It doesn’t take a genius.

Common fallacies: Seeing through what’s not true (part 1--Avoiding the question)

Some informative new episodes related to our series on "Crucial Conversations:"
This latest series focuses on “common fallacies,” arguments we make that, if you stop to think about them, just can’t be true.
Identifying and naming these statements can keep you from losing focus on what truly matters.
We encourage our listeners (both of you) to use these fallacies to evaluate the stories others tell you and the stories you tell yourself.
Plus, they’re funny!
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and/or Mark. 

Developing confidence as a new leader

Are you a new leader lacking confidence? We’ve got some tips. 
Confidence wasn’t automatically included when you were promoted to your first leadership position. We can help.
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and/or Mark. 

Eight ways to ask a question well

As coaches, Mike and Mark spend a lot of time teaching clients how to coach their teams. You can learn powerful questions ... you can master frameworks for the conversation ... but how do you ask the question?
This episode borrows liberally from Mark's training with the International Coach Federation and from Michael Bungay Stanier, who we think is the bee's knees.
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and/or Mark. 

114 - Crucial Conversations: Take action--and follow up!

That high-stakes, emotional conversation you just had? The one where you finally had a resolution to a big issue? It's all for nothing if you don't complete this final step.
This episode is part of our series on "Crucial Conversations." The first episode is at this link. 
We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. 

113 - Crucial Conversations: The S.T.A.T.E. method

Finally! After all the prep work, it's time to have that high-stakes, emotional conversation. There are three "whats" and two "hows." Introducing S.T.A.T.E. 
This episode is part of our series on "Crucial Conversations." The first episode is at this link. 
We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. 

112 - Crucial Conversations: Make it safe

There is one more thing to do before you actually have that high-stakes, emotional conversation: ensure you make it safe. Whatever "safety" means to you, there are multiple perspectives to consider, which are all addressed in this episode. 
This episode is part of our series on "Crucial Conversations." The first episode is at this link. 
We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. 

111 - Crucial Conversations: Master your story

Have you ever had an argument that turned out to be just a misunderstanding? If you're going to have a high-stakes, emotionally charged conversation, you need to look hard at the story you are telling yourself. Learn more about this powerful and challenging exercise. 
This episode is part of our series on "Crucial Conversations." The first episode is at this link. 
We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. 

110 - Crucial Conversations: Learn to look

In preparing for a high-stakes, emotionally charged conversation where there will be opposing views ... you better learn to look. Mainly at yourself. Tips on how to do so in this episode. 
This episode is part of our series on "Crucial Conversations." The first episode is at this link. 
We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. 

109 - Crucial Conversations: Start with the heart

When you identify a high-stakes, emotional issue with strongly opposing views  ... how quickly do you discuss it? 
Or do you resort to "silence or violence?" 
As promised last episode, welcome to our series on how to have difficult conversations. We are using the excellent "Crucial Conversations" as our inspiration.
Whether you have to tell somebody they smell bad, discuss a bad behavior with a loved one or give negative feedback to a colleague, listen to hear how practical and valuable this universal tool can be.  
We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. 

108: The eight things that hinder your coaching

Mike and Mark talk through how to handle eight common things recent research revealed as roadblocks to coaching in an organization. 
No. 2 on the list is an excellent example of why we are so excited for of our coming series on how to have difficult conversations. Listen in for a preview on this universal issue. 
We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark.