Manthei Group Leader Guide

Bruce Zeiser and hosts discuss leadership development inside Southern Champion Tray, a 100-year family business. They cover the company’s values, a long-running mentorship program, challenges in translating values into everyday behaviors, and the importance of patience and perseverance when investing in people. Listeners will hear practical stories about mentorship, feedback loops, breaking down s...

In this episode the hosts unpack the "Success by 60" chapter from the Manthei Group Leader's Guide Version 2. They argue onboarding is a leadership responsibility and outline a practical plan: Welcome new hires well, deliver designed training in the first two weeks, and define objective 30- and 60-day milestones with regular feedback. Listeners get concrete tips — use templates, schedule 30/60-day...

This episode explains the drama triangle—victim, rescuer, persecutor—how it forms in teams and families, and why indirect communication and accidental alliances deepen dysfunction. Hosts discuss practical leadership responses: step out of the triangle through ownership, coaching, and discernment; use Matthew 18-based conversations; avoid passive alliances; and apply humility, initiative, endurance...

This episode explores why the most effective leaders lead with thoughtful questions and meaningful stories rather than directives. Questions invite participation, uncover assumptions, and build ownership; stories create emotional connection and transmit culture in memorable ways. Practical takeaways include replacing instant answers with curiosity (try asking "What do you think is the next right s...

In this episode the Manthei Group leaders introduce Version 2 of the Leader’s Guide (now with a gold cover), explain the book’s six sections, and highlight key updates. They walk through three main chapter changes—Our Journey (gas/purpose graphics), One-on-Ones (recurring, relational check-ins), and The Coaching Continuum (green-to-red coaching spectrum)—and share practical conversation starters a...

In this episode of the Manthei Group Leaders Podcast, Abe and Walter discuss the updated Leader’s Guide and dive into the article “What Is Trust?” Drawing on Stephen M.R. Covey’s The Speed of Trust, they explain trust as a measurable leadership asset made up of four pillars: integrity, intent, capabilities, and results. The hosts share real-world examples and practical takeaways, urging leaders to...

In this episode Abe and Walter welcome back Ben Manthei to discuss two leadership essentials: choosing effective over merely efficient communication (know your audience, pick up the phone, prefer live interaction for sensitive matters) and the power of intentional celebration to reinforce values. Ben shares real stories — from apology phone calls to using challenge coins and tangible tokens — that...

This episode explores the Urgent vs. Important framework popularized by Stephen Covey, emphasizing the power of Quadrant 2 work—strategic planning, team development, and relationship building—for long-term leadership success. Hosts and guest Mark Manthei share practical tactics (blocking focused time, frontline visits, pausing distractions) and real-life stories to help leaders reduce urgency-driv...

In this episode Manthei Group leaders discuss Dr. Henry Cloud’s Necessary Endings and practical leadership steps to “prune” projects, processes, and roles that block growth. They cover three types of pruning, four diagnostic questions to evaluate performance, and the difference between hope (observable change) and wishful thinking. The conversation also explores Michael Watkins’ leadership shifts...

This episode explores how healthy teams practice peer-to-peer accountability, with leaders creating environments of trust, humility, and clear expectations. The hosts discuss practical habits—care, coaching, and follow-up—and contrast rigorous leadership with ruthless shortcuts, sharing real stories about avoiding bottlenecks, enforcing standards, and helping people thrive.

In this episode hosts Walter, Abe and guest Christy Harper discuss how healthy leaders confront problems with clarity and compassion, emphasizing the principle of "go hard on the issue and soft on the person." They share practical tools—like SBIN (Situation, Behavior, Impact, Next time)—and the importance of relationship-building, curiosity, and follow-up to foster growth and protect trust. The co...

In this episode the hosts unpack the Coaching Continuum — a leadership approach that treats coaching as a daily lifestyle of teaching, timely one-degree corrections, and documented conversations to restore alignment. The emphasis is on clarity from leaders, commitment from team members, and building trust through one-on-ones and real-time feedback. Listeners will get practical tools: Ask questions...

This episode explores two core leadership practices: communicating the "why" behind decisions to build engagement, trust and accountability, and cascading communication to ensure timely, consistent messages flow through every level of the organization. Luke Manthei and the hosts share real-world failures and practical tips—slow down, explain the motivation, ask for clarity when needed, and deliver...

This episode explores Patrick Lencioni’s "Team Number One" concept through real stories from the Manthei Group: conflicts between business units, breakdowns in trust, and the process of rebuilding alignment and shared purpose. Hosts discuss practical takeaways—reframing loyalty to the enterprise, redesigning incentives, documenting processes, and using questions to develop people—so leaders can fo...

This episode explores two leadership principles: teaching and empowering team members to make decisions independently, and the 'disagree and commit' approach to healthy team decision-making. Through candid stories and practical coaching, the hosts discuss avoiding micromanagement, creating psychological safety for open debate, and ensuring unified commitment after decisions are made.

This episode explores the art of one-on-one meetings as a tool for relational leadership, emphasizing presence, curiosity, and consistent time investment. Hosts and guest Jason Schlueter share practical lessons, common mistakes, and real-life examples—showing how tailored check-ins build trust, support growth, and strengthen teams both at work and at home.

This episode explores two key leadership chapters: "The Center of What We Do" and "Long View Leadership." Hosts Walter & Abe, and guests Scott Hickman & Lindsay Winchester discuss seeing and calling out greatness in people, stewarding teams with humility, discernment, and initiative, and using daily engagement to help others grow. Through real stories and practical takeaways—clarify expect...

This episode explores the growth mindset versus scarcity thinking and how leaders can choose abundance to develop people and multiply success. Hosts share real examples, introduce the "accountability ladder" (victim behaviors vs. accountable behaviors), and offer practical steps—humility, discernment, initiative—to coach teams, ask for commitment, and focus on what you can control.

This episode explores practical leadership habits: Caring for your own wellbeing, practicing a 24-hour Sabbath to step away from busyness, and noticing the mental stories that shape your reactions. Jeremy and Abe discuss assuming best intentions, rewriting unhelpful narratives, and small practices to reduce stress and improve relationships at work and home. They also connect rest and self-awarenes...

In this episode the Manthei Group leadership team walks through a practical hiring playbook: Why leaders must avoid shortcuts, how to build disciplined selection steps (resume review, phone screen, job simulations, behavioral interviews and reference checks), and the value of always recruiting. They also address special cases — internal candidates, family or spouse hires — and share real examples...

Welcome to the Manthei Leadership Guide Podcast! In this episode, hosts Walter and Abe, alongside special guest Garrett Manthei, explore deep leadership insights centered around influential articles that challenge traditional approaches. The discussion kicks off with an analysis of an article from 'The Leader's Guide' titled "Let Them Make the Wrong Decision," which proposes the unconventional ide...

Welcome to the Manthei Group Leadership Podcast, Episode 11, where we dive into the essential elements that define healthy and cohesive teams. In this insightful episode, we explore the concept of "Healthy Teams," emphasizing the indispensable role trust plays in fostering a productive environment where team members are engaged, supportive, and openly share ideas. Listen as we recount the signs of...

In this episode of the Manthei Group Leadership Podcast, co-hosts Abe and Walter, joined by their wives Hilary and MaDawn, dive deep into the art of listening and its essential role in effective leadership. The conversation revolves around a chapter from the Manthei Leader's Guide which emphasizes that true influence comes from authentic connection, not just persuasion techniques. The discussion h...

Welcome to the Manthei Group Leadership Podcast, where we explore the principles of effective leadership. In this episode, we delve into the concept of "sharpening the axe," emphasizing the importance of continual personal growth and avoiding burnout through renewal and self-care. We reflect on timeless wisdom to underscore that growth is an intentional effort. We also discuss the critical role of...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Manthei Group Leadership Podcast, hosted by Abe Manthei and Walter Cunningham. This episode features a candid discussion with guests Peter and Kari Manthei, exploring the transformative power of feedback in leadership. Dive into the heart of why feedback should be perceived as a gift, drawing insights from renowned experts like Dr. Henry Cloud and Ken B...