You know going through change in an organization can be difficult.

Sometimes, change can feel like complete chaos.

Even if it seems like a small change, sometimes it can feel overwhelming.

Your productivity plummets and so does your teammates'.

Here's the good news.

You have the power to create order from the chaos of change.

This week's guest, Rachel Berbiglia, is an expert on helping businesses manage change.

She shares her best tips on how to recover and maintain your productivity during a period of change.

Rachel also teaches you how to help your teammates do the same.

You're going to experience change many times throughout your career.

Listen to Rachel Berbiglia so you and those you lead are prepared when the next change arrives.

Today's Guest

Rachel Berbiglia

Rachel Berbiglia is consultant, entrepreneur, podcast host, and expert on bringing order to business operations.

Her expertise includes successful change management in organizations across a variety of industries. 

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rachel is a self-proclaimed Kansas Ambassador.

You'll Learn

• Why creating order from the chaos of change is a career superpower
• The value of being able to see a high-level vision and all the details required to make that vision a reality
• How to avoid a victim mindset when going through change
• The basics of the change curve and its impact on your productivity
• Why being "all business" is not always the best approach
• How to protect your productivity and your professional reputation when going through a change
• When you should consider leaving a company because of a change

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest

1. Prioritize well

Watch out for "fake urgency"! You must be able to separate urgent and important tasks from those that are wasting your time.

If you're letting email drag you through the day, you're prioritizing your time incorrectly.

2. See things from the perspective of others

It's important to have your own point of view. And, to be able to see things from the perspective of others.

Empathy is a valuable career skill. It applies to business insights as well as human emotions.

3. Build relationships and emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are critical for building meaningful relationships.

And, solid relationships are the foundation of successful careers.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Connect with Rachel Berbiglia on LinkedIn

Learn how to manage change with Rachel's free Change Management Curriculum

Listen to Rachel's People Move Organizations podcast at PMOCoaching.com

Hear my conversation with Rachel on How to Lead Meetings

Discover the great state of Kansas on Rachel's Uncovering Kansas podcast

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

No one wants to attend a bad meeting. And, you definitely don't want to lead a meeting people complain about.

Here's the problem.

You may not know how to make them better.

Don't worry. You're not alone.

Many leaders want to make the meetings they lead and attend better.

But, they don't know where to start.

If that describes you, relax.

In less time than you wasted in your last bad meeting, you'll be done with this episode.

And, you'll know how to get started creating exceptional meetings.

You just need to focus on 3 easy to remember words.

They all start with the letter P.

You'll Learn

3 keys to creating exceptional meetings

• Purpose - Know why you're bringing people together for a meeting

• People - Make sure you have the right people (and only the right people) in your meeting

• Preparation - Be ready to accomplish the purpose of the meeting with the people you invite

Links and Resources from this Episode

Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings

Learn more about creating exceptional meetings in these blog posts and podcast episodes:

How To Use Structure To Effectively Lead Meetings (blog post)

How To Unlock The Power To Lead In A Role You Probably Don’t Like (blog post)

CMD 033: How To Create An Exceptional Meeting With 7 Steps (podcast episode)

CMD 035: How To Lead A Meeting In A Way Most People Won’t Try (podcast episode)

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

You may feel more comfortable using these 3 words away from work than in your career.

That awkwardness you feel is natural.

But, it doesn't have to stop you from incorporating 3 powerful words into your work vocabulary to set yourself apart as a leader.

A leader who is kind and confident.

And, highly effective.

In this week's episode, we'll talk about how to be a better leader using 3 awkward words.

You'll Learn

• Why leadership experts recommend being gentle, gracious, and kind to lead teams effectively
• 3 conversation scripts you can use to incorporate these 3 words into your daily work
• How to have a positive impact on the people in your organization without feeling awkward
• The power of applying "soft skills" to distinguish yourself as a leader

Links and Resources from this Episode

Read one of my favorite books on leadership, Gracious Leadership: Lead Like You’ve Never Led Before by Janet Smith Meeks.

Get your copy of my free guide, 5 Simple Ways to Lead when You’re Not the “Leader”.

Check out the blog post, "How to Lead with Gentleness, Not Fear" by Michael Hyatt, bestselling author and leadership expert.

Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

Krissy Buck knows how to build connections and community.

It's what she does best.

In her personal life and her career.

And, these communities lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Relationships with people you can serve and support.

They will do the same for you too.

If you're building a business, you need these type of relationships for your business to grow.

Especially if your customers are online.

Krissy has turned the skills she's honed for decades into a process you can follow.

In this week's episode Krissy shares how you can build community and your business with 3 simple steps.

Today's Guest

Krissy Buck

Krissy Buck is the Department Chair for Digital Marketing for WSU Tech. 

Prior to that she served as Digital Communications Director then Chief Community Officer for QuiCC.

Krissy is also active in the Wichita, Kansas community where she serves in multiple ways including helping local, aspiring entrepreneurs as a 1 Million Cups Organizer.

You'll Learn

• How to grow you business from digital marketing expert, Krissy Buck
• How to create fans of your brand by earning trust with your community
• Why influencers and affiliates can help your business without making you feel sleazy
• The power of community to turn your fans into your best sales team
• The importance of celebrating wins. Both yours and your community members'.
• Why going where your customers are is required to grow your business online

3 Simple Steps to Build Community and Your Business

1. Accept

Accept people where they are in the buying journey.

2. Seek

Seek out the influencer. The person of peace and connection in the community.

3. Go

Go where the people are. Don't wait for customers to come to you.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Connect with Krissy Buck on LinkedIn

Listen to Krissy's previous episode, How To Have A Rewarding Career With A 2 Year Degree – Krissy Buck

Engage with Krissy and others on Digital Marketing on Twitter using #dmkchat

Explore career building opportunities in digital marketing at WSU Tech

Listen to Krissy Buck on the Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator podcast

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

This might be the best way to create an exceptional meeting when you’re not the official leader.

You can actually lead a meeting as a participant.

And, not many people want to do this.

That’s why you need to know this strategy.

Perhaps the most powerful role in a meeting is the note taker.

The scribe.

Yet few people volunteer to take notes during a meeting.

In fact, most will find some way to avoid this dreaded task.

They run away from it like they flee a typical boring, inefficient meeting.

I encourage you to be different.

Embrace the role.

Volunteer to take notes in the next meeting you attend.

Especially if it’s a meeting that is less than exceptional.

In this week's episode we'll talk about the hidden powers held by the meeting note taker.

You'll learn how you can lead any meeting you attend in a way most people won't even try.

You'll Learn

7 serious powers a meeting note taker holds

The power to:

• Stay engaged
• Interrupt
• Bring clarity
• Ensure alignment
• Document decisions
• Drive action
• Not be perfect

Links and Resources from this Episode

Supporting information in the post, How To Unlock The Power To Lead In A role You Probably Don't Like

Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

Have you ever piloted a plane?

You have?

Okay.

But have you ever refueled an Air Force F-16 jet flying at 500 knots?

And, not just any F-16 fighter jet, but one of the elite Air Force Thunderbirds squadron you may have seen at air shows?

I haven't. 

But, that would be so cool!

Today's guest, Aaron Stark, has done those amazing things in his career. 

And a whole lot more.

Aaron no longer flies planes for a living. Instead, he helps his clients get where they want to go with their money.

He made the career switch from Air Force pilot to wealth management advisor.

The same skills he learned at the Air Force Academy and used in combat have served him well in every stage of his successful career.

Aaron shares those lessons in today's episode so you too can learn how to navigate your career like an Air Force pilot.

Even if you never see the inside of a cockpit.

Today's Guest

Aaron Stark

Aaron Stark is the founder of HSI Wealth Strategies, a financial advisory team comprised of former United States Air Force pilots.

Aaron and his team work primarily with professionals in the aviation industry: airline pilots, aviation business owners and executives as well as those who own and operate aircraft. 

Their aim is to provide a flight path that alleviates anxiety and empowers their clients to live out their dreams through financial and retirement planning, tax-efficient strategies and investment management. They specialize in helping reduce marginal retirement tax brackets through tax efficient strategies for many clients.  

Aaron graduated from the Air Force Academy with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, Aaron went on to fly the KC-135 R/T.  He earned his MBA in 2011 from Webster University in St Louis.  During his flying career, Aaron instructed in both the KC-135 and T-6.  He’s flown over 150 combat missions in the KC-135 over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. 

Aaron spent 13 years on active duty, and upon separating founded and built one of the fastest growing and most successful financial practices and has been recognized at a national level. 

You'll Learn

• How the checklist discipline of a pilot will help you deliver results in your career and business
• How to eliminate risk and fear by applying flight safety practices
• The value of perseverance in your career and life
• Why grit may be more valuable than talent and skill
• The strength in admitting weakness and being vulnerable and authentic
• How an F-16 fighter jet crash brought Aaron and me closer together

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Be tenacious

Develop the skill of not quitting. Build grit.

The majority of results come from the last bit of effort. So don't give up when things get hard.

2. Drive to be the best at what you do

Successful people find satisfaction from getting better.

There's no substitute for persevering and consistently improving over time.

3. Be strong enough to admit weakness

Recognize you need support. Seek help and advice from those who have done what you're trying to do.

Learn from the best if you want to be the best you can be.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Contact Aaron on the HSI Wealth Strategies website (hsiwealthstrategies.com)

Connect with Aaron Stark on LinkedIn.

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

No one wants another boring meeting that wastes their time.

And, you certainly don't want to lead a meeting like that.

You want to plan and run meetings that aren't like all the other meetings you and your coworkers can't stand to attend.

You want to create exceptional meetings. 

And, you can!

By following these 7 steps, your meetings will stand out. 

They will be different. 

Better. 

In a good way.

And, you'll stand out as a leader too. One who shows respect for every person you invite to your meeting.

Because you honor their time.

All it takes is a bit of preparation and a proven process to follow.

That's what you'll learn in today's episode.

You'll Learn

7 steps to use structure create an exceptional meeting

1. Plan ahead
2. Create a document to guide the meeting
3. Identify the topics
4. Budget the time
5. Select the participants
6. Optimize the meeting structure
7. Share the meeting document

Links and Resources from this Episode

Supporting information in the post, How To Use Structure To Effectively Lead Meetings

Michael Bungay Stanier’s books, The Advice Trap

Tom Henschel on The Way to Make Sense to Others on the Coaching for Leaders podcast with Dave Stachowiak

Connect or follow me on LinkedIn where I post daily on how to create exceptional meetings

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

Having your creations evaluated and judged by other people is hard.

And, sometimes critiquing another person's work is even more difficult.

This process of giving and receiving critique is a regular part of an artist's world.

And, there are many lessons non-artists can learn from this practice.

Today's guest is visual artist and professor, Shannon Johnston.

Shannon shares from an artist's perspective what she's learned in her career about giving and receiving critique.

It's a valuable process in any career.

So, listen to Shannon's tips and begin applying them in your work so you can boost your career.

Today's Guest

Shannon Johnston

In addition to being an artist, Shannon Johnston identifies as a daughter, sister, friend, introvert, teacher, student, feminist, collector, maker, consumer, and nail-biter. All of this informs her creative practice.

It is engagement within and reflection upon community, both large and small, that ground Johnston’s practice. Repetition, generosity, and regeneration drive her making. Collection that borders compulsion builds her palette and ritual forms her process. 

Shannon holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Wichita State University. She currently lives in Wichita, KS with her husband where she is Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Steckline Gallery at Newman University.

You'll Learn

• The benefit of being curious and willing to learn and be surprised when receiving critique
• The power of valuing input from others even when they don't know as much as you do
• How to leverage daily debriefs to give and receive critique
• How our worldview and perspective impacts the critique we give
• The value of seeking input from outsiders, peers, mentors, and those with less experience

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Pursue critique often, regularly, and when it's not required

Get input early in the creative process from your manager and your customers so you can adjust if needed.

Make getting critique a normal part of your building process.

2. Learn to filter critique

Just because someone gives feedback doesn't mean it's the right feedback.

Know what critique to take and what to leave.

3. Be gracious when giving critique

Lead with positive comments when providing feedback.

Include compliments with the critique to build relationship.

Remind the person you are critiquing their work, not them.

We are not what we create. Our work is not our identity.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Check out Shannon Johnston's website.

Follow Shannon on Instagram (@Shannie2345).

Connect with Shannon Johnston on LinkedIn.

Listen to Shannon on previous Connect Mobilize Deliver episodes

• Connecting Through A Weird Piece Of Art, with Shannon Johnston
• How To Lead When You Don’t Fit In, with Shannon Johnston

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

You may love your career.

But, do you want to have an even bigger impact on people's lives, but you're not sure where to start?

Here's the good news.

You can.

And, you can do it by connecting with your community. Your local schools to be specific.

Today's guest, Brandt Wilson, of Love Schools in Wichita, Kansas shares how he is using the skills he learned in his career to connect people, mobilize them for action, and deliver results.

He shares how you can do the same thing by joining with him or learning from his example.

So, if you're feeling a stirring within you to have an even bigger impact in the lives of others, listen to what Brandt has to say in this week's episode.

He's helping community business leaders change the lives of school kids and have their own lives transformed for good as they serve.

Brandt's love for schools and his passion to make a difference will inspire and motivate you.

Today's Guest

Brandt Wilson

Brandt Wilson is the founder of Love Schools, a non-profit organization with a worthy and compelling mission.

Love School's goal is to connect the community to the classroom by facilitating partnerships between local organizations and local schools.

Brandt's career has prepared him well for this role of service. 

As a pastor and a community volunteer for 15 years Brandt has lived out his passion to make a positive impact on people with every opportunity he is given.

Now, Brandt continues to change lives while also serving in a full-time job with a locally owned small business.

This experience equips Brandt to connect people in various roles in the local community and help them get started helping their local schools.

You'll Learn

• The power to change employee's lives by connecting them with their local community
• Who really benefits the most when business executives join reading programs in their local schools.
• How to begin when you want to make a difference in local schools but don't know where to start
• The importance of listening well to connect with people and help meet their needs
• Why experimentation is critical to finding solutions that work

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Be willing to make an impact

When someone gives us an opportunity to join them in service our community, how should we respond?

If we want to use our gifts to make an impact on people's lives, a good first step is to say yes to learning more and staying curious about how we might be able to serve.

2. Be willing to ask for help in the right way

Asking for help isn't easy. We don't want to be told no.

But, people often say yes when they're asked in the right way.

Helping specific people understand they are uniquely equipped to meet a specific need causes them to recognize their importance.

3. Be willing to give strategically and intentionally

Giving often means giving up something good to do something great.

We can have a much bigger impact and be more fulfilled when we are purposeful and thoughtful in giving our time, our attention, and our money.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Learn more about Love Schools on Instagram (@love_schools_wichita)

Follow Love Schools on Facebook (@Loveschoolswichita)

Connect with Brandt Wilson on LinkedIn

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.

Have you had a rambler wreck a meeting you were leading?

If you have, you know exactly who I'm describing as a "rambler".

They usually don't mean to destroy the meeting you planned so well. 

But they do.

It's hard to know what to do to regain control.

You have to protect your meeting from a rambler.

In this episode, we'll cover a set of tips, techniques, and strategies that I've seen used successfully throughout my career.

The best part is this.

None of them require you to be rude.

In fact, they all are built on a foundation of being an kind and confident leader.

You'll Learn

3 steps to managing a rambler with kindness and confidence

• Pause and Empathize
• Stop the Ramble
• Help Them Be Heard

6 possible reasons your teammate might be rambling

• Insecurity
• Loneliness
• Trust
• Passion
• Compensation
• Inexperience

4 strategies to help a rambler be heard

• Include them in the meeting agenda
• Help them prepare before the meeting
• Ask them to send you an email
• Offer to meet with them personally after the meeting

Links and Resources from this Episode

Supporting information in the post, How To Stop Someone From Rambling So They Can Be Heard

Michael Bungay Stanier’s books, The Advice Trap

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.