In this episode, we continue our discussion of Stephen Covey's idea of the space between stimulus and response and how leaders often react automatically instead of responding with intention. We look at why people become reactive, including habit, wiring, and learned patterns, and we discuss examples from leadership and sales where an immediate reaction can damage relationships.

We also explore ways to widen the gap by observing before judging, naming emotions, asking what is driving a reaction, and checking decisions against заранее defined values. We close by returning to the idea that while we cannot control every outcome, we can control our response and use that pause to support steadier leadership and better long-term relationships.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

This week (and going forward) Allan Williams joins Chad on the podcast. The focus on this episode is Aesop's fable about the Goose and the Golden Egg and how leaders need to keep production and production capacity in balance.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Trust is like an ice-covered lake. If the ice is thick enough, you can drive a truck across it. But thin ice (and thin trust) will leave you cold, disappointed, and maybe a bit in danger. In this episode, Chad tackles five things that make a person trustworthy and how to test the ice so you can know if you should trust someone.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In this episode, Chad discusses how helping can become harmful in leadership, at work, and in relationships when it prevents people from learning and growing. We look at rescuing, answering other people's questions, smoothing obstacles, and carrying responsibilities that belong to others, with examples from meetings, parenting, sales, and goal-setting. Leadership should involve giving people back their own decisions, consequences, and ownership.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Managing people can feel overwhelming, but it gets simpler when you boil it down to giving people what they actually need from you. In this episode, Chad shares four of the most important things every employee needs from the person they report to — and how giving them well gets the most out of most of the people you manage.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

People will disappoint you. Unfortunately, that's part of leading. Even more unfortunate is that too manyleaders either stew in the disappointment or react off the raw feeling. In this episode, Chad shares a simple way to figure out what actually let you down and respond to the real problem in a way that makes things better instead of worse.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

You've been told to have an open-door policy, but a door that never closes isn't a door — it's a hole in the wall, and everybody walks through it whenever they please. In this episode, Chad shares three ways being always available costs you, your team, and your company big-time, plus how to close all of your doors — your office door, your texts, email, and the rest.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

"Driven" gets thrown around like a compliment, but the fuel under the drive matters more than the drive itself. Some leaders run on purpose; others run on anxiety and fear — and from the outside, they look the same. In this episode, Chad shares how to tell anxiety-driven leadership from purpose-driven leadership, and why one of them gets you there while wrecking the engine.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Of all the things you can get wrong in business, hiring someone with bad character is maybe the worst. It's costly, and it's a mistake that can feel unavoidable. In this episode, Chad shares four ways to dig past the polished resume and increase your odds of making good character hires.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Humility is one of the three traits Patrick Lencioni says every ideal team player needs—and it's also the one people most misunderstand. Real humility isn't weakness or shrinking; it's work. In this episode, Chad shares three expressions of true humility plus five practical ways to work with prideful people on your team.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com