People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast

Summary When you hear the word negotiation, what comes to mind? A boardroom showdown? A salary discussion? In this episode, Andy welcomes back Dr. Mike Clayton, author of How to Negotiate: Practical and Proven Skills to Help You Strike Better Deals to unpack the truth about negotiating. Mike brings clarity, wisdom, and practicality to a skill that project managers and frontline leaders use more often than they might realize. In this conversation, you'll learn why negotiation is not a talent you're born with. Rather, it's a skill you can build. Mike explains how to prepare effectively, how to open conversations the right way, and how to bargain in ways that foster agreement, not conflict. You'll discover surprising examples of everyday negotiations, phrases that help (and hurt) rapport, and even ideas to help your kids become more confident negotiators. If you're looking for insights on how to lead through conversations that matter, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Negotiation is a process of searching for an agreement that satisfies both parties.” “You can become a good negotiator the same way you become a good leader: by learning and practicing.” “Building agreement on agreement is easier than building agreement on disagreement.” "What will you get when you’ve got it? Because that’s the motivator." “If we respect each other and follow a process, we can negotiate even in tough situations.” “The phrases that are best for building rapport are questions.” “Signposting the junction means alerting our counterparty that we think we’re coming to the point where we need to stop.” “Your credibility is currency. Character and trust are foundational in negotiation.” “Almost every conversation where two people want different things is a negotiation.” “It's okay to negotiate. It's okay to walk away. And it's okay to not always win.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Start of Interview 01:04 Understanding Negotiation as a Skill 02:01 Common Myths About Negotiation 05:39 The Process of Negotiation 12:31 Preparing for a Negotiation 16:12 Opening a Negotiation 23:05 Introduction to Feedback and Negotiation 23:43 Breaking Down Feedback 24:42 The Yes Mindset in Negotiation 25:56 Building Rapport in Negotiation 27:40 The Light and Dark Sides of Language 29:08 Signposting the Junction in Negotiation 31:47 Establishing Character in Negotiation 34:21 Teaching Kids to Negotiate 38:34 End of Interview 39:01 Andy Comments After the Interview 42:09 Outtakes Learn More You can find Mike’s content and negotiation advice at his YouTube channel: OnlinePMCourses. For more learning on negotiation, check out these episodes: Episode 444 with Rick Czaplewski, who provides negotiating secrets for project managers Episode 412 with Scott Walker, who provides insights from a former hostage negotiator Episode 148 with Dan Shapiro: High-stakes negotiation from a Harvard expert Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Negotiation, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Project Management, Influence, Rapport Building, Conflict Resolution, Trust, Team Collaboration, Process Thinking, Parenting The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Jon Harper, author of *Rebuild! Don't Repair*, emphasizes the courage needed to move beyond temporary fixes in life and leadership. He discusses the importance of rebuilding on solid foundations rather than relying on quick fixes like duct tape. Harper shares personal stories, including quitting alcohol, and highlights how evaluating our surroundings can facilitate transformation. He advocates for daily habits to help children—and teams—process their experiences, stressing that true growth lies in continuous learning and embracing authenticity.

Phil Wilson, a leadership coach and author of The Leader-Shift Playbook, shares his transformative journey in leadership. He discusses his "Mount Stupid" moment, realizing he was the biggest obstacle to his team's success. The conversation delves into four critical shifts for leaders, emphasizing the power of belief and the importance of small habits in team culture. Phil highlights how to cultivate trust in remote teams and how positive leadership perspectives can turn team members into heroes. Practical insights on feedback, self-awareness, and impactful conversations are also featured.

In this engaging conversation, James Turk, an executive coach and author of The Giving Game, shares his wisdom on navigating the leap from individual contributor to team leader. He emphasizes that expertise doesn’t guarantee effective leadership and outlines why the first 45 days are crucial. Listeners can expect practical tips on fostering team climate, the importance of clarity, and effective feedback. James also shares personal anecdotes on how emotional intelligence enhances leadership, making this a must-listen for new managers.

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Sabina Nawaz, global CEO coach and former Microsoft executive, about her new book You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need. With authenticity and insight, Sabina shares what no one tells you about stepping into management, from the strange emptiness that can follow a promotion to how pressure can quietly bring out the worst in us. They discuss why even successful leaders can feel like imposters, how power and pressure distort our perceptions, and what it means to be an “innocent saboteur.” Sabina also offers practical advice, such as developing your “shut up muscle,” asking better questions, and making small habit changes that stick. The conversation covers everything from leadership in the workplace to parenting, making this one of those rare episodes with takeaways for every area of life. If you're looking for insights on how to grow as a leader without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “It’s not power that corrupts. It’s pressure that corrupts.” “If nobody’s giving you the full truth, what are the ways you might be going off track?” “When you're under pressure, do nothing. That’s counterintuitive but that’s where insight lives.” “The more righteous you feel, the more you need to consider alternative stories.” “Use 'Say more' when you're curious—and especially when you're judgmental.” “The only way to overachieve is to underachieve—start with micro habits.” “You’re not the only one with imposter syndrome—CEOs have it too.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Start of Interview 02:24 “Can you think of anything from your family culture or experiences growing up that may have influenced how you think about leadership?” 05:08 “You describe getting promoted as a strange emptiness—what were the signs it came with unexpected costs?” 07:17 “Do you see imposter syndrome even in top-level leaders you coach?” 08:21 “How does embracing the complexity of leadership change how we view our own leaders?” 10:04 “How do we unknowingly sabotage ourselves as leaders?” 12:09 “What are some of the signs that you're veering off track as a boss?” 13:10 “What specific things do you personally do to manage pressure situations so you don’t become a monster?” 17:13 “You say, ‘stay small longer than you think you need to.' What does that mean and how do you apply it?” 21:07 “What is a singular story and how do we rescue ourselves from believing them?” 26:20 “What’s the ‘shut up muscle’ and how do you develop it?” 29:02 “Can you think of ideas from the book that apply to parenting as well?” 31:44 End of Interview 32:09 Andy Comments After the Interview 37:40 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Sabina and her work at SabinaNawaz.com/book. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 455 with Janet Polach. It’s a great follow-on to what we talked with Sabina here today. Episode 456 with Kevin Eikenberry. Leading at the next level up comes with a lot of ambiguity that can shake our confidence. Kevin hits that topic head on—I think you’ll get value out of it. Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about his book The Leap to Leader. Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Management, Power Dynamics, Self-Awareness, Feedback, Emotional Intelligence, Coaching, Communication, Organizational Culture, Habits, Imposter Syndrome, Pressure, Stress The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Josefine Campbell, a leadership coach and author of '12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader,' shares valuable insights on navigating toxic workplace dynamics. She offers practical tools like the 'Stress Staircase' for identifying stress in yourself and your team. Josefine emphasizes that while you can't change a selfish boss, you can transform your self-management approach. Learn to recognize manipulative behaviors and reclaim your well-being with techniques like breathing exercises and effective communication strategies.

Kari Mirabal, a networking expert and author of 'You Already Have the No', shares her dynamic strategies for building authentic relationships in challenging career moments. She emphasizes the importance of networking early and often, dispelling fears around asking for help. With practical tips for leveraging LinkedIn and navigating job interviews, Kari also discusses the balance between AI and human connection in job searching. Her expertise empowers listeners to strengthen their personal brands and cultivate confidence.

Dave Garrison, author of The Buy-In Advantage, delves into the roots of employee disengagement and offers strategies to inspire genuine commitment. He highlights the difference between mere engagement and true buy-in, stressing the importance of emotional investment. Garrison critiques traditional management tactics that often fail and underscores the need for leaders to embrace curiosity and clarity. He also discusses how personalized recognition and inclusive decision-making can significantly boost team morale and collaboration.

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Faisal Hoque, author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI. Faisal brings a unique blend of deep philosophical insight, entrepreneurial experience, and technological expertise to the conversation. They explore how leaders can navigate the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in what makes us human. The discussion explores how to think about AI not just as a tool or collaborator, but as a mirror that reflects our biases and decisions. Faisal introduces the OPEN and CARE frameworks as practical ways to innovate while managing risk, making this conversation highly actionable for project managers and leaders. From detaching from digital noise to preparing the next generation for an AI-shaped world, Faisal offers a thoughtful roadmap for embracing technology without losing our agency. If you're looking for insights on how to thrive in the age of AI with both optimism and responsibility, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “You can be optimistic, but you can also mitigate risk at the same time. One doesn't really work without the other.” “Catastrophizing is not doomism, but it's really a risk management practice.” "AI is not just a tool or collaborator, it's a mirror." “Don't outsource your agency. It's easy to let AI nudge your decisions without even realizing it.” “Just like you don't put a 10-year-old in a car to drive... technology can do a lot of good, but it can also be disastrous.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Start of Interview 02:00 What From Your Background Shaped Your Thinking? 03:54 How Philosophy and Systems Thinking Intersect 06:00 Introducing the OPEN and CARE Frameworks 06:55 What Is the Human Role in an AI World? 09:43 How AI Can Subtly Influence Our Choices 11:40 Sci-Fi's Influence on AI Perception 15:07 What Is an AI Persona and How Do You Use Them? 18:13 Why AI Is Also a Mirror of Us 22:33 Introducing the OPEN Framework for Individuals 25:33 How Emotional Intelligence Applies to AI Partnership 27:02 The Role of Catastrophizing in Risk Management 28:58 The Value of Detaching and Devoting 32:03 How We Can Prepare Our Kids for an AI World 35:31 End of Interview 36:00 Andy Comments After the Interview 40:33 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Faisal and his work at FaisalHoque.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 460 with Dr. Joe Sutherland about AI, Data, and Decision Making Episode 454 with Dr. Christie Smith about how AI is changing leadership Episode 437 with Nada Sanders on her book Humachine (Human + Machine) Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: AI, Leadership, Risk Management, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Emotional Intelligence, Strategic Thinking, Project Management, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Technology Ethics, Future of Work The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dr. Margie Warrell, bestselling author and global leadership expert, dives into the intricacies of courage and fear. She reveals that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. Margie discusses how personal stories shape our reality and the impact of overachieving on fear. She emphasizes communication's role in overcoming anxiety and practical steps to face difficult conversations. With insights from her book, she empowers listeners to close their 'courage gap' and lead with confidence.