Episodes
Monday Jan 29, 2024
E311 | How Sharing Your Flaws Improves Credibility
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
“The key to leadership is being vulnerable.”
Although this concept has been trending for more than a few years now, there is still plenty of ambiguity around what that actually looks like in the real world. We know this because as a leadership development company, we consistently get questions about it - What do I need to be vulnerable about? How much is too much? When is the best time to share?
Today’s episode answers these questions and several others, to help you become a better leader and teammate through a willingness to share your flaws. A few specifics we address are:
- How the perception of credibility has changed over time
- 3 key features of credibility
- How the vulnerability loop enhances relationships
- “The little things” that contribute to trustworthiness and warmth
Referenced Resources:
Valued: If you’re struggling with feeling under-valued in your current job or position, this episode is just a starting point for ways to influence how you’re perceived by others in the workplace. Our online course Valued covers this topic in more depth, as well as working as a go-to guide for all things finding, solidifying and maximizing the job. This resource will teach you the skills you need to become irreplaceable within your organization.
1:1 Mentoring: For anyone looking for someone to lean on, act as a devil’s advocate, or just run ideas and decisions by, this program is designed to provide the support and accountability you need. We have a wide variety of mentors in many different locations and walks of life available to provide you guidance and training tailored specifically to your needs. Apply for our 1:1 Mentorship Program today, or reach out to us at info@artofcoaching.com, and we’ll get you moving in the right direction!
Monday Jan 22, 2024
E310 | A Key Strategy for Avoiding Misunderstandings
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
In the pursuit of being a better communicator, leader, coach, teammate, spouse, or friend, it’s easy for us to get caught up in our messaging - that is, WHAT we are saying.
And as ambitious individuals, we dive into the research. With a bit of education, reflection, and feedback, we then realize that it’s not just the words themselves, but also HOW we say them, that matters. Afterall, studies have shown that the actual words said only account for 7% of the perceived meaning!
But even when we take both of these things into consideration, we still seem to have misunderstandings. That’s why today’s episode gives you several new pieces of the context to chew on as you reflect on previous interactions or strategize for upcoming conversations.
Some of the key topics covered in this episode are:
- The questions you need to ask yourself BEFORE you start to strategize your approach
- Specific outlines and examples to use when approaching hard conversations
- How to combat the fear of being taken the wrong way
Related Episodes:
126: 8 Obstacles to Building Buy-In
127: How To Give the Most Effective Feedback
130: How Understanding Drives Helps Build Buy-In
194: How To Become a Better Listener
202: Why Facts & Logic Don’t Change Our Minds
207: How Perception Impacts Communication and Relationships
261: “What Should I Do?” Applying Strategic Thinking to Conflict Resolution
270: How To Build Trust So You Can Do Your Job, Have More Autonomy, & Help More People
FULL DISCLOSURE ALERT: Despite running a company that is largely focused on communication and understanding, power dynamics and human interaction, I fall short a lot. My wife and I have been together for 13+ years. We still get into arguments, we still fight, and I lose my cool sometimes. And for a long time, I felt like that made me a failure and a fraud. And then what I realized is it's exactly what we talked about at Art of Coaching and why our products exist. None of us are ever going to be good enough at communication. It doesn’t matter what or how many degrees or certifications I have, how many books I’ve written, or how many people I’ve mentored along the way. There’s always room for improvement, ESPECIALLY when it comes to my family and loved ones.
If you can relate to this, that's where our work can help. We don't do a bunch of pie in the sky solutions. We're real people who have real flaws just like you, but we take a research backed and experienced based approach to help you improve in those areas that matter most. So if you want to improve as a communicator - whether it's for your job, for your loved ones, or for yourself, check out what we do at artofcoaching.com.
Live Workshops: The Apprenticeship, Speaker School, or Brand Builder
Virtual Community: Mighty Networks
If you have specific questions or experiences you’d like to share, or if there’s any certain topics you’d like to hear us speak on, reach out to us directly at info@artofcoaching.com. Our community (that includes YOU) is the reason we do what we do! We would love to hear from you and provide you with the specific value you’re looking for.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by Momentous. Moving into the new year, we are excited to announce our continued partnership with this loyal and reliable organization! Momentous is our oldest partner, but they are STILL improving their product. If you are looking for the best tasting and cleanest protein out there, look no further. Code: BRETT15 gets you 15% off your first order!
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
If you’re a first time listener to the Art of Coaching podcast, it’s important for you to know that the focus of our work is to provide you with pragmatic solutions to real world problems; to have real conversations about the messy realities of life and leadership that often get swept under the rug; to avoid simply giving short term band aid solutions, and to equip you with the tools you need to address the root causes of the problems you’re working to overcome.
That’s why we are excited to bring the work of today’s guest - the psychology of distraction - directly to you. Nir Eyal is the author of two bestsellers. His first book, Hooked, is a Silicon Valley must-read and emerged from a class he taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He's just published a follow-up book, Indistractable, which is what we cover in our conversation today.
Indistractable was recently named one of the Best Business and Leadership Books of the Year, according to Amazon and one of the Best Personal Development Books of the Year by Audible. It also won the 2019 Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award in the Big Idea category.
Because of the actionable frameworks and research-backed strategies for fighting distraction, we knew Nir’s work would provide monumental value to our ambitious audience. Specifically, Nir dives into:
- The difference between root cause and proximate cause and how this affects your productivity
- Different types of distraction and how to identify them
- 4 steps to becoming “indistractable”
- Examples on how to use these 4 steps in your personal and professional life
Nir’s Work:
Books: Indistractable & Hooked
Articles:
Free Tools:
Social Media Links:
Upcoming Apprenticeship Workshops:
The Apprenticeship - Become more socially agile with our live Leadership Training Workshop.
When we say “leadership training,” we are not referring to cheesy corny trust-falls, motivational speak, or anything of the sorts. We are talking about the things that people say they wish they would have known earlier in their career and life - how to navigate difficult people and conversations, power dynamics, negotiations, and implement change.
If you deal with people-problems at all, if you’re in a leadership position or want to be in a leadership role, if you want LESS DRAMA - you need to get to this event! Check out our entire 2024 live event schedule for the best date and location for you!
Today’s episode is brought to you by Betterhelp.
At some level, we all struggle with unexpected challenges in life. BetterHelp is an accessible, convenient, private, and affordable therapy option to help you look at your problems a little differently, feel less stressed, and gain confidence. Visit BetterHelp.com/AOC for 10% off your first month.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
E308 | How to Improve Sales Without Being Slimy
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
There are a lot of negative stereotypes surrounding “sales.” Everything from the “sleazy car salesman” to the “lifestyle lush” to the “credibility crackpot” - there’s no shortage of these! So it makes sense why so many of us have some level of discomfort when we think about selling something.
But the truth is that “sales” is an every-day part of our lives - whether it’s at work, at home, or in our social circles, selling is unavoidable.
So to help ease any insecurities you might have about the topic, and/or to help you become more purposeful in your sales approach and strategy, today’s episode covers the Do’s, Don’ts and Core Principles behind the sales process. Specifically,
- The essential information you need to tailor your message appropriately
- Why so many of us have insecurities about the idea of sales
- How to keep your messaging consistent and build trust with your audience
- Critical questions and considerations for your communication strategy
Referenced Resources:
Brand Builder (Entrepreneur Essentials Workshop)
Facilitator Course - Email us to find out more at info@artofcoaching.com
The Apprenticeship - our live Leadership and Communication Training Workshop. *Take advantage of early bird, military/ first responder, and group discounts!
When we say “leadership training,” we are not referring to cheesy corny trust-falls, motivational speak, or anything of the sorts. We are talking about the things that people say they wish they would have known earlier in their career and life - how to navigate difficult people and conversations, power dynamics, negotiations, and implement change.
If you deal with people-problems at all, if you’re in a leadership position or want to be in a leadership role, if you want LESS DRAMA - you need to get to this event! Check out our entire 2024 live event schedule for the best date and location for you!
Referenced Podcast Episodes:
E266: How To Find Your Voice & Get Out Of Your Head
E204: Amira Mansour: Starting Your Own Coaching Business & Managing The Voice In Your Head
E188: Ethan Kross: Chatter - The Voice In Our Head, Why It Matters, and How To Harness It
E112: Finding & Developing Your Leadership Voice
If there are other topics you’d like us to dive into in our podcast, please let us know! We want to hear from you and value your questions and feedback immensely! You can reach us directly at info@artofcoaching.com or submit your questions HERE.
Podcast Sponsors:
Moving into the new year, we are excited to announce our continued partnership with Momentous! Momentous is our oldest partner, but they are STILL improving their product. If you are looking for the best tasting and cleanest protein out there, look no further. Code: BRETT15 gets you 15% off your first order!
Monday Jan 01, 2024
E307 | Most Shared E117 | Impression Management in Leadership & Life
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Monday Jan 01, 2024
The brands we wear, the foods we eat, the people we associate with, the way we act in public… These are all ways we consciously (and often subconsciously) control others’ perception of us.
But we don’t have just one “authentic self” to portray. We are like actors playing many roles, in a constant state of flux depending on our context.
Awareness of this outward expression, or as we like to say, impression management, can help us understand how our public image is tied to our ability to reach desired goals.
On today’s episode we’ll discuss:
- The reasons for our curated self-presentation
- The 6 types we exhibit most and why they work
- How to refine our current impression management strategies
Join Our 1:1 or Group Mentoring Programs here
Follow us on social media:
Via Instagram: @coach_BrettB & @aocoaching
Via Twitter: @coach_BrettB
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and my newsletter
Learn More About My Courses, Clinics, and Live Events At: ArtofCoaching.com
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Monday Dec 25, 2023
If you’re like me, you often reflect on the things your parents, grandparents, or mentors have taught you.
But have you ever asked them what they’ve learned from you?
The answer may surprise you.
The life of Marsha Bartholomew has been no cakewalk. From the challenges she faced growing up with a no-nonsense family, to a young female professional in a male dominated work-force, to motherhood, and beyond - the lessons she’s learned along the way provide insight and value to people in every walk of life.
In today’s episode, my mom expands on her life experiences, including a 38 year career with the Social Security Administration. She speaks about:
- The leadership secret that AI will never be able to replace
- How she overcame challenges she faced as a woman in the workforce in the ‘70s
- The tactics she used to create an achievement driven culture in an extremely diverse department
- The best and worst advice she’s ever received
Referenced Resources:
A Note on your Continuing Education:
What does your continuing education look like? Whatever conferences you’re attending, articles or books you’re reading, or online courses you’re crawling through, ask yourself - are you truly getting the applied value you’re seeking? As we walk into 2024, please consider stepping away from the same old conferences and clinics you go to year after year, and give us a chance to provide you with value that positively impacts you both professionally AND personally!
Get Involved with the Art of Coaching Community:
The Apprenticeship - our live Leadership and Communication Training Workshop.
When we say “leadership training,” we are not referring to cheesy corny trust-falls, motivational speak, or anything of the sorts. We are talking about the things that people say they wish they would have known earlier in their career and life - how to navigate difficult people and conversations, power dynamics, negotiations, and implement change.
If you deal with people-problems at all, if you’re in a leadership position or want to be in a leadership role, if you want LESS DRAMA - you need to get to this event! Check out our entire 2024 live event schedule for the best date and location for you!
To check out our mentorship services, live events, and the other continuing education opportunities we offer at Art of Coaching, explore our website, or let us know what you’re looking for at info@artofcoaching.com. We are happy to help you find the best resources for your specific goals!
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
“What hills are you willing to die on?”
This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard that question, but it’s one worth revisiting time and time again. Why? Because it’s a key factor in deciding when and how to communicate in sticky situations.
In today’s episode, our guest Missy Mitchell-McBeth shares what she has learned first hand about being authentic - and sometimes even “painfully honest” - throughout her 20 year career, and provides valuable insight about how and when to adapt your communication approach.
Missy is a strength and conditioning coach with over 20 years of experience at
both the high school and collegiate levels. She is the owner of SaFe Iron, LLC a consulting company that teaches simplified strength and conditioning principles to sport coaches. She also serves as the Director of Sports Performance for Fieldhouse Volleyball Club in the DFW
Metro Area, and is the Texas Assistant Sales and Business Development Director at
Power Lift, USA.
In addition, Mitchell-McBeth serves on the board of the National High School Strength Coaches Association, holding a MSEd in Exercise Physiology along with CSCS, SCCC, USAW, and FRCms certifications.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear Missy’s thoughts on:
- The values that guide her decisions and determine which hills she’s willing to die on
- Navigating difficult personalities in the workplace, despite generational differences
- Tips for deciding what “battles” to fight & advice for the young professional
- The keys to influencing someone like her - a very direct and “no B.S.” type of personality
How to Connect with Missy:
Website: Safeirontraining.com
Twitter & Instagram: @missyMmcbeth
Referenced Resources:
Quiz: What Drives You?
Leave a Review for the podcast
What questions do you have? What would you like to hear more about on our podcast? Please reach out to us directly at info@artofcoaching.com and let us know! Help us bring you the value you’re looking for!
Whether your goals are personal or professional in nature, there are no skills more transferable than people skills. Your level of social agility - your ability to listen well and speak appropriately, manage sensitive or sticky situations, and influence others - will not only set you apart from your peers, but also provide a higher level of satisfaction in your life and relationships. At AoC, our goal is to provide you with the tools, strategies and practice you need to make progress in these areas. Whether it’s through 1-to-1 mentoring, online courses, or live workshops, we’ve got you covered!
Today’s episode is brought to you by AG1. For those of us who juggle busy lives, being able to get your daily vitamins and minerals is not always easy. It doesn't matter what your morning routine consists of, sometimes you’re just on the go and you have to sacrifice the important for the urgent. That’s where AG1 comes in. Packed with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sources, AG1 is what you need to stay on track and accountable to a healthy lifestyle, despite the chaos. Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune supporting vitamin D and 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase by going to drinkAG1.com/coach.
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Comparison is the thief of joy, and FOMO is the enemy of you really valuing your own time, your own experience and your own perspective.
It can be so easy to get caught up in what we think we SHOULD be feeling during the holiday season - especially with the way it is promoted in all the cheesy movies, TV shows and social media.
So if you’re someone who struggles with this, or you know someone who does, its important to know you aren’t alone.
In fact, you fall into the majority.
Because there are so many people out there dealing with this, today’s episode is meant to address a number of factors we can control to improve our mood and adjust our perspectives and expectations of “the most wonderful time of the year.”
Here are just a few of the remedies you can implement:
- Motion is Lotion - how physical movement positively impacts your mood (18:10)
- Specific and simple strategies to change your environment (24:00)
- Why both pro-social behavior AND isolating yourself can be necessary (28:25)
- How to leverage your mood to benefit your productivity (41:30)
Referenced Materials:
AOC Podcast Episode 106 - Jesse Elis: The Authenticity Trap
AOC Podcast Episode 146 - How to Deal with Overwhelm & Burnout
Please help us support the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association by purchasing a signed copy of Conscious Coaching. This is not only a great cause, but gives us the chance to personally say thank you for supporting our small family-owned business. Your support makes a tremendous difference and we appreciate our community more than you know! CLICK HERE to make your purchase of $11.99/ each!
It's also hard to have a clear mind if you never get a chance to talk out some of the issues or problems you're struggling with. For this exact reason, we now offer our 1-on-1 Art of Coaching virtual mentoring program. Coaches need coaches too, and that's the value we can provide to you if you let us. Submit a request form today for more information!
We can’t say this enough, so we’ll say it again - WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK! If you have any questions, concerns or feedback to share, please reach out to use directly at info@artofcoaching.com. We would love to hear from you!
Today’s episode is brought to you by:
BetterHelp: Listen, life does not come with a user manual. You don't need me to tell you that. So when it's not working for you, maybe you feel like you're in a funk, maybe you're having a hard time making a decision, maybe you just need somebody to listen to you. It is an asset to be able to reach out to the world's largest therapy service. Better help has matched 3 million people with Professionally licensed and bedded therapists that are available 100% online, and it's affordable. Go to betterhelp.com/aoc.
Monday Dec 04, 2023
E303 | Critical Questions to Ask Yourself Before the Year Ends
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
The pursuit of personal and professional growth can be exhausting. It requires consistent open-mindedness, regular introspection, daily accountability and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs and opinions.
And let’s be honest - admitting you’re wrong is never fun or easy.
So, to help you in this pursuit, we want to share a list of 10 of our favorite reflection questions. We’ve not only used ourselves as a self-awareness tool, but also with our staff, family and friends to spark purposeful discussion, and to gain the outside perspective we need to reveal our blindspots. We hope you’ll benefit from them as much as we have!
Find a list of all 10 questions (plus a fun bonus question) by downloading our Podcast Reflection Questions if you haven’t already done so. And if you have any other questions that you’ve found particularly helpful, and you’d like to share, we’d love to hear them! You can reach us directly at info@artofcoaching.com.
If you find this episode helpful, check out our most updated FREE Self - Reflection Guide for another 150 questions or browse through any of our other free resources!
Help us in our fight against Leukemia and Alzheimer's by purchasing a Signed Copy of Conscious Coaching:
Each holiday season, we donate a portion of our signed book sales to these organizations. Because a core attribute of our business is conveying Midwest warmth and appreciation, we sell signed copies. This also gives us a chance to say thank you and personalize each individual copy. So if you want to donate to a good cause, and you know somebody that maybe would appreciate the book, or maybe you want to buy a bunch of them for your institution as other organizations have, or whatever it is, go to https://artofcoaching.com/product/book/.
Today’s episode is brought to you by AG1: They get it - you’re time poor and don’t always get in the fruits and veggies you know you should, especially during the holiday season. So take this opportunity to get the nutrients you need to keep your body healthy and functioning at an optimal level! Get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase simply by visiting drinkAG1.com/coach.
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
“True genius, in strategy or anywhere, lies in self-control, self-mastery, presence of mind, and fluidity of thought.” - Robert Greene
When it comes to the study of human nature, power dynamics and social intelligence, there’s perhaps no one more knowledgeable than Robert Greene.
Collectively, his 7 (soon to be 8) books have sold more than 20 million copies, and along the way he’s consulted countless world leaders, athletes, politicians and celebrities.
By scouring human history to understand patterns of behavior, he’s developed the unique ability to take incredibly complex and rich subject matter and whittle it down to key learnings that are relatable, tactical and applicable.
In this interview, we ask Robert what role communication, self-awareness and social intelligence played in not only his own life but also the historical figures he has dedicated his life to studying.
We cover:
- Tips for navigating the messiness of the human condition
- Behind the scenes of his new book, The Law of The Sublime
- Applying higher level strategy in sports and business
- The critical communication skill every coach must prioritize
- How our obsession with technology impacts our communication
Connect with Robert Greene:
Via his website / buy his books: https://www.robertgreene.co/
Via his social media: https://linktr.ee/Robertgreene
In this episode, you heard Brett and Robert talk about our live 2 day communication workshop - The Apprenticeship. If you’ve ever wanted to see how you come across to others, learn how to ethically influence people, navigate power dynamics and develop a strategy or approach for solving conflict or having hard conversations- join us! Your chance to secure your spot (***they’re limited***) and the Early Bird Discount for our upcoming San Francisco event ends December 3, so act today! Save $150 HERE!
Other AoC Resources:
1:1 Virtual or Group Mentoring/ Staff Development
Group Mentoring (The Coalition)
If this episode was helpful and you appreciated the replay, please do us a favor and leave us a review on iTunes and share the episode with anyone else you think would benefit from it. This helps us more than you know, and we can’t thank you enough for your time, effort, and support! And, as always, if you have any questions or specific topics you’d like to hear about, reach out to us directly at info@artofcoaching.com.