The Chris LoCurto Show

Welcome back to the Chris LoCurto Show for the final episode in our enlightening two-part series answering your burning questions from this year's Next Level Leadership LIVE Event.In this episode, I’m diving deep into the remaining questions we couldn't cover in our first session.Here’s what you can expect:Understanding personal DISC profiles and their evolution over time.Deciding whether to re-enter the business world after retirement and making impactful choices in your sixties.Navigating the influence of a toxic yet top-performing salesperson within your team.Addressing unresponsive team members and evaluating the return on your leadership investment.Each of these topics is unpacked with detailed insights and actionable strategies to help you enhance your leadership effectiveness and improve team dynamics.Join me as we tackle these complex issues with the depth and clarity needed to push your leadership journey forward.Got any questions, tips, or suggestions? Email us at podcast@chrislocurto.com - we check that email daily!

We had another incredible Next-Level Leadership LIVE Event back in April and we gathered some fantastic questions from leaders like you who are eager to grow and refine their skills.In this first of two episodes, I’m diving deep into the first five critical questions you dropped for us at the LIVE event:How do you tactfully and respectfully move key team members out of roles where they're not a great fit?What might cause drastic changes in an employee's value assessment scores?How can you lead someone to embrace new methods or perspectives, especially when they are stuck in their own ways?How can you recognize and prevent your own weaknesses from impacting your leadership?What types of people typically take advantage of an Altruist, and how can you protect yourself?Each question is packed with the potential to shift your leadership paradigm and I'm here to guide you through these complex issues with practical, actionable advice.Tune in now and gain the insights you need to lead with more integrity and confidence. Remember, it’s not just about finding answers—it's about transforming how you lead every day.Got any questions, tips, or suggestions? Email us at podcast@chrislocurto.com - we check that email daily!

In today's episode, we're unpacking the immense power of feedback—not just as a tool for improvement but as the very foundation of effective leadership and team growth.Today, we explore a variety of perspectives on feedback that go beyond the traditional norms.We'll discuss how establishing a culture of regular feedback can transform an organization from the inside out. It's about turning feedback into a strategic asset that builds trust, enhances communication, and fosters a positive workplace culture.Here’s what you can expect in this 40-minute episode:The Barriers to Effective Feedback: We tackle the common hurdles like pride and fear of failure that often stifle open exchanges.One-on-One Meetings: We'll reveal why these are not just routine checks but critical opportunities for transformative interactions.Feedback Beyond Performance: Discover how feedback can influence more than just job performance—it shapes attitudes, team dynamics, and aligns with your organizational culture.Stress and Culture Conversations: Using our own Monday team meetings as a case study, we'll show how feedback can be pivotal in managing stress and steering team dynamics.So, why is feedback such a powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal? Tune in as we dive into the art and science of feedback, offering you practical tips and strategies to make feedback a cornerstone of your leadership approach.Want to learn how to really delegate? Check out our free e-book: 5 Ways You Fake Delegate: And How to Do It For RealEmail your leadership struggle or questions to podcast@chrislocurto.com – we check that email daily.

Hey folks, welcome back to the Chris LoCurto Show! I hope you're having an amazing day wherever you are. Before we dive into today's episode, I wanna chat about something that's a game-changer for leaders - Fake Delegation. You know the drill, you think you're delegating, but end up micromanaging or taking tasks back. It's frustrating, right? That’s why we created "Five Ways You Fake Delegate." It’s based on our combined experiences and is designed to help you navigate those delegation missteps. Grab it from the show notes; it’s free and could transform the way you lead.Alright, let’s get into it! This is part two of our series on transitioning a family business to the next generation. If you haven’t heard the first episode, you gotta go back and listen to episode 571. We covered some crucial steps like creating a phenomenal transition plan, clear communication, and investing in training.Today, we're diving deeper into the do's and don'ts of this transition. Key Points from Today’s Episode:Do Focus on Decision Making for the Next Gen Owner:Establish processes for bigger decisions.Encourage independence but offer guidance when needed.Do Have an Estate Plan:Essential if you have multiple businesses or a substantial estate.Helps avoid probate issues and ensures smooth transitions.Don’t Dismiss Family Drama:Address feelings and unresolved conflicts early.Keep communication open and transparent.Don’t Be Too Casual:Treat the transition professionally.Ensure clear plans and expectations are in place.Don’t Smother Your Child:Allow them to make mistakes and learn.Foster their confidence and independence.Don’t Neglect Emotional Intelligence:Be empathetic and understanding of the next gen’s perspective.Manage your own emotions effectively.Don’t Micromanage Team Members:Trust and empower your team.Proper delegation ensures overall success.Don’t Dismiss Innovation and Change:Stay open to new ideas and opportunities.Balance tradition with necessary innovations.Don’t Isolate Yourself:Seek and give feedback regularly.Foster a culture of inclusivity and teamwork.Transitioning a family business is both challenging and rewarding. By following these dos and don'ts, you can navigate the journey with confidence, integrity, and resilience, ensuring the continued success and legacy of your family enterprise.Remember, if you haven't already, go listen to episode 571 for more foundational insights.And as always, if you have any questions or need advice, reach out to us at podcast@chrislocurto.com.Thanks for joining us today. Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and change the legacy of your family's life. See you on the next episode!

Hey folks, welcome back to the Chris LoCurto Show! I hope you're having an amazing day wherever you are. Before we dive into today's episode, I wanna chat about something that's a game-changer for leaders - Fake Delegation.You know the drill, you think you're delegating, but end up micromanaging or taking tasks back. It's frustrating, right? That’s why we created "Five Ways You Fake Delegate." It’s based on our combined experiences and is designed to help you navigate those delegation missteps.Grab it now; it’s free and could transform the way you lead.Alright, let’s get into it! Today we’re kicking off part one of our series on transitioning a family business to the next generation. This is a huge topic, and it's going to be a two-parter because there's so much to cover.If you're thinking about passing your business on to your children or other family members, this is the episode for you. We're diving into the do's and don'ts for founders in this crucial succession planning.Key Points from Today’s Episode:Create a Formalized Transition PlanStructure a roadmap with clear steps, expectations, and timelines.Think of it as a strategy with specific destinations and how to reach them.Evaluate the BusinessDetermine the value of your business and consider professional valuation.Plan how the payment will be handled without relying on debt.Align Vision and GoalsDiscuss and align on the future vision and goals with the next gen owner.Ensure both parties are on the same page to avoid conflicts.Establish a Succession PlanPlan the transition of roles and responsibilities.Properly delegate tasks and ensure the next gen owner is ready to take over.Develop a Communication StrategyCommunicate effectively with your team about the transition.Reduce fear and uncertainty by keeping everyone informed.Update Legal Documentation and AgreementsReview and update all legal documents to reflect the new ownership.Ensure all agreements are clear and current.Invest Time in TrainingTrain the next gen owner on leadership, financial management, and operational procedures.Consider personality styles and tailor the training accordingly.Focus on MentorshipProvide ongoing mentorship to the next gen owner and the leadership team.Get outside perspectives and professional training if necessary.Preserve and Nurture the Family LegacyPass down the values, traditions, mission, and purpose alongside the business.Ensure the next gen owner understands and continues the legacy.Transitioning a family business is both challenging and rewarding. By following these dos, you can set up the next generation for success and ensure the continued success and legacy of your family enterprise.And as always, if you have any questions or need advice, reach out to us at podcast@chrislocurto.com.Thanks for joining us today. Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and change the legacy of your family's life.Part two is out already, click here to listen!Want to fine-tune those delegation skills? Check out our free e-book: 5 Ways You Fake Delegate: And How to Do It For Real

On today’s episode, we’re talking about the importance of customer relationships in small businesses. Whether you’re the CEO or leading a team, this episode is packed with tips to keep your customers coming back for more.Key Points from Today’s Episode:The Inevitability of Mistakes: Mistakes are part of business, and trying to avoid them completely is unrealistic. Instead, view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Avoiding mistakes can lead to inaction and stagnation. Teach your team to embrace failure and learn from it, rather than fear it.Proactive Customer Service: When mistakes happen, jump into action to solve the problem before the customer even knows about it. Implement accountability processes like a two-sets-of-eyes system to catch issues early. Being proactive helps maintain trust and shows customers that you care about their experience.Building Trust Through Care and Service: Go beyond the transaction by showing customers you care about their success. Provide follow-up support and resources after events or services. This creates a loyal customer base that knows you are committed to their long-term success.Gracefully Handling Mistakes: When mistakes occur, acknowledge them immediately and communicate transparently with the customer. Offer sincere apologies and go above and beyond to make things right. This approach builds trust and shows customers that you value their relationship more than just the transaction.Mutual Benefits of Handling Mistakes Well: Handling mistakes well benefits your company culture by creating an environment of accountability and continuous learning. It shows your team that mistakes are okay if they lead to growth and improvement. This approach fosters a supportive team environment and strengthens your company’s values.Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic and accountable. Always aim to serve your customers better and learn from every experience.We would love to hear your stories of overcoming business mistakes and how it transformed your customer relationships.Reach out to us on our social media channels or email us at podcast@chrislocurto.com. Let’s continue to learn from each other and grow stronger together.As always, take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and join us on the next episode!Additional Resources:264 | The 4-Step Process To Turn Your Mistakes (And Your Team’s) Into Growth

Welcome to the show folks. I hope you’re having a fabulous day wherever you are.Today, we are talking about the art of delegation—a crucial skill that every single small business owner, every single leader, and yes, even every parent needs to master. So we’re gonna go through five simple steps to dramatically change how you delegate.Now, if you haven’t picked up our ebook, “5 Ways You Fake Delegate (And How to Do It For Real),” then get that immediately.Go to chrislocurto.com/delegate.This guide is designed to help you identify and fix those delegation missteps. It’s free and might just change the way you lead for good.Key Points from Today’s Episode:Clarity is KingOne of the biggest challenges in delegation is the illusion that clear communication has taken place. Ensure your team understands what they need to do, how they should do it, and what the final outcome should look like. Ask questions and encourage your team to ask questions as well.Micromanagement vs. EmpowermentMicromanagement can destroy morale and push team members away. Instead, empower your team by allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them. Build trust by being vulnerable and giving your team autonomy within set parameters.Breaking the Bottleneck Boss DilemmaIf you are the central decision point for everything, you are slowing down your business and stifling your team’s growth. Encourage your team to find their own solutions and spend your time on higher-level tasks that will grow the business.Cultivating Team ConfidenceOver-scrutinizing your team will erode their confidence. Instead, celebrate their decision-making and autonomy. Build a culture of trust where team members feel safe to take risks and make decisions.Confronting the Unspoken ChallengesOvercome the internal struggles that come with delegation by clearly communicating expectations and providing regular feedback. Celebrate your team’s successes and create an environment where they feel valued and capable.We would love to hear your stories of overcoming business mistakes and how it transformed your customer relationships.Reach out to us on our social media channels or email us at podcast@chrislocurto.com.Let’s continue to learn from each other and grow stronger together.As always, take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and join us on the next episode!Hungry for more? Check out our free ebook: 5 Ways You Fake Delegate: And How to Do It For Real

Welcome to the Chris LoCurto Show, where we discuss leadership and life and discover that business is what you do, not who you are. I hope you're having a fabulous day wherever you are.Today, we're talking with a true champion for developing leaders through personal growth, my good friend Justin Epple. Justin will share his and his leaders' experiences going through Next-Level Life.It's all about the connection between personal growth and professional excellence. If you haven't figured it out by now, you're never going to achieve professional excellence, depending on your definition of excellence, unless you are working on your personal growth.Key Points Covered:Personal and Professional GrowthJustin discusses how his leadership journey started with seeking resources for professional development, which led him to our content and the Next-Level Life event.He highlights how personal growth inevitably impacts professional excellence.Personal development isn't just about professional success but improving every aspect of life.Next-Level Life ExperienceJustin and his wife, Elena, both went through Next-Level Life. The event significantly impacted their marriage, family life, and professional roles.They discovered the importance of aligning personal and professional lives and creating a vision and plan for the future.Investing in Personal DevelopmentJustin emphasizes the importance of leaders experiencing personal development first to lead by example and see the benefits firsthand.He compares investing in personal development to investing in retirement—both are crucial, but personal development yields immediate returns.Tools and Insights GainedJustin talks about the "watch it like a movie" concept, where you detach emotionally from conflicts and observe objectively, leading to better decision-making.He also discusses the significance of understanding one's Root System and how past experiences influence present decisions and behaviors.Impact on Leadership and Team PerformanceThe insights from Next-Level Life have helped Justin handle conflict more effectively and improve his overall leadership approach.His team members who went through the program experienced increased job satisfaction and performance, contributing to a healthier work environment.Communication and RelationshipsBetter understanding of personality styles and Root Systems has enhanced communication and relationships both at work and at home for Justin.He shares how these tools have helped in setting healthy boundaries and improving overall interaction with others.If you've been inspired by Justin's story and are curious about how Next-Level Life can transform your approach to business and leadership, go to https://chrislocurto.com/life-coaching/.I hope this episode has provided valuable insights into the profound connection between personal growth and professional excellence.Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and join us next time on the Chris LoCurto Show.Got any questions on this? Email us at podcast@chrislocurto.com - we check that email daily!

Hey folks!In today's episode, we unpack the incredible journey of a seasoned business owner who has transformed his leadership and business through profound personal development.Today, I am thrilled to introduce my good friend, business owner, and leader, Patrick Devereaux. Patrick, welcome to the show.Key Points Covered:Personal and Professional Growth ConnectionPatrick shares how he sought leadership development when he stepped into the CEO role, looking for a playbook to guide him.He emphasizes the importance of personal growth in achieving professional excellence, highlighting how his journey with Next-Level Life has impacted both his personal and business life.Next-Level Life ExperiencePatrick initially hesitated about the touchy-feely aspects of personal development but realized its profound impact on his leadership and business.He shares how personal struggles led him to seek deeper insights through Next-Level Life, which helped him navigate tough personal and professional challenges.Setting Healthy BoundariesOne of the major takeaways for Patrick was learning to set healthy boundaries, both personally and professionally.He discusses the anxiety and fear that used to accompany difficult conversations and how understanding and setting boundaries has improved his leadership and personal interactions.Reducing Anxiety and Improving Decision-MakingPatrick talks about how separating truth from lies has significantly reduced his anxiety, helping him make better decisions.He highlights the importance of focusing on what keeps him healthy, leading to better performance and less stress in both personal and professional spheres.Impact on Leadership StylePatrick’s leadership style has evolved to be more patient, less reactive, and more focused on gaining perspective and asking the right questions.He now encourages his team to maintain balance and not overwork themselves, understanding the importance of their well-being for the business’s success.Importance of Personal Development for Business OwnersPatrick emphasizes that personal development is crucial for business growth. Without it, leaders can maintain but not truly grow their organizations.He advises other business owners to invest in personal development to improve their leadership and create a healthier, more productive business environment.If you've been inspired by Patrick’s story and are curious about how Next-Level Life can transform your approach to business and leadership, visit https://chrislocurto.com/life-coaching/.Do you have any questions or struggles? Reach out to us on social media, or shoot us an email at podcast@chrislocurto.com - we check that email daily!

Welcome to the Chris LoCurto Show! Today, we're diving into an essential, yet often overlooked ingredient in the workplace: happiness. Is your team missing this crucial component? We’re about to find out.Key Points Covered:The Importance of HappinessWe often discuss processes, meetings, and communication as pillars of productivity, but happiness is equally critical. Today’s episode isn't about superficial happiness but the profound impact it has on your team’s performance.Balancing Hard and Soft SkillsWhile implementing hard skills like accountability, communication, and culture is vital, integrating soft skills is just as important. Leading people, understanding their struggles, and helping them become better versions of themselves are crucial for a thriving business.Choosing HappinessHappiness is a choice and can be contagious. While misery loves company, a positive environment where people choose to be happy can lead to better teamwork, higher sales, and improved client service.Impact on CulturePeople often leave bad cultures, not jobs. If you're a leader, understand that your attitude and communication affect those around you. Building a positive culture starts with you.Personal StoriesChris shares stories illustrating how leaders’ attitudes can set the tone for the entire team. From a leader unaware of his unapproachable demeanor to a team member mistaking focus for indifference, these examples highlight the importance of perception and communication.Creating a Positive EnvironmentIt’s not about being happy 24/7 but about creating a culture where happiness is valued. Chris discusses how leaders can set positive examples, be accessible, and encourage open communication to foster a happy and productive team.Accountability and CultureEstablishing what’s acceptable and unacceptable in your culture is crucial. Addressing bad attitudes and fostering a supportive environment helps maintain a positive and productive workplace.Recognizing Achievements and Growth OpportunitiesRewarding achievements and providing opportunities for growth and learning are key strategies for fostering happiness. Encourage team members to fully express their thoughts and build trust through clear communication.Balancing Happiness and ProfitWhile focusing on happiness, it’s essential to maintain the tactical aspects of the business. A balanced approach ensures that productivity and profitability are not compromised.Customer SatisfactionA happy team leads to satisfied customers. The positive culture you create will reflect in how your clients experience your business, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty.Implementing these strategies can significantly impact your business’s success. By focusing on happiness, not only will your team be more productive and innovative, but your business will also achieve lasting success.Tune in to hear more about how happiness can transform your team and business. Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and join us on the next episode of the Chris LoCurto Show.Got any questions or struggles? Email us at podcast@chrislocurto.com - we check that email daily!Additional Resources545 | Building Healthy, Happy, Hybrid Teams