It doesn’t take a genius.

Another tool in your work to engage others: your stories. About 2,500 years ago, Plato said this would work. It's still used today. Here's why--and how to get started.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

A follow-up to our episode, "Your coworker, the flat-earther" moves on from your engagement to your employees' engagement. Are they Patriots?  Can you be OK with them just being Citizens? (AI is probably going to make this problem even harder!) Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

Do your coworkers wear you out?  One hilarious novel from 1910 has the answer--and it happens to agree with Gallup's Q12 Employee Engagement Survey. Have you made friends with your weirdo coworkers? Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

Guitar gods Steve Vai and Joe Satriani agree with Mark's Pap-paw! Memorization (yes, even in the workplace) is really important--and you CAN do it. Links: Rick Beato's fascinating interview with Vai and Satriani Red Harrison mini-documentary   Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

Mike and Mark had a chance to interview the owner-operator of two incredibly successful Chick-fil-A locations. Her insights on customer experience--and employee engagement--inspired us to record this overview.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

Thanks to research, Mike has cracked the code on how to give a memorable present. Tune in to hear how diamond charms for your friend's Crocs may actually be a good idea.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

Have you fallen into the trap of problem-solving instead of asking? It may be counter-intuitive, but if you're the manager ... it's how you grow your team. (AI says: The discussion focuses on the importance of questioning and understanding decision-making processes, emphasizing that managers need to develop skills in asking thoughtful questions rather than providing immediate solutions. The episod...

Do what now? Well, the disaster in Mark's front yard (yeah, it's a water main) illustrates a workplace truth echoed in the book of Jeremiah. When all you see are actions, how can you judge intent? Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

It's not what you think! In less than 5 minutes, Mike gives you a powerful question that will give you fresh eyes for your entire operation--and a followup question that will ensure you can take action. Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

Mark had an Experience with AI. It's a sign that there has never been a better time to connect with your network. Listen for six ideas on how to increase interest in your brand in the Age of AI.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

Observe these two actions in your boss (or yourself!) to identify one of four types of leaders. Only one type is the best. ... (Every good business book needs a foursquare grid--and Kim Scott's " Radical Candor " gives us an incredibly practical one.)  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

How do you maintain enthusiasm and motivation, particularly during challenging times like the transition into fall and the holidays? Use Marcus Aurelius' practice that has influenced millions ... and these three other great ideas. Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark . 

A general manager made an observation, and maybe you've seen it too. Some employees are rude--or the opposite, fawning. Is it possible that it's just a lack of self-worth? Tune in to learn the symptoms that point to an employee self-worth issue--and what a manager can do about it.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and M...

Almost 7 minutes of straight fire! (We're pretty sure the kids are still saying that.) Do you need signs to tell customers what to do? You may be putting a Band-Aid on poor design. Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

Do you want an engaged team that innovates and collaborates its way to long-term success? Mark's incredibly successful client has a concept for you: Think art, not sport.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

Mike's litmus test of effective training and coaching. Can you use what we teach in a game situation? Learning has not taken place until behavior has changed. Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

Every one of these true stories from our clients cost $20 or less. And all of them generated positive reviews, perfect surveys, repeat business and referrals.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

What does your brand promise? If you dilute how you live up to that promise or drift from it, your customers will know it long before there are any Cracker Barrel-style news items.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

"You can choose your attitude!" ... But how? Mike dives in to the simple link between action and emotion. Do you ask yourself the question? Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

Did you see it coming? You should have ... now, how about your organization's brand? Or your personal brand?  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

Mark shares the one sentence a sushi restaurant said to him that made him a customer for life (if he wasn't one already). Are you equipped to speak the same way? Whether you have a CRM or not, listen in to hear how to implement a culture that personalizes to customers and builds loyalty.   Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mi...

Mike discusses the importance of time management and the "4D, One Touch Rule" to maximize efficiency and reduce stress. The rule involves deleting items that are not relevant, delegating tasks to others, doing tasks that can be completed quickly, and deferring tasks that require more time.  Can you implement it and save time?  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team...

Compassion > Empathy. Customers become more loyal--and employees don't burn out!  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

A chilling question from Mark's friend prompted this episode. Are you using an assessment such as DISC? It should never be used for evaluation or punishment. Details in this episode.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .

A conversation with an award-winning Navy captain led to this episode about the one thing a leader cannot delegate.  Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We'd love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark .