Productivity is key for establishing an efficient and successful workplace. But sometimes employees’ lack of motivation and drive gets in the way of productivity. What are the ways in which you can affect your employees’ mindsets and senses of purpose in order to achieve a more productive workplace? Mark explores the different types of employees, including millennials, and characterizes them into three categories: finders, minders, and grinders. Find out the relationship between these three and the differences in their self-motivation and sense of purpose.

Did you ever hear the expression you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours? Seems so obvious right. You do something for me and I will for you. This is called reciprocity and it is an uncomfortable concept for many because we often don’t like to owe people favors and are worried about people having expectations of us. On this week’s podcast, Mark discusses what it means to be reciprocal. Is reciprocity conditional or unconditional? Often times, peoples’ expectations of reciprocity are unknown, discouraging us from using reciprocity as an influence strategy. Finally, a common complaint of companies is that they would like their employees to take more initiative. Find out what it takes to motivate people to take initiative using the correct mindset and tools of reciprocity.

Who would have thought the Star Wars stories had many direct links to Emotional intelligence? With Yoda as a role model, Mark discusses mastering your emotions, not giving in to your anger, hurt and disappointment, identifying your fears, and finally not taking the easy road. What is the dark side of life and is it permanent or temporary? How difficult is it to come back once you’re there? Mark also explains how the force is associated with calmness and our thought processes so that it can be used for knowledge and self-preservation.