Project Distinct Podcast

Introductory podcast for Project Distinct with Scott McKain.

A story without a heroic and powerful ending will fail to engage the audience -- they will neither remember nor recommend you! Today's PROJECT DISTINCT (from the road in Phoenix) examines why your ending is important -- and how to enhance every story that you tell!

Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT continues our examination of how we can tell OUR stories in a dynamic and distinctive manner. Act Two of the compelling business story is known by many names: “raising the stakes,” “confrontation,” or “rising action” — Scott calls it “our search for resolution.”  No matter how it’s known, having an Act Two that makes  your story more compelling is critical to making it persuasive. 

We’ve all heard that “whoever tells the best story…wins!”  Yet few of us have really examined how we can tell OUR stories in a more compelling and distinctive manner.  Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT focuses upon what Scott McKain believes is the most missing element in business storytelling: an Act One that creates tension…and that moves YOUR audience to become emotionally engaged with what happens next.

If your competition gains an advantage, the first response is to imitate it.  However, that dilutes any distinction you have in the marketplace — and fails to inspire customers or employees.  Today, Scott McKain examines the first of the three “Destroyers of Differentiation."

Having just attended a portion of the annual convention of the National Speakers Association, Scott McKain noticed an important aspect that the top presenters at this conference (of speakers!) displayed to the audience.  Interestingly, it's also the same quality that a recent article in "Fortune" noted as the most important one for leaders to show their teams.  You'll learn what it is in today's PROJECT DISTINCT!

What’s your definition of resilience? “Hanging in there,” “slogging it out,” “never quitting”? In today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain shares new research that proves the way we think about resilience is NOT scientifically correct! And, from an article in the Harvard Business Review, he shows us the critical factor required for us to have the resiliency required to create distinction.

On today’s episode, Scott McKain informs us of something that NO customer in recorded history has EVER said…and why.  He also gives us a single, simple step to take to help us create distinction in a hyper-competitive marketplace.

In today’s episode, Scott explores the writing of Harvard’s Elizabeth Ross Kanter’s HBR article, “Instant Success Takes Time” — and reveals what her research says about “winning streaks.”  If you want to win and be distinctive — it won’t happen overnight…but this information can help ensure that it does happen!

With so many changes in the marketplace -- particularly in generational shifts and technology advancements -- what worked for you as a manager a short while ago may not be the best approach today.  Here are six steps to help you improve your management stye as you lead your team to distinction!