. To promote or not to promote? That is the question.
Feb 08, 202205:34
Are You an Asset or a Liability?
Are you an asset or a liability? Are you a good team player who contributes to the team's success or a social loafer who likes to blend into the background where your lack of effort isn't easily spotted? Teams and teamwork make for a great sound bite - but in your world - the real world do they produce the kinds of results your company wants? Or do they create more problems than they are worth? In this podcast episode, I will share my thoughts on what makes a good team player.
Jan 21, 202205:37
The Secret to a Successful 2022 is Between Your Ears.
Think it, act it, and eventually, through patience and hard work it will become you. The secret to a successful 2022 is between your ears. I want 2022 to be your best year yet. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions looking for answers about the challenges your're having starting your small business, managing and leading others or getting that promotion. Thanks for being part of my 2021. Bring on 2022.
Jan 01, 202206:16
The Four Dimensions of Exceptional Leaders
There are four dimensions to human life - the mind, the body, the external world and the inner realm. Within these four pillars of life, we either rise to our full potential or remain ordinary. In this episode of Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak, I will apply that same concept to leadership. Do you want to rise to your full potential as a leader or remain ordinary? You decide.
Dec 20, 202105:44
If People Are Quitting It's Your Fault
Culture is top down - never bottom up. Read that sentence again and then look in the mirror. If people are quitting it's your fault. If you want people to stay you have to act like you don't want them to leave. Listen to this podcast to find out what five things you should do to convince them to stay.
Dec 04, 202106:34
Taking DISC Behavioural Assessments to Another Level
Understanding behaviour and how it impacts performance will make you a better manager, leader, teacher and coach. A new yardstick is judging us; not just how smart we are, or by our training or expertise, but how well we handle ourselves and each other - Daniel Goleman - Emotional Intelligence. If you want to be a more effective supervisor, manager, leader, teacher or coach, learn to work with others in a way they like. DISC will teach you how.
Nov 11, 202106:34
Perception Is Their Reality
How often have you been in a conversation with someone, and they were non-verbally telling you that they're not interested in you or what you have to say simply by the messages their body language was sending you? According to research conducted by Dr. Ralph Nichols, we communicate 55% of the time non-verbally by our body language alone. We are speaking volumes, and we haven't said a word. In today's episode of Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak Podcast I'lI share some valuable tips on how to communicate more effectively non-verbally. Hence, others receive the message the way you intended.
Oct 23, 202106:39
You Can't Suck and Blow in The Same Breath
You can't suck and blow in the same breath. You can do one or the other, but you can't do both at the same time. I have a soft spot for service providers, having spent 30 years as a General Manager for a major retailer. Margins continue to be squeezed. Business owners are paying more for the goods they buy, the utilities they use and the equipment they lease or purchase. You have a choice to make. Pay more for what you buy so they can hire more staff or pay lower prices - but you can't have low prices and exceptional service. Listen to my take on self-serve checkouts and fast food outlets in this episode.
Oct 05, 202105:36
It's Not All Doom and Gloom
I'm an optimist because there isn't a good enough reason to be anything else. Pheonix will rise out of the ashes, despite what you may be hearing and reading. It's not all doom and gloom. I think the time has never been better to get into business for yourself or be promoted at work. Will the dark clouds have a silver lining for you? In this, my 30th episode, I'll share my take on what I believe is an excellent opportunity for those willing to fill the gap. Thanks for tuning into my Let's Get Focused Podcast
Sep 03, 202106:08
To Get Them To Buy-In You Need To Buy-In
Technical skills are essential, but you can get those out of a book. What is needed to be successful in managing and leading others today is someone who understands people. Managing and leading others is about them - not about you. Today's Let's Get Focused podcast is about what changes you need to make to get others to buy-in. If you can't or aren't willing to change your management style to be more in tune with how they like to be managed, you'll have difficulty getting them to come along.
Aug 02, 202107:02
Wishing and Hoping Won't Make it So But Setting SMART Targets Will
To accomplish what you want to achieve is a planned event. Wishing and hoping won't make it so. You cant wish and hope to lose weight, get that promotion or start your small business, but you can put a plan together to get there. In this episode I will teach you to set a SMART target. If you have all the tools you'll need to reach your goals then the only thing getting in your way is you. Set a SMART target and work your plan.
Jul 25, 202106:24
Creating High-Performance Work Teams
Creating high-performance work teams is more than just throwing people together and expecting them to perform as a cohesive unit. Work teams can create a synergy that results in a level of performance far greater than any one person, but to accomplish that, you need a game plan. In this episode, I will talk about the most popular team-building model still taught in business.
Jul 02, 202105:51
Being Passionate About Something Isn't Enough
How committed are you to be the best version of yourself? Being passionate about something isn't enough. To be good, to be really good takes dedication and hard work. There's no such thing as being too old to start. Success, your success is a planned event. Are you ready to commit to a new beginning? I hope this podcast inspires you to start.
Jun 19, 202105:14
You Ruin Good People By Promoting Them
Do automotive technicians make the best service managers or shop foremen? Do great athletes have what it takes to be successful coaches? Just because people are good at what they do - doesn't mean they'll be just as good in a management position. What key characteristics should you be looking for in the managers and leaders you hire or the people you promote within your organization. Listen to this podcast to find out what I think should be on that list.
May 23, 202104:54
I've Just Been Promoted - What Should I Do Next?
Congratulations on your promotion. Your Management team believes you have the potential to take on a management or leadership role in your organization. Listen to this episode to find out what I think you should do next.
Feb 13, 202105:19