Cracking the code of productivity isn't just about hard work—it's about smart work. That's why this episode doesn't just entertain; it enlightens, as we explore the Eisenhower Principle and the Urgent-Important Matrix. 

This timeless tool's relevance in today's hustle culture offers a practical example to help you tackle the daily grind. We'll cover President Eisenhower's famous quote: "What's important is seldom urgent, and what's urgent is seldom important" and connect it to a famous 2x2 matrix of importance and urgency that you'll want saved on your phone and printed next to your desk. 

Whether you're a boardroom warrior or a domestic deity, understanding what's urgent, what's important, what's a mix of both, and what's neither could well be your ticket to efficiency nirvana.

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Keyboard warriors!  Critics!  Reputation assassins!  

Leading is rewarding.  It's also tough.  And with it comes the leader's fair share of criticism.  

Over 100 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt delivered a now-iconic speech as part of a world tour of speaking engagements following his presidency.  His comments on having the courage it takes to lead in the face of criticism still resonate today.  Commonly known as 'The Man in the Arena' speech, these comments serve as a reminder and motivator to everyone about the trials of standing tall in the unforgiving spotlight of public scrutiny. 

No matter your role, this episode honors those who boldly choose to lead when standing on the sidelines might be easier... and speak to these famous words which offer inspiration for anyone braving their own arenas.

But first!  Greg challenges Mark in Round 2 of identifying classic quotes from his favorite '80s movies.  Will Mark go 4-for-4 again?  Or, will he meet his match?  How will you do in matching the quote to the movie?

Thank you for tuning in, and don't forget to join the conversation on LinkedIn, keep up with our Substack, and continue to light the fires of innovation in your 'arenas' at home and at work!

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Dr. Nita Bhushan's book, "That Sucked. Now What?" shines with a light of wisdom as we tackle how to turn life's lemons into limoncello. We're talking vulnerability, meditation, and gratitude journaling: Not your average chitchat, but stories and strategies that pack a punch. Who knew learning to laugh in the face of adversity could be so empowering? Whether we're sharing our journaling journeys or discussing the power of positive self-talk, this episode is brimming with anecdotes and advice that might just change your perspective on the potholes in life's road.

But first: Remember the days when beatboxing, pop & locking, and spitballs were the epitome of cool? Greg & Mark are taking you back to those carefree times, with a twist of wisdom on the side. Our latest episode is a rollercoaster ride of laughter, '80s nostalgia, and life lessons, complete with a mix-up at the eye doctor's office. Join us as we go head-to-head in an '80s movie quote showdown, reminiscing about films from our youth.  Trust me, it's a conversation so lively you'll feel like you're right there with us, trying to remember which movie had that guy holding up that boombox.

Closing the loop, it gets real with what it means to build meaningful friendships and redefine success on your own terms. We're peeling back the layers on these important topics just in time to stay on track with your New Year's resolutions on leadership. So here's to growth, learning, and thriving in the most entertaining way possible. Join us, Greg & Mark, won't you?

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Ever find yourself silently screaming inside while outwardly nodding along to a group decision you're not really on board with? Join us, Greg and Mark, as we pull back the curtain on the Abilene Paradox and dissect its fascinating hold on group dynamics. In this episode, we peel back the layers of why we often conform in group settings... even when it goes against our better judgment. Journey with us through the twisted byways of decision-making, where the desire for harmony can lead to collective misadventures, whether in the boardroom or at the family dinner table.

With anecdotes and laughter, we'll share strategies to champion honesty and encourage diverse viewpoints in your everyday interactions. Discover how to create an honest feedback culture, the value of letting ideas simmer before reaching a verdict, and the gentle art of empowering the more reserved voices among us. We don't shy away from tough topics like the effects of hierarchy on speaking up, or the importance of laying down structured protocols for more inclusive and effective decision-making. So, whether you're leading a team or navigating family choices, tune in and learn how to steer clear of the unanimous journey to nowhere, with our usual dose of humor and real-life experiences.

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What can leaders learn from their own experiences making major purchases?

In this episode of 'Lead On with Greg & Mark,' join us as Mark dives into his recent car-buying journey. Discover the leadership lessons hidden in everyday decisions as he recounts his experiences with different dealerships. How do these stories resonate with your own major purchase experiences? Let's explore the intricate dance of customer expectations and service together!

We chat about disruptive innovation versus incremental innovation; and Greg tells about his least favorite things to find in the water when he had a pool.

But that's not all – Greg is back with the final round of our classic TV show theme song challenge. Can you guess these four iconic tunes from their lyrics? In the comments, tell us which of the classic TV shows we’ve discussed brought back your fondest memories? 

We also give a special shoutout to a dedicated listener whose insightful leadership questions add depth to our discussion from Season 3 Episode 6. Have these reflective prompts sparked your journaling journey in 2024? We're eager to hear your thoughts!

Get ready for another fun-filled and thought-provoking episode with Greg and Mark, where we navigate the complexities of leadership with humor and wisdom.

Remember, you can catch all episodes of 'Lead On with Greg & Mark' on your favorite podcast platform. Tune in, reflect, and lead on!

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Picture this: A workplace where appreciation outshines criticism, and arguments are replaced with the harmonies of constructive conversation. That's the vision they explore, threading Dale Carnegie's principles from the 1930s into today's leadership fabric. As they share laughs and leadership lessons, they uncover how a simple smile can be a leader's most powerful tool, and why letting others save face creates a culture of trust. It's not about who's right; it's about what's right – and Greg & Mark invite you to the conversation. 

They spin the dial to a frequency where kindness tunes in with management, and where "management by walking around" becomes the soundtrack to fostering genuine connections. They share why owning up to blunders can strike the right chord with your team and how active listening can amplify everyone's voice. Plus, we get personal, sharing stories that demonstrate the impact of understanding each individual's appreciation language. So, whether you're a leader looking to lead a more cohesive team or just love a good trip down memory lane with some TV show classics, this episode is your playlist for success and everyday leadership innovation.

But first, let's see how you do in another round of classic TV show theme songs.  Will you recognize the show from the lyrics? Will Greg improve over last episode’s performance?

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

As leaders we all get knocked down.  What happens next?  Do you get back up and charge back in?  Do you stay down and give up?  Do you regroup and try again?   In this episode, we dissect a quote attributed to Muhammed Ali about what  leaders do when they are knocked down.  Join us for a conversation about overcoming obstacles as a leader through the lens of both resiliency and  strategy.

But first, we start with a challenge!  Listen along for a chance to go head-to-head with Greg as Mark quizzes him on lyrics from famous TV shows from the 80’s and 90’s. Will you recognize the TV show just from the lyrics being read?  Easier said than done - But a lot of fun and a definite trip down memory lane!  

Tune in for a mix of laughter, lessons, and a dash of inspiration to carry you through the year.

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

With the new year comes resolutions for our lives at home and at work.  How often do you reflect on your personal growth and leadership skills? Ever thought about living a life of design and purpose? Join Greg and Mark as we navigate the maze of leading during complex times and share five pivotal questions you should ask yourself every week. We delve into intentional growth, nurturing relationships and pinpointing areas that need improvement. You'll hear us reveal our personal strategies that help us stay focused on our goals and cultivate strong connections.

Not just that, we're going to dive deep into the necessity of personal reflection and self-evaluation. We look into setting goals and fostering relationships, not to mention tackling problems and identifying opportunities. You'll discover how to increase your value in various aspects of life, like being actively engaged with your loved ones and friends. To end it all, we issue an accountability challenge to ourselves, urging you to ponder about your weekly progress. So, are you ready to embrace a journey of intentional living and leading with us? You won't want to miss this.

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Ever considered what leadership wisdom Santa Claus might hold? Join us as we delve into lessons from the big guy himself, discussing the power of positivity, adaptability, and proactive communication in problem-solving. Learn how to demonstrate gratitude, provide constructive feedback, and lead by example. 

Get ready to jingle all the way with us, Greg and Mark, as we transform our offices into a festive party, donning Santa and elf costumes, rolling out karaoke on a portable speaker, and inciting impromptu holiday dance-offs! 

As usual, we go on a few tangents… listen in as we mix in talk about TV shows, wrestling, and heavy metal cover bands!  

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Ever wake up in the middle of the night, haunted by past mistakes?  Us too!   Are you also like us and serve as your own harshest critic?  Join us, Greg and Mark, as we explore the healing power of time and the art of self-reflection. Engage in a stimulating discussion about the Seven Rules of Life (@agentsteven) that Greg personally abides by - little nuggets of wisdom that steer him through life's complexities.  Remember that hilarious story about Greg trying to be a good Samaritan to some unsuspecting hunters at McDonald's?  Yep, we're revisiting that, and it's not just for laughs - it's also a testament to how doing good deeds can impact others.  We may also reveal our go-to McDonald's breakfast orders  --  one of us is trying to cut down on carbs!

Wondering how to regain trust or why happiness lies within our own hands?  Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we delve into these profound topics.  We're discussing trust - how it can be regained over time, and why the key to your happiness lies firmly in your own grasp.  Drawing our discussion to a close, we underscore the magnitude of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others, reminding ourselves that everyone carries their own battles.  So, get ready for an engaging exploration of life's rules and insights that will help you navigate your life's complexities with greater ease and self-confidence.  Our chatter might just be the companionship you need on your journey of self-discovery and growth.

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Remember the days when TV shows were an event, scheduled into our lives like a family dinner or a soccer practice? Grab some popcorn and join us for a sweet trip down memory lane as we revisit some of our favorite TV shows from the 80s and reflect on the innocent simplicity of pre-streaming television. From the thrill of Friday Night Videos to the weekend ritual of Saturday morning cartoons, we dissect some of the era-defining shows like Cheers and MASH. Oh, and we don't shy away from controversy, thrusting you right back into the heated Beta vs. VHS wars!

Venture with us into the exciting terrain of food shopping and first jobs. We trade stories about our experiences with fresh ingredients in different countries, and even share our favorite restaurants and food ordering escapades. This is where you'll get to learn about Greg's love for Olive Garden's soup, salad, and breadsticks, and why he always order off-menu items. We also get real about the importance of honesty when talking to our kids, stemming from personal tales of made-up answers. So, come on in, the conversation is warm, the laughs are hearty, and the camaraderie is real!

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Mark shares an oldie but goodie leadership article, Embracing Confusion, that is timeless. Greg & Mark explore the transformative power of navigating ambiguity in leadership positions. Uncover strategies from seasoned leaders as they share their insights on embracing uncertainty, and turning confusion into a catalyst for growth. Get ready to gain a fresh perspective on leadership in the face of complexity.

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

A conversation about the joys of car ownership results in a discussion about the many connections between car maintenance and leadership maintenance.  Greg & Mark review "The 13 Car Maintenance Tips That Can Prevent Major Repair Costs" by Ramsey Solutions, exploring how regular check-ins, strategic tuning, and proactive leadership oil changes can keep your leadership engine running smoothly. Uncover the importance of identifying and addressing "leadership warning lights" before they become major issues. Get ready for a drive through the lanes of insightful leadership maintenance tips and strategies...because just like a well maintained car, great leadership requires attention and care!

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Greg & Mark speak with their friend and colleague Dr. George Fiore.   The trio chat about the power of relationships, genuine care for others, and the importance of being authentic in their roles as leaders.  Topics include: 

• Steps leaders can take to hire team members who share your organizational mission;
• The importance of being intentional in scheduling our actions and routines; and
• Strategies for effective communication that foster positive relationships with others.  

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Have you seen the meme on social media that lists the leadership lessons from successful farmers?  Listen in as Greg & Mark chat about these words of wisdom about tending crops and and how they relate to leading teams.  

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Greg & Mark talk through a short article that shares lessons in leadership from the world of surfing.  Listen in to hear about Greg's wetsuit incident, Mark's thoughts on Point Break and the Karate Kid, and what the guys do to get out of their comfort zones.

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Greg shares an experience where he was roasted in front of a large group of his peers. Greg & Mark discuss the importance of humility in leadership positions, as well as the leadership lessons we carry with us from our youth and the ways they inform who are as leaders.

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Greg & Mark interview Coy Bowles, lead guitarist of the three-time Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band. Coy shares his respect of educators, love of storytelling, side gig as writer of children’s books, and highlights from life on the road with his band family.

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Greg and Mark interview Al Guiseppe, Geoscience Manager, about being comfortable with uncertainty.  What do you do when you're faced with a difficult decision with limited data or changing variables?  The group talks about how leaders that embrace confusion and uncertainty as strengths reflect the same concepts scientists follow with the scientific method in solving complex problems. 

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!

Greg & Mark discuss the leadership benefits of taking calculated risks. Greg shares a painful memory of a dangerous bet from his two older brothers.  Mark talks through some leadership concepts that address managing risk while still aiming for success.

Check out all episodes of Lead On with Greg & Mark on your favorite podcast platform!