Have you wondered how some companies are able to remain strong and seemingly able to withstand almost any external pressure like rising costs and even the threat of a global recession? 

Do these companies have some sort of secret formula? And how do they seem to hold onto great people while many companies are struggling with turnover and trying to find great people.

If you’re experiencing some of these concerns and are hoping to find some answers, grab a notebook and get ready to take some notes as I’m joined by my friend, Ken Trupke.

Busy leaders hire Ken to help them identify the issues preventing them from growing their business, but what I like most about Ken’s approach is that he believes everyone wants to do work that excites them, to be part of something greater than themselves, and to be appreciated.

If you’re new to the podcast, my name is James Mayhew and i started this podcast with one thing in mind:  to help you ensure that every person in your company has the knowledge, skills and confidence to do their jobs exceedingly well.

I’m glad you’re here. Now let’s jump in and learn from Ken Trupke.

You’ve probably heard that people don’t leave bad jobs; they leave because of bad bosses, poor management, and a lack of appreciation of their worth.

It’s cliche, yet it happens all the time and exit interviews confirm it.

Just because you’re in a management or leadership position, the immature, inexperienced or insecure leader incorrectly assumes that the people on their team will automatically respect, listen and follow direction directions. 

It really doesn’t work that way. In fact, it takes a great deal of time, effort and skills to develop trust, let alone build true rapport with your team.

Here’s what doesn’t work.

Constant criticism, sarcasm, micro managing and just being downright cruel in your communication.

Think back to a time in your life when you’ve worked for a manager who routinely shoots down your ideas, doesn’t hear you out, and just overall, is disrespectful to you. It makes you miserable, erodes your confidence and overall, just makes your job intolerable.

This is a recipe for losing your best people. 

But what if there was a better way? A simple, but powerful framework that promises to build trust and rapport?

That framework is the topic for episode 67 where I’m joined once again by my friend and turnaround specialist, Kevin Wormwood where we discuss the power of integrity, dignity and prosperity.

I’m James Mayhew, America’s Chief Culture Officer, and this podcast focuses on helping companies attract and retain great people, improve communication at every level, and boost your bottom line.

Comments, questions or feedback? Send James an email or initiate a conversation using this link: https://calendly.com/mayhew/connect

Contact James directly by calling (319) 929-2604.

There’s a lot of talk about #empathy as one of the most important — if not *the most important — leadership attribute. 

I don’t disagree, except for when it’s not paired with #courage it doesn’t do anything for another person. 

Empathy without courage is like having good intentions without action. 

“Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom last summer. The sympathy card is still on my desk all ready to go… I just keep forgetting to get a stamp and mail it.”

In that scenario, I feel better. But Susan doesn’t. 

It’s likely I’ve just galvanized my relationship with Susan and from her perspective, I don’t really care her. She's clearly not a priority for me. 

Be mindful about your thoughts as your thoughts become your words, and your words become your actions. 

True empathy that’s paired with true courage — especially in a leader — means you say what needs to be said, while being mindful of the other person’s view and emotion. 

It means you don’t delay having the crucial conversation. You make it a priority. 

It means that you're open to how you could have done better. Clearer expectations. Giving helpful feedback. Listening better. 

Courage is the ability to do the thing that frightens you. 

Without it, empathy is just a feeling.