Productivity Gladiator

This episode features a debate between Brian and Eric Girard. There are 5 productivity hacks that these two disagree on. The discussion includes: tasks written on calendar vs to-do list, planning out every minute of the day on your calendar, wake-up times (early vs. late), meditation, and the use of Amazon Subscribe & Save. Throughout the episode, both participants present their opposing viewpoints. Which side do you agree with? What did they miss or not consider?See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/5-productivity-hacks-we-disagree-on-with-eric-girard*****************************References In This EpisodeThe 10 day meditation course and challenge Brian referred to from Headspace.Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program information.Chewy’s Autoship program. Eric’s Girard Training Solutions organization, and podcast: Management Development Unlocked*****************************Episode Digest5 Hacks That Divide These ExpertsIn a recent episode of the Productivity Gladiator podcast, host Brian squares off against guest Eric Girard on five contentious productivity hacks. Their lively debate highlights how even seasoned professionals can disagree on best practices. Let's break down their arguments:1. Tasks: On The Calendar vs. On A To-Do ListBrian advocates for keeping tasks on a separate to-do list, arguing that calendars should be reserved for time-specific commitments.Eric prefers putting tasks directly on his calendar, a habit he's maintained since school.Key Debate Points: Scalability, handling timeless tasks, and the risk of losing track of items when they're not completed on schedule.2. Daily Planning: Structured vs. FlexibleEric plans out every hour of his day for maximum efficiency.Brian leaves open space in his schedule, valuing flexibility to handle unexpected tasks or opportunities.The Crux: Does rigid planning boost productivity, or does it create more work through constant rescheduling?3. Wake-Up Times: Early Bird vs. Night OwlEric champions the 5 AM wake-up, embracing the "early bird gets the worm" philosophy.Brian prefers a later start, arguing for the benefits of evening productivity and social life in the evenings.Discussion Point: How do these choices impact work-life balance and overall productivity?4. Meditation: Essential or “Meh”Eric swears by morning meditation to sharpen his mind for the day ahead.Brian finds meditation puts him to sleep, reserving it for those 4 AM can't-sleep moments.The Question: Is meditation a productivity booster or just another task on the to-do list?5. Amazon Subscribe & Save: Convenience or HassleBrian is all-in on Subscribe & Save, praising its convenience and cost savings.Eric prefers on-demand purchasing, wary of accumulating unnecessary items.Core Issue: Does automating purchases save time and money, or lead to waste and clutter?The TakeawayThis debate showcases how personal productivity can be. What works for one expert might be counterproductive for another. As you listen to the episode, consider:• Which side do you lean towards on each topic?• What factors in your life influence these preferences?• Are there additional perspectives or nuances the hosts might have overlooked?Remember, the hosts are coming at these perspectives having tried both sides and developed their opinion. The best productivity system is the one that works for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt these strategies to fit your unique needs and lifestyle.Chapters— Introduction— The Calendar vs. To-Do List Debate— Planning Every Hour vs. Leaving Open Space— Early Riser vs. Late Riser: Workout Preferences— Meditation: A Tool for Focus or Sleep?— Amazon Subscribe and Save: Convenience or Clutter?****************************************Today’s GuestERIC GIRARDCEO, GIRARD TRAINING SOLUTIONSEric Girard has over 30 years of experience helping improve the performance of managers and employees. He specializes in the development of new managers, focusing on their successful transition to their new role and on their team management skills. He has a high-energy and engaging facilitation style.Eric is a passionate, lifelong learner. As a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, he is pursuing the rating of Master Scuba Diver Trainer. When not designing or delivering training, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and twin 14-year-old daughters.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ericpgirard Instagram: instagram.com/eric.p.girardWebsite: girardtrainingsolutions.com Podcast: girardtrainingsolutions.com/podcast **************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a leader at all levels, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. Graduates wield time management & life balance superpowers, activate a laser-guided ability to focus & prioritize, and implement a sniper-precise approach to task & email management. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Joel MacCharles joins Brian to discuss discuss managing your interruption overload and staying focused. They share their personal strategies for staying organized and productive, including using to-do lists, calendars, and focus music. They emphasize the need to prioritize tasks and eliminate unnecessary meetings and emails. Joel expresses his frustration with the amount of time wasted on interruptions and emphasizes the importance of making a change.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/beat-interruption-overload-your-hidden-productivity-killer-with-joel-maccharles*****************************References In This EpisodeBrian’s tip to cut down your inbox - 2 Email Rules To Cut Your Inbox Down By More Than HalfBrian’s tip on eliminating your newsfeed - app called #blockit - Addiction to Social Media: Fix It With Apps & Tech HacksBrian’s focus music with the free playlists - Turbocharge Your Focus & Productivity Through MusicJoel MacCharles on LinkedIn*****************************Episode DigestIn this episode, Brian Nelson-Palmer and Joel Mack Charles discuss conquering interruption overload and improving productivity. They share their personal experiences and practical tips for managing interruptions and regaining focus. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and minimizing interruptions, taking proactive measures to regain control, and using tools like focus mode and smart folders. They also discuss the limitations of traditional time management techniques in the face of modern interruptions.In this conversation, Brian and Joel discuss the importance of managing interruptions and staying focused. They share their personal strategies for staying organized and productive, including using to-do lists, calendars, and focus music.They emphasize the need to prioritize tasks and eliminate unnecessary meetings and emails. Joel expresses his frustration with the amount of time wasted on interruptions and emphasizes the importance of making a change.Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and strategies for overcoming interruption overload and improving productivity.TakeawaysRecognize the volume and impact of interruptions in your lifeTake proactive measures to minimize interruptions and regain controlUse tools like focus mode and smart folders to manage interruptionsReconsider traditional time management techniques in the face of modern interruptionsCreate a curated and controlled environment for social media use Create a to-do list and prioritize tasks to stay organized and focused.Use calendars and time blocking to schedule tasks and eliminate interruptions.Consider using focus music to enhance concentration and productivity.Eliminate unnecessary meetings and emails to save time and increase productivity.Shift to purpose or outcome-based meetings to focus on decision-making and reduce wasted meeting time.Sound Bites"I have lived in the trenches of the nightmare of interruptions and lack of focus""I’m really angry…Interruption overload is a massive problem""I'm curious your thoughts on that…it’s a huge power move to work from a to-do list.""When it's time to crank it out, I hit the focus mode on my computer so that there's no interruptions. And then I have the focus music playlist.”Chapters02:30 Understanding Interruption Overload05:04 The Impact of Interruption Overload on Productivity07:07 The Limitations of Traditional Time Management Techniques10:43 Strategies for Managing Interruption Overload13:36 Managing Social Media Distractions21:29 Different Approaches to Managing Different Types Of Interruptions25:18 Using Tools and Techniques to Manage Interruptions28:01 The Power of a To-Do List in Managing Interruptions38:36 Harnessing the Power of Focus Music45:36 Outcome-Based Meetings for Better Decision-Making****************************************Today’s GuestJoel MacCharlesFocus ArchitectJoel MacCharles is a renowned TEDx speaker and four-time best-selling author recognized for his expertise in combating interruption overload. With a career that spans executive leadership across multiple continents, Joel has firsthand experience managing teams amidst the challenges of modern work environments. His journey from overseeing thousands of team members to becoming a 'Focus Architect' is fueled by a mission to help organizations reclaim their focus and productivity.Joel's insights are grounded in practical solutions to common workplace challenges such as overwhelming inboxes, incessant meetings, and disruptive technologies. As a speaker and consultant, Joel partners with organizations globally, offering strategic frameworks that empower teams to cut through the chaos of interruption overload and prioritize impactful work. His work resonates with leaders and professionals seeking innovative solutions to enhance focus, energy, and overall effectiveness in today's fast-paced business landscape.joel@wellpreserved.caLinkedin.com/in/joelmaccharles/**************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Ann Kerian, an author, executive coach, & consultant joined Brian for a candid discussion on managing older employees. The episode is full of practical tips and personal insights. Brian and Ann explore strategies for building respect across generations, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging diverse strengths in the workplace. It's a must-listen for leaders who, whether formally or informally, lead team members that are older than them.See the full details and links on the episode's page:https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/tactics-for-managing-people-older-than-you-with-ann-kerian*****************************References In This EpisodeThe 5 generations in the workforce now:Traditionalists-born 1925 to 1945.Baby Boomers-born 1946 to 1964.Generation X-born 1965 to 1980.Millennials-born 1981 to 2000.Generation Z-born 2001 to 2020.The link to the 1st episode where Brian shared the story behind “learning by committee” at the 1-minute mark.AnnKerian.com*****************************Episode DigestIn today's diverse workplace, it's increasingly common for younger professionals to find themselves leading teams that include older, more experienced colleagues. This dynamic can present unique challenges, but also offers valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration. Let's explore some key strategies for effectively managing across generations, with a focus on how younger leaders can navigate these relationships successfully.Building a Foundation of Respect and CommunicationThe cornerstone of any successful leadership approach, regardless of age differences, is establishing a foundation of mutual respect and open communication. When stepping into a leadership role where you're managing older team members, it's crucial to start by acknowledging the wealth of experience and knowledge they bring to the table.One effective approach is to schedule one-on-one meetings with each team member early on. Use these meetings to:1. Learn about their career goals and aspirations2. Understand their strengths and preferred working styles3. Ask about their past experiences and what they've learned4. Inquire about any concerns or challenges they foreseeBy taking this proactive step, you're demonstrating respect for their experience while also setting the stage for open, ongoing communication. Remember, the goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.Leveraging Strengths and ExperienceA key insight for younger managers is to recognize and leverage the strengths of older team members. Rather than focusing on potential technology gaps or differences in working styles, look for ways to utilize their deep industry knowledge, refined problem-solving skills, and established professional networks.Consider implementing a reverse mentoring program, where younger and older employees can learn from each other. This approach not only helps bridge generational gaps but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and mutual respect.Implement a "strength-spotting" exercise within your team. Have each member identify and share their top skills and areas of expertise. Use this information to inform project assignments and team collaborations. This is especially effective in situations where you’re leading a project but do not have any formal authority over the people you’re leading, such as a project manager.Navigating Technology and ChangeOne common challenge in managing older team members is addressing potential technology gaps. It's important to approach this sensitively and avoid making assumptions about an individual's tech skills based on their age.When introducing new technologies or processes:1. Provide comprehensive training for all team members, regardless of age2. Offer multiple learning formats (e.g., written guides, video tutorials, hands-on workshops)3. Create a supportive environment where questions are encouraged4. Pair tech-savvy team members with those who may need extra supportRemember, resistance to new technologies often stems from a lack of confidence rather than inability. By providing adequate support and emphasizing the benefits of new tools, you can help all team members embrace change."Don't just expect me to go home and read a book and do it because I might learn better if I come in and I hear somebody or I might learn better by watching. So keep in mind that not only are you teaching people who are older, but you're teaching people who are different in learning styles."Avoiding Age-Based AssumptionsOne of the most critical aspects of managing across generations is avoiding age-based stereotypes and assumptions. This applies to both older and younger team members. Resist the urge to categorize individuals based on their generational cohort, and instead focus on each person's unique skills, experiences, and working preferences.Actionable Takeaway: Create a "working preferences" document for your team. Have each member outline their preferred communication methods, working hours, feedback style, and other relevant preferences. Share this document team-wide to promote understanding and effective collaboration.Establishing Authority Without Overemphasizing PositionFor younger managers, it can be tempting to frequently assert your position to establish authority. However, this approach often backfires, creating resentment rather than respect. Instead, focus on demonstrating your leadership through actions:1. Be consistent in your decision-making2. Follow through on commitments3. Admit when you don't know something and seek input from the team4. Give credit where it's due and publicly acknowledge team members' contributionsRemember, your team already knows you're the manager. Your goal should be to earn their respect through your actions and decisions, not by constantly reminding them of your title.Notable Quote: "If you are somebody that has to announce yourself, then you don't have the kind of respect that you probably need to be in that position."Embracing Continuous LearningAs a younger leader managing older team members, it's essential to maintain a growth mindset and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. This not only helps you develop as a leader but also sets a positive example for your team.Seek out mentorship opportunities, both within and outside your organization. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or guidance from more experienced colleagues, including those you manage. This demonstrates humility and a genuine desire to grow, which can earn you respect from team members of all ages.Notable Quote: "I'm not coming to you as somebody who knows everything and how to treat people. Because a lot of times it was me who wasn't either treating people well or being treated well."A Unique Challenge, And A Tremendous OpportunityManaging across generations presents unique challenges, but it also offers tremendous opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. By focusing on open communication, mutual respect, and leveraging diverse strengths, younger leaders can successfully navigate these dynamics and build high-performing, cohesive teams.Remember, effective leadership transcends age. It's about creating an environment where all team members feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work. By implementing the strategies discussed here and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, you can thrive as a leader, regardless of the age dynamics within your team.****************************************Today’s GuestAnn KerianAuthor, Executive Coach & ConsultantAnn's 15 years of experience as a television anchor led her on to a career offering consulting, motivational speaking, authoring, fundraising, recruiting, and coaching services. A member of the National Speakers Association and International Coach Federation, Ann provides individual and group coaching as an executive and life coach. She has worked at KWWL-TV in Iowa, WEAR-TV in Florida, and WCTI-TV in North Carolina, handling significant roles such as co-anchoring and covering military affairs and health stories. Ann is recognized as one of Cedar Valley's top 20 under 40 business leaders and has served on multiple advisory boards and committees. She currently consults for Mile Bluff Medical Center, manages talent acquisition for Straight Forward, and produces internal PR videos for John Deere. Ann co-authored “Mastering the Art of Success” with prominent authors.Website: annkerian.comFacebook: facebook.com/annkerianllcLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ann-kerian-0626104**************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

In this episode, Brian unveils the Gladiator Life Balance Blueprint, the piece of the puzzle you’ve been missing. The 5-Pointed Star represents your balance, and you’ll want to plan how brightly your star GLOWS - Growth, Love and relationships, Others, Work, and Self (GLOWS). Brian provides a full collection of practical tips advice on implementing this blueprint as well. You’ll want to dive into these, whether you're deeply struggling with life balance or simply looking for a few ways to tune yours up.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/life-balance-the-blueprint-youve-been-missing********************Links to References In This EpisodeAuthor: Victor Frankl. — Title: Man’s Search For MeaningTraining for yourself individually that you can begin right now through the Productivity Gladiator Signature MembershipTraining for your team at work:The full curriculum as a part of The Productivity Gladiator MasterclassOne-off workshops to level up the team’s productivity in one area.***********************************Episode DigestThe Gladiator Life Balance Blueprint: Architecting Your Best Work-Life BalanceIn today's fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance can seem like an elusive goal. Many of us find ourselves constantly juggling various responsibilities, often feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled. However, there's a powerful tool that can help you take control of your life and create the balance you've been seeking: the Gladiator Life Balance Blueprint.This comprehensive approach is built on the shape of a star. Your job is to remember that balance is based on how brightly your life GLOWS:GrowthLove and relationshipsOthers (something bigger than you)WorkSelfBy focusing on these five areas, you can create a well-rounded, fulfilling life that aligns with your values and goals.Let's break down each category and explore how you can implement them in your life:GrowthThis category encompasses all the ways you're trying to grow and evolve as a person, both personally and professionally. Challenge yourself to have an equal number of personal and professional growth goals. Examples might include learning a new language, taking dance classes, or exploring new places in your town.Love and RelationshipsThis category covers three main areas: love life, friends, and family. It's crucial to nurture these relationships regularly. A key insight is that at least two of these areas should involve in-person interactions each week. Virtual connections are valuable but should be supplemented with occasional face-to-face meetings.Others (Something Bigger Than You)This category focuses on activities where the primary beneficiary is someone other than yourself, AND you're not doing it for money. Examples include volunteering, coaching a community sports team, or contributing to a cause you care about. These activities help you connect with your community and give your life a sense of purpose beyond yourself, which is a huge leveling agent in your feelings of balance.WorkWhile work is an important part of life, it's just one piece of the puzzle. In this category, focus on two to three significant career goals you're working towards, rather than day-to-day tasks. These should be ways you're growing and evolving in your professional life, and should not be things that already appear in your job description.SelfThis category is all about taking care of of YOU, personally. It includes physical aspects (sleep, fitness, diet), mental well-being (meditation, journaling, downtime), spiritual needs, and fun activities or hobbies that bring you joy.Implementing Your BlueprintCreating your blueprint is just the first step. The real magic happens when you put it into action. Here's how to implement your Gladiator Life Balance Blueprint:Plan your week in advance. Aim to do this on Thursday afternoons, looking ahead at the next 10 days.For each item in your categories, identify the "one next thing" you can do this week to move forward.Block time on your calendar for at least one item from each category every week.Review and adjust your blueprint regularly. It's a living document that should evolve with you.Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way.If you're feeling overwhelmed, look for ways to combine activities that fulfill multiple categories.Remember, this blueprint is about importance, not the number of hours spent on each category. It's about making your journey fulfilling, not just reaching end goals.Key Takeaways and Notable Quotes"90% of your life is the journey. This exercise sets you up to enjoy the journey along the way.""Mental health is based on a certain degree of tension... the gap between what one is and what one should become." - Viktor FranklCompete with yourself, not others. Focus on your own growth and progress. Social Media WILL NOT provide a fair comparison.Don't overbook yourself. If necessary, look for activities that fulfill multiple categories simultaneously."Everyone's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth." - Mike Tyson. Life will throw curveballs, but the key is to keep planning and getting back on track.This blueprint works for all stages of life, with minor modifications for students or retirees.Having a demanding job is not an excuse to neglect other areas of your life. Start each week with a plan to hit all categories.If a category feels empty, do some soul-searching to find ways to fulfill it.Your blueprint should have contain enough across all categories to feel pushed each week, but still be achievable.Your categories and goals can evolve over time. Don't be afraid to adjust your blueprint as your life changes.Remember, the goal is not to achieve perfect balance every day or week, but to ensure that you're nurturing all important aspects of your life regularly. This approach allows for flexibility while keeping you accountable to your overall life goals.As you implement this blueprint, be patient with yourself. It may take time to find the right balance for you, and that balance may shift as your life circumstances change. The key is to stay conscious of all five areas and make consistent efforts to nurture each one.So, are you ready to become the architect of your best work-life balance? Start creating your Gladiator Life Balance Blueprint today, and take the first step towards a more fulfilling, well-rounded life.***************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares the most with his email subscribers and even connects directly from time to time. Sign up to get the most from Productivity Gladiator! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. Graduates of Productivity Gladiator training wield time management & life balance superpowers, activate a laser-guided ability to focus & prioritize, and implement a sniper-precise approach to task & email management. If what you’ve seen or heard here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Dr. Amanda Crowell, a cognitive psychologist and author of "Great Work", shares powerful insights on successfully starting something new. From overcoming mental blocks to having honest conversations about bandwidth, she provides a refreshing perspective on thriving at work without sacrificing everything else. Her relatable personal journey adds depth to this must-listen conversation on productivity and meaningful work.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/tips-you-missed-on-successfully-starting-something-new-with-dr-amanda-crowell*****************************Links to References In This EpisodeAmanda’s Website & PodcastAmanda’s Book: “Great Work”Amanda’s TEDx Talk: Three reasons you aren’t doing what you say you will do*****************************Episode DigestWhether it's taking on a new project at work, learning a language, or starting a passion career on the side, embarking on something new can be both exciting and daunting. Our minds can play tricks on us, creating mental blocks that prevent us from even trying. In this insightful conversation, we explore strategies for successfully navigating those roadblocks and setting yourself up for a smoother journey.One of the biggest obstacles to starting something new is the fixed mindset of "people like me don't do things like this." We tell ourselves stories about how others will judge us or that we'll somehow be rejected if we step out of our current roles. As Dr. Crowell shares, "The stories we tell each other and ourselves about what people will say about us when we change keep us locked in our current situation more than almost anything else."To overcome this belonging block, she recommends having open conversations - both with yourself and others. If you find yourself hiding your intentions, that's a red flag that you're worried about potential backlash. Getting it out in the open can reveal that most people don't actually care that much about your personal endeavors.Another common mindset trap is the belief that "I can't do this." We imagine scenarios where everything would have to perfectly align for us to succeed at this new thing. The reality is that this fixed mindset of inability becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy - why would you persevere if you've already decided it's impossible? Acknowledging self-limiting beliefs is key.The antidote? As Dr. Crowell puts it, "Start much smaller than people think is reasonable." Rather than attempting your "magnum opus" out of the gate, begin with bite-sized, manageable actions. Don’t start by writing a book. Write a blog post first, then another one, then another one. Take one small step, observe that it wasn't as difficult as anticipated, and then ask "what do I do now?" Focusing on the emergent, Next Smart Step prevents you from becoming paralyzed by the enormity of the overall goal.Don’t start by writing a book. Write a blog post first, then another one, then another one. Take one small step…Of course, starting something new extends beyond just your own mental game. In a work context, organizations and managers play a vital role in setting you up for success. Wise leaders are “humanitarian managers” that recognize that their employees are human beings with complicated emotions, not just output machines. They create an environment of psychological safety by framing new initiative as a "beta" and explicitly stating that mistakes will happen. As Dr. Crowell notes, "If a manager can hold that and protect their people so that when their boss looks down, they look like rock stars - that's the magic."They also facilitate team-level mental contrasting by proactively discussing potential roadblocks and establishing protocols for dealing with them. This normalizes the inevitable learning curves and prevents surprises from derailing progress.“We can do this new thing, but not at the current level of work. What existing priorities should we let go of?”However, even the most supportive environment can still breed burnout if boundaries aren't established. A critical conversation that often gets missed: "We can do this new thing, but not at the current level of work. What existing priorities should we let go of?" As Dr. Crowell emphasizes, trying to operate at a 100% workload is unsustainable - you must preserve bandwidth for unplanned emergencies. When managers and employees lack the courage to have this dialogue, the result is overwork, mistakes, and potential health crises.Ultimately, successfully starting something new requires developing particular skills beyond just gathering information. You must learn to identify mental roadblocks, ask purposeful questions, assemble an emerging knowledge base, and proactively communicate boundaries. By reframing our self-talk, setting reasonable expectations, and fostering open conversations, we can overcome procrastination and self-sabotage. So whether your "new thing" is personal or professional, approach it with self-compassion, start small, and surround yourself with supportive voices. As Dr. Crowell advises: "Let that feeling of 'I can't do this anymore' be your breaking point. Don’t go to the hospital to realize that was it, that was the breaking point."****************************************Today’s GuestDr. Amanda CrowellCoach & Author on Productivity and Great WorkDr. Amanda Crowell is a cognitive psychologist, speaker, podcaster, author of Great Work, and the creator of the Great Work Journals. Amanda's TEDx talk: Three Reasons You Aren’t Doing What You Say You Will Do has received more than a million views and has been featured on TED's Ideas blog and TED Shorts. Her ideas have also been featured on NPR, Al Jazeera, The Wall Street Journal, Quartz, and Thrive Global. Amanda lives in New Jersey with her husband, two adorable kids, and a remarkable newfiepoo named Ruthie. She spends her days educating future teachers, coaching accidental entrepreneurs, and speaking about how to make progress on Great Work to colleges and corporate teams.Website & Podcast: amandacrowell.comBook: amazon.com/Great-Work-Amanda-J-Crowell/dp/1737374196IG: @aj_crowellLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-crowell-51188130/**************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Drowning in emails? This is your life raft. Discover the shockingly simple 4D system for inbox mastery and the little-known hacks top performers use to never miss an important email and stay on top of tasks. Listen now, so you can close your inbox with confidence.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/email-overload-no-more-reclaim-your-inbox-with-these-underutilized-hacks-tactics********************Links to References In This Episode—The “Done With You” Email course Brian mentioned, is available as part of the Productivity Gladiator monthly membership. It’s like a monthly Starbucks for your professional development. This special introductory offer will never be available again. By getting in now you’ll be grandfathered in to all of the future upgrades, content, and tiers.***********************************Episode DigestReclaim Your Inbox!Email is the biggest productivity drain of the modern workforce. We're all drowning in a never-ending deluge of messages, requests, and digital noise clogging our inboxes. But what if there was a simple way to cut through the chaos and achieve the mythical "inbox zero"?The answer lies in adopting a systematic approach to email management. By implementing a few core principles and key strategies, you can kiss inbox overwhelm goodbye and operate from a distraction-free zone of productivity.The Necessity of Inbox ZeroWhile some argue that an empty inbox is optional, the reality is quite different. As the anecdote about the overflowing maintenance inbox illustrates, an unprocessed inbox is a leading indicator of dropping balls and missing commitments:"If you don't have a really well developed system and you don't get to zero emails in your inbox once a day, I've got a system for you...Because if you're bad at email, then you're probably also bad at coming through on things that I ask you for and taking care of things on your to-do list."Top performers excel at email processing precisely because it's the gateway habit to responsiveness and accountability on all fronts. Aiming for "just a few" emails is settling for subpar follow-through.The 4D System: One Core Underlying ProcessAt its core, mastering email demands implementing a simple 4-step decision matrix for every single message that hits your inbox:Deal with it - If it can be done in under 2 minutes, respond immediately and archive.Delegate it - If it's someone else's responsibility, forward accordingly with a follow-up reminder for yourself if needed.Defer it - If it requires longer action, capture it in a task list or snooze it, then remove it from your inbox.Delete it - If it provides no further value, delete or archive it."You have to delete or archive it out of your inbox once you reviewed it and there's nothing left to do with it."Processing each email through this consistent 4D workflow is the golden key to inbox zero. Coupled with a cadence of tackling your inbox in bursts 3-4 times per day, your backlog will rapidly become a fading memory.5 Turbo-Charged Email HacksOf course, true email mastery extends beyond the 4D method alone. Here are 5 powerful email-optimizing tips from the pros:Send & Archive Button - Configure a shortcut to simultaneously send your reply and archive the original thread from your inbox.Schedule Send - Delay email delivery for optimal sending windows to boost response rates and avoid training recipients to expect 24/7 availability.Snooze Emails - Leverage snooze functions to temporarily remove emails requiring future action until the appropriate date/time.Use Templates - Create saved templates for frequently sent messages to streamline composing.Close Your Inbox - Also disable notifications. You want that inbox CLOSED until you choose to open it later."I want nothing. Close your email. And if you're really bad about this, I can already say this is probably gonna be like trying to quit cigarettes."The Bottom LineFor too long, we've labored under the false belief that digging out from inbox insanity is an epic, endless struggle. But as you can see here, a simple shift in mindset and habits is all it takes to permanently shed that productivity succubus.No more opening your email app with dread, scrambling to catch up on a backlog spanning weeks or months. Just a pristine, zen-like inbox awaiting your orders each morning. That's the power of inbox zero - reclaiming control over your priorities and attention. It's time to rise as the email ninja you were born to become.CAN I TEACH YOU EMAIL, THE RIGHT WAY?This episode was full of great information, and is only about a third of the lessons and information I teach you in the Email Course! It’s a part of the Productivity Gladiator Membership. I’ll share my screen, give you visuals, and walk you through the information I’m teaching.There’s so much more included too! The new monthly membership is like a monthly Starbucks for your professional development. This special introductory offer will never be available again, come join now, and you’ll be grandfathered in to all the future content, tiers, & enhancements.*******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. As more opportunities come up with the membership, you’ll be the first to know about these news courses and areas of education. Sign up to start receiving these tips!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. Graduates of Productivity Gladiator training wield time management & life balance superpowers, activate a laser-guided ability to focus & prioritize, and implement a sniper-precise approach to task & email management. If what you’ve seen or heard here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Leadership strategist Sara Canaday joins Brian and shares insights on the key differences that turn a good leader into a great one. Unlike vague general leadership training, this conversation is specific for a change, delving into what a good leader and a great leader would do in the same situation, to unlock their team's potential and become truly memorable leaders.See the full details and links on the episode's page: the-difference-between-good-vs-great-leaders-a-deep-dive-with-sara-canaday*****************************Links to References In This EpisodeSara Canaday’s LinkedIn ProfileSubscribe to Sara’s NewsletterSara’s Courses on LinkedIn LearningBook Brian mentioned, Strengths Based Leadership*****************************Episode DigestWe all know the basics of good leadership - meeting targets, maintaining an efficient team, delivering results. But what propels a leader from merely good to truly great? What’s gives them the elusive "X-factor" that inspires unwavering loyalty and leaves a lasting legacy. Sara and Brian dove in.Great leaders educate rather than just inform."It's one thing to just pass on information, but a great leader actually brings that vision to life."Actionable Takeaway: Use creative methods like props, analogies, visuals, and stories to make ideas tangible and relatable when communicating with your team. Don't just relay information - vividly illustrate the "why" behind decisions and initiatives.A great leader is a talent cultivator, not just a task distributer."A great leader actually matches those team members with the skills that they're not only good at, but that inspire them."Actionable Takeaway: Have one-on-one conversations to understand each person's unique interests and motivations. Then deliberately assign projects and responsibilities that leverage their strengths while providing growth opportunities in areas of passion.Foster an environment of open dialogue and critical thinking."What are we missing here?" "What would make you more comfortable with this strategy?"Actionable Takeaway: Resist providing just the answers. Ask thought-provoking questions that challenge assumptions and invite diverse perspectives. Make your team meetings a psychologically safe space for candid input.Be a connector and developer of people."A great leader is so well connected themselves. They've worked hard enough on their own network that they can now share it with you."Actionable Takeaway: Actively connect your team members with other experts, mentors, training opportunities and experiences that can accelerate their professional growth and career aspirations. Share your own networks liberally.Display entrepreneurial spirit and vision."They're asking questions on a broader scale...Why do we always do it this way? What if we stopped doing this altogether?"Actionable Takeaway: Don't just maintain the status quo. Challenge existing processes and ways of thinking, and provide potential alternatives. Inspire your team by posing bold "what if" questions that spark innovation and positive disruption.Be situationally fluent and highly self-aware."Can they read the room? Can they sense that they're going a little too much in the weeds? Can they sense the conversation needs levity?"Actionable Takeaway: Continuously work on developing emotional intelligence. During meetings and interactions, make it a habit to pause, read verbal and non-verbal cues, and adjust your style and approach as needed to optimally connect with your audience.The path to great leadership is challenging but rewarding. It requires a steadfast commitment to inspiring and developing others rather than just completing tasks and hitting numbers. By embodying these qualities, you become a leader who doesn't just meet expectations, but one who leaves a lasting impact on your teams and your organization.The choice is yours - strive for good or strive for great? Embrace these strategies to unlock your ultimate leadership potential.****************************************Today’s GuestSara CanadayLeadership Strategist, Speaker, and Award-Winning AuthorSara Canaday is a leadership consultant, speaker and author who helps companies maximize the contributions of their leaders and high potentials for bottom-line impact. Drawing on 13 years of corporate experience, Sara has a unique gift for connecting with her clients and ensuring they walk away with actionable strategies for positive change -- strengthening leadership skills, improving business relationships, and enhancing performance. Sara is a member of the National Speakers Association and a by-invitation only leadership instructor for LinkedIn Learning. She has been featured in a number of publications, most notably Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.Sara is the author of three books, You – According to Them: Uncovering the blind spots that impact your reputation and your career, the award-winning book, Leadership Unchained: Defy Conventional Wisdom for Breakthrough Performance, and her latest book, Essential Coaching Skills for Managers: The Tools You Need to Ignite Greatness in Each Employee.Website: saracanaday.com Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/saracanaday *******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Brian Nelson-Palmer shares 14 creative prompts to leverage generative AI (like ChatGPT) to supercharge your productivity at work and in your personal life. This is especially relevant to Project Managers and Aspiring Leaders. From data analysis to contract summaries to infusing humor into speeches, he provides practical examples of how AI can be your "brilliant intern." He also introduces his new Productivity Gladiator membership course where you can learn these skills in a more hands-on learning environment.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/ai-productivity-hacks-14-game-changing-prompts-to-transform-your-work-and-life********************Links to References In This Episode—The brand new monthly membership available from Productivity Gladiator. It’s the monthly Starbucks for your professional development. This special introductory offer will never be available again. It’s a steal at the current price as more and more is added to the membership, thanks for considering joining now, getting in on the ground floor. —The episode on AI and how it will affect your job, with Christopher Lind.***********************************Episode DigestAre you looking to boost your productivity and streamline various tasks in your professional and personal life? Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others offer a powerful solution. With the ability to analyze data, generate ideas, and provide insights, these AI assistants can act as your "brilliant intern," taking care of tedious and time-consuming tasks so you can focus on higher-level work.Here are 14 creative ways to leverage generative AI to transform your productivity:Intense Raw Data Analysis Got a massive spreadsheet filled with raw sales data from various regions and years? Simply upload it to the AI and ask it to find the region with the highest revenue for each year from 2010 to 2024. AI can quickly crunch through the numbers, providing you with the insights you need.Write The Excel Formula Struggling to get the right syntax for a complex Excel formula? Describe the data you have and the calculation you want, and the AI can provide the exact formula you need to reference cells across sheets and perform the desired analysis.Help Create Pivot Tables Pivot tables are powerful data summarization tools, but setting them up correctly can be tricky. Leverage AI by providing your data set and asking it to create a pivot table that shows the metrics you need, such as average sales size per salesperson.Leverage Meeting Transcripts Missed an important meeting? No problem. Copy the transcript, paste it into the AI, and ask it to summarize what happened, including any action items assigned to you. Stay on top of things even when you can't attend every meeting.Absorb Contracts and Long Documents QuicklyTaking over a new project mid-stream? Ask the AI to summarize a contract or project charter, outlining the deliverables, who's responsible for what, and when things are due. Get up to speed quickly without wading through dense legalese.Find Templates Need to create an event invite, marketing email, or other communication? AI has templates for nearly everything. Provide the key details, and it can generate a well-structured draft that you can further refine.Locate Laws and Regulations Navigating legal and policy requirements can be a headache. Cut through the confusion by asking the AI to surface relevant laws, regulations, and policies for your specific situation, along with explanations of how they might impact your plans.Brainstorm Creative Writing Hit a creative block? AI can be your brainstorming buddy, generating engaging titles, catchy one-liners, or fresh angles to liven up your presentations, speeches, or written materials.Learn Quick Need to get up to speed on an unfamiliar topic fast? Describe the situation to the AI, such as an upcoming interview for a role you're not fully versed in, and it can suggest relevant questions to ask or areas to research.Fight Tickets Got slapped with a parking ticket? Some towns have exceptions or appeals processes you may not know about. Ask the AI if there's any way to get out of your specific ticket based on the location and circumstances.Understand Permit Requirements Planning some home renovations? Rather than wading through confusing bureaucracy, ask the AI if you need any permits for your project and how to obtain them based on your city and state.Find Recipes for Certain Ingredients Moving soon and want to use up what's left in your pantry? List out the ingredients you have on hand, and the AI can suggest recipes to help you avoid food waste.Get Travel Recommendations Killing time before your flight? Ask the AI for top attractions or activities you can do nearby during your layover window.Add Humor to Speeches Tasked with giving a toast or presentation? The AI can help by generating funny one-liners or anecdotes to add some lighthearted moments to your material.The possibilities are endless when it comes to leveraging AI for productivity. These tools can free up time for more meaningful endeavors.Of course, it's important to use AI judiciously and fact-check its outputs rather than blindly trusting the information provided. Think of it as that "brilliant intern" – capable and useful but still requiring oversight. By taking advantage of AI's strengths while applying human judgment, you can unlock new levels of efficiency across all areas of your life.CAN I HELP YOU LEVEL UP WITH THIS? This episode was 14 prompts. The course I just released as part of the Productivity Gladiator Membership is around 54 prompts. I’ll go much more in depth with you. I’ve shared my screen and given you the examples, and you can participate along with the video lessons, and really get hands on with AI. This new monthly membership is like a monthly Starbucks for your professional development. This special introductory offer will never be available again. It’s an unbelievable value at the current price, and if you get in now on the ground floor, it will only become more valuable as more and more is added. Thanks for considering joining! *******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. As more opportunities come up with the membership, you’ll be the first to know about these news courses and areas of education. Sign up to start receiving these tips! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Chris Croft, an author and speaker on productivity and happiness, joins Brian on the show to share his unique "productivity animal" framework. He explains how different animal personalities represent different combinations of goals, efficiency, enjoyment, and achievement. The banter between Chris and Brian is humorous and insightful. Take the quiz to find out your Productivity Animal, and tune in to find out what it means.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/what-is-your-productivity-animal-understand-your-natural-tendencies-with-chris-croft*****************************Links to References In This EpisodeChris Croft’s Productivity Animal QuizChris Croft’s websiteChris Croft’s Books - Amazon - GoodreadsBOOK: The book by Victor Frankl, Man’s Search For Meaning, that Brian mentioned - Goodreads - AmazonChris’s Youtube Video: Time Management In Under 8 MinutesBOOK: 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management by Hyrum W. Smith - Goodreads - AmazonBOOK: Getting Things Done by David Allen - Amazon - Goodreads*****************************Take Chris Croft’s Productivity Animal Quiz. Which one are you?!*****************************Your Productivity Animal: Achieve More by Understanding Your Natural TendenciesWe all want to be productive - to achieve our goals while still enjoying life. But the reality is, most of us struggle to find that ideal balance between efficiency, achievement, and happiness. In this insightful podcast, author and speaker Chris Croft introduces his creative "Productivity Animal" framework to help individuals identify their natural productivity styles and what shifts are needed to reach their full potential.The Genesis: Goals, Enjoyment, AchievementCroft's animal archetypes stem from his realization that true fulfillment comes from a harmonious blend of goal-setting, enjoyment, and achievement across all life domains - work and home. As he mapped this out visually: Goals and Efficiency are the "inputs" that lead to the "outputs" of Enjoyment and Achievement.Croft emphasized the crucial role of defined goals: "If you set a goal, it's like putting a destination in your GPS - every day you'll make decisions pointing you toward that end point." Yet goals alone are insufficient; you need efficiency and discipline to propel you forward on that journey. As Croft summarized: "Goals make you more disciplined and assertive, so you go faster in the right direction."The Productivity Animals RevealedSo which animal represents your current productivity style? Croft outlines six key archetypes:The Greyhound: Efficient but goalless, the metaphor of chasing the incentives round and round a track but never really getting anywhere. "If you don't have GPS set, you'll just drive at random and end up in a swamp. A shocking 38% of people who took my quiz are Greyhounds - hard workers lacking goals and a clear purpose.”The Kangaroo: Enjoyment-seekers living purely in the moment, devoid of goals or efficiency. "You can do this in your 20s, but eventually you need to get a grip on what you want to achieve."The Mountain Goat: Relentlessly pursuing goals while forgetting to enjoy the journey. "Like goats scaling a mountain but never stopping to admire the view." At risk of burnout from all work and no play.The Soaring Eagle: The ideal state - crystal clear on goals, efficient in pursuit of them, while still making time for enjoyment in all life areas. "If you have the right mix of home/work and joy/achievement goals - you've got life sussed."The Koala: Has goals but is inefficient. These people are often dreamers, who have high aspirations but don’t seem to accomplish any of their dreams. This also might be where someone who has “golden handcuffs” sits, which means they’ve got a great paying job, and are afraid to lose it to try for something more. The Tortoise: Doesn't have goals and is also not efficient. They don't achieve anything and they don't enjoy themselves. And these are the people who plod through life and they're just unhappy and they just go, well, what can you do? I'll just have to carry on doing this job that I hate. They have all sorts of potential if only somebody told them. They're just plodding along through the grass thinking, well just have to eat grass again today.You Evolve & Change Throughout Your Life Once you identify your animal, Croft provides wisdom on evolving toward the enlightened Eagle. For Greyhounds, it's simply a matter of getting clear on goals to give your work purpose. Kangaroos need to find a motivating vision to work toward. And Goats must embrace enjoyment and inject play into their relentless pursuit of success.The Hedonic Treadmill TrapBut even the lofty Eagles must guard against a insidious productivity pitfall - the "hedonic treadmill." This is where you achieve a goal like running a marathon, only to immediately start chasing the next goal without pausing to celebrate. You buy your dream car, but a few weeks later, the thrill is gone and you're longing for the next material prize.To counter this, Croft advises setting a mix of achievement and enjoyment goals across life domains. "If all your goals are financial, you'll just want newer cars. Have goals like writing a book or performing music too." He also stresses regularly re-evaluating your goals, letting go of completed ones, and setting new inspiring challenges.The Path to SoaringThe key takeaway? We're all a work-in-progress on the path toward becoming more productive, purposeful, and joyful. Knowing your current productivity animal is the first step. From there, implement Croft's wisdom to integrate the missing elements - whether that's defined goals, improved efficiency, or scheduled enjoyment.As Croft summarizes: "The Eagle must continually ask - what's next? How do I follow up Everest? Because it's never finished...you climb one mountain only to see a bigger one on the horizon." A meaningful, fulfilling life is a perpetual journey of striving towards elevated visions of achievement and happiness. Embrace your productive nature, but keep soaring toward your highest ideals.****************************************Today’s GuestToday’s GuestChris CroftAuthor, Speaker, Traineron Productivity & HappinessChris Croft is one of the world's leading trainers, having provided courses to over 87,000 people in-person and a staggering 18 million online across platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and YouTube. With top-selling courses on project management, happiness, negotiation skills, and more, Croft has cultivated a massive global following - his tip of the month email reaches over 20,000 subscribers. A prolific author and former chartered engineer with an MBA from Cambridge, Croft brings decades of corporate experience and an interactive, practical teaching style to help professionals achieve more while finding greater fulfillment.Website: chriscroft.co.uk Linkedin Learning: linkedin.com/learning/instructors/chris-croft LinkedIn Contact: linkedin.com/in/chriscrofttraining/ Chris Croft’s Books - Amazon - Goodreads*******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Dean Karrel, a sales trainer and career advisor, joins Brian to discuss everyday sales tactics that can be used to influence and persuade, not just in a sales role but in all aspects of life - with kids, family, bosses, and clients. They discuss emotional intelligence, listening, understanding the other person's perspective, telling stories, being prepared, focusing on benefits over features, building trust through integrity, and character, as key skills for effective "selling" and positive influence in all your relationships. Selling is a valuable skill in all your roles throughout your life. Everyday persuasion is right!See the full details and links on the episode's page. *****************************Links to References In This EpisodeDean Karrel's book "Mastering the Basics: Keys to Career & Life Success"Dean Karrel’s courses on LinkedIn LearningBrian Nelson-Palmer's TEDx talk on the value of your timeMovie Glengarry Glen Ross - the Alec Baldwin "Always Be Closing" speech sceneMovie - The Wolf of Wall Street - The Sales Speech SceneMovie - Tin Men - scene on deception & Aluminum SidingDr. Todd Dewett's episode on storytelling*****************************Everyday PERSUASIONWe all have an aversion to “sales” and “selling.” Visions of high pressure, scammy salespeople immediately come to mind thanks to negative stereotypes perpetuated by popular media. However, the reality is sales skills are invaluable in all aspects of business and life – with your colleagues, your family, even your kids. Sales, influence, and persuasion happen everyday in a variety of relationships and scenarios.So how can you utilize sales tactics effectively without manipulation? The key is authenticity. Success lies in enhancing your natural abilities rather than pretending to be someone you’re not.Emotional Intelligence Sets the StageThe first and most critical sales skill is emotional intelligence – self-awareness and understanding others. You can’t sell anything without first reading the emotional state of the other party. Listen more than you speak to pick up on cues revealing how the other person is feeling and what objections or concerns they may have. Empathize and find common ground. No progress will happen if emotions run high or trust lacks. As one quote puts it, “take it easy, they’re doing the best they can.” Meet people where they are first before launching into a proposal or request.What’s in It For Them?We all ask ourselves “What’s in this for me?” when presented with an offer. The key is to flip perspectives. Demonstrate how your product, idea, or proposal specifically solves a problem or adds value for the other party. Generic benefits don’t compel action. You have to understand motivations and goals from their angle. Do your research to craft messaging hitting on tangible outcomes the other person cares about.An example shared was utilizing AI to help clean out and use up food when moving houses. The benefit of convenience connecting with a pressing real need in the moment led to adoption of the technology. Even though general usefulness had been touted before without impact. Think benefits over features and make it personal.Stories Resonate More Than StatsStories speak directly to emotions and relationships. Data and facts have their place in selling, but stories forge human connections vital for influence. One powerful anecdote relayed was of a salesperson standing on a couch to physically demonstrate the “no sag” benefit of that particular furniture product. Visuals showing 350 pounds of force exerted without damage tell the durability story far better than talking springs and fabric quality.Stories also help deliver difficult news or major changes that require buy-in from your team. Explaining the reasons behind a shift through story gives helpful context. Even during painful layoffs, the “why” behind restructuring won empathy and preserved future relationships with those impacted.Authenticity Starts with Self-AwarenessA sales pro knows both strengths and growth areas – they have clarity on natural abilities that can be enhanced versus trying to force behaviors not aligned with innate tendencies. As one leader learned, aggression and manipulation don’t work long-term even if you initially close more deals. You burn trust quickly through not being genuine.Leaning into authenticity requires self-awareness. What unique value do you bring based on abilities, experience, and personality? Lead with your true self to build trust and likability that enables influence.The Foundation: CharacterAt the root, your character determines the trust you instill. One story involved calling out a rude customer and then encountering them later as a job candidate. Treating people respectfully regardless of power status or external pressures reveals strong principles. Do you help others when there is no advantage or audience? How you act when no one is looking shows who you truly are.Relationships Drive ReferralsFinally, sales has shifted from one-off transactions to relationship focus because referrals now drive revenue. While AI supports many business functions, people ultimately still decide to do business with people. No software builds rapport and trust for you. Use technology to enhance but not try to replace human connections.Listening and learning about the other person before launching into a sales pitch proves more persuasive than glossy brochures or elegant features. Sales at its core sits on this foundation: genuinely knowing, helping, and collaborating with humans.****************************************Today’s GuestDean KarrelSales Trainer, Career Mentor, AuthorDean Karrel is an expert in executive coaching, career mentoring, sales training, and leadership development.Dean has been in sales management and leadership positions for over three decades with some major global publishing companies. Most recently, he was senior vice president of sales of John Wiley & Sons based in Hoboken, New Jersey. His sales teams were focused on direct sales to major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Costco, and other national chains, along with initiatives aimed at B2B and B2C sales. Dean now has his own consulting business providing sales training programs along with career and executive coaching. In addition, he is a Certified Professional Career Coach. Dean is the author of Mastering the Basics: Simple Lessons for Achieving Success in Business.Website: linkedin.com/learning/instructors/dean-karrelLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/deankarrel *******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special zoom events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.