Influence Leadership

In this episode, we continue our discussion on the best ways to prepare for and handle challenges and adversity. This is the second episode covering the core truths from Chapter 7 of Iditarod Leadership. In this episode, we discuss ... - How to expect frustrations upfront, rather than assume everything will go perfectly. - How to balance realistic expectations with positive energy. - How to identify the real problem beneath the problem ... US! Lots more in this episode. And don't forget to check us out at InfluenceLeadership.com for more info. Originally recorded March 2016. This episode published on June 30, 2017.

In this episode, we revisit one of our most popular episodes ever. Want to know what a sure thing is in business (and in life)? There will always be new challenges to overcome and new problems that need to be solved. It's rare for things to go as planned. But that also means there are always solutions that need to be created. In this episode, we break down some of the fundamental truths from Chapter 7 in Chris Fuller's book, Iditarod Leadership. We'll discuss things like ... - How to identify the changes happening within you while you deal with adversity. - How to stop focusing on the failure and how to focus more on the lesson you can learn. - How to prepare for things you don't even know you should prepare for. Leave us your feedback on this episode, and visit InfluenceLeadership.com for more info.

In this episode, Chris and Brett discuss a strategic advantage leaders can and should take full advantage of, but rarely do. We break down the importance of diversity, and why not only creating a diverse environment is important, but embracing the diverse perspectives is even more important for any leader. Learn more at InfluenceLeaderhship.com. Originally Recorded May 2017.

In our last episode, Chris and Brett made the case for business cases. Most leaders aren't making as many business cases as they should be, and the ones they are making definitely aren't as effective as they need to be. In this episode, Chris breaks down some practical tips on how to make your business cases better and lead to the results and changes you want to see. We discuss knowing your data, understanding the return on investment and presenting the right way to your audience. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded in May 2017.

Far too many leaders accept what is handed to them when they know they need something different or something more. Most leaders don't put up much of a fight; they simply accept what's been handed to them and make the most of it. In this episode, Chris and Brett discuss why leaders must start making more business cases, for the sake of their success and their teams. Whether it's resources, manpower, strategic direction or something else, leaders must make a case for what they believe is needed. This is part one of a two-part series. In this specific episode, Chris and Brett discuss the important of making a business case. In the next episode, they discuss how to make your business cases stronger and more effective. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded May 2017.

The RACE toward growing leadership never ends, and so we revisit a topic focused on Chris Fuller's acronym, R.A.C.E., and how you can apply it to your own leadership journey. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com.

What’s the best way for organizations to develop leaders? In this episode, Chris Fuller walks through the fundamentals of the mindset and methodology an organization must take on to be deliberate in how they develop leaders within. They discuss things like ... - understanding the why before the what. - how to identify high-potential candidates for leadership - the cultural aspects of this type of development. - the critical components of an effective program. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded in March 2017.

In this continuation from episode 37, Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan continue their discussion on Leadership Styles, focusing this time around on how to work best within the styles that come naturally to you, as well as how to work within the parameters of the style of those leading you. Can a leader incorporate different leadership styles effectively? How does the environment or situation impact and influence the leadership style you incorporate? What do you do if you don't seem to gel or respond well to the leadership style of your leader? We'll dig into it all and a lot more in this episode. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded March 2017.

What is your natural leadership style? In this episode, Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan survey the eight most common leadership styles, and how to identify what comes to you naturally. In addition, they discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each style, and how all of us must adapt to our environments and circumstances and adopt a new leadership style accordingly. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded March 2017.

What do leaders do after they have failed? How can leaders earn back the confidence and respect of their teams after they have let them down? Let's face it: we all mess up. We fall short of expectations. We make bad decisions. We sometimes even contradict our own values and character. How do we bounce back? In this episode, Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan discuss ways you, as a leader, can regain the trust of your team. They discuss the different types of trust (transactional trust and relational trust), and simple, straightforward steps to follow when that trust has been depleted. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded in March 2017.

As leaders, there will be times that we blow it. It's inevitable. What's important is to know what to do when it happens, and how to recover. In this episode, Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan start with the story of Linwood Fiedler, an experienced musher who managed to fall asleep while driving his team of dogs, and stay asleep while falling face first into the snow. His team pushed ahead without him to the checkpoint, and Linwood followed on his own about 4 hours later. How do you RECOVER as a leader? Chris breaks down a few approaches: 1) Re-Focus on the next checkpoint, and nothing else. 2) Take time to re-evaluate and re-charge. 3) Learn from the failure without getting caught up in the emotions of the failure. 4) Rework your plan and redeploy accordingly. This episode was originally recorded March 2017. Please go to InfluenceLeadership.com to learn more.

What does mature leadership really look like? While we may think of those experienced and wise in leadership as knowing how to influence people and situations to serve their needs and wants the most, the opposite is actually true. Mature leadership grows in its ability to put others first. Put another way, immature leadership is focused on self. But mature leadership learns that the more you focus on the needs of your team, the more successful and fulfilling everyone becomes. In this episode, Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan discuss what this really looks like, the true purpose of a team and how to assess your own level of leadership. Originally recorded in March 2017. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com.

The only certain thing in business, and life, is change. However, do you take on too much change? Do you implement change too quickly? So many leaders get caught in the never-ending cycle of changing for change's sake. In this episode, Chris and Brett talk through the causes of this type of negative change, and how to combat it. Leaders must change only for the sake of progress. And leaders recognize when "change saturation" has taken over. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded in February 2017.

As you probably know, there's a new President in place in the United States, and often much is made of a new President's first 100 days. In this episode, Chris and Brett break down how you can think of your own first 100 days as a leader, no matter what scenario you find yourself in. Chris walks us through how to think of your first 100 days in terms of... - A New Job/Company - A New Leader - A Senior Leader or Executive taking over their new position Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded in February 2017.

What does a leader actually do? In this episode, Chris lays out the core roles that a leader must account for. Leaders build culture, and culture builds results. But there are so many different "hats" a leader must wear at different times to make this happen. Here are 10 roles of a leader and a quick description of each to help you pinpoint an area or two where you can grow today as a leader. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded in January 2017.

In This Episode, you will learn that leadership is much more than a title, and it's not something that comes automcatucllay with a title. Chris and Brett talk through how to increase your influence and truly lead no matter where you are on the organizational chart. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded in January 2017.

In this episode, Chris and Brett depart a bit from the typical topics and highlight a handful of some of Chris' quippy one-liners, known better as "Fullerisms." Listen in as Chris and Brett riff over each individual line, and be sure to download the complete list of 151 at InfluenceLeadership.com.

In this episode, Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan pick up from the last episode and talk through the real meaning of "owning the methods" when it comes to leadership. When it comes to having the right leadership mindset, you have to own both the mission and the methodology. When we focus on the methodology, we must consider things like... - Identifying when a methodology that used to work is no longer working in the same way. - Measuring what matters, but not letting the measurement itself be the final goal. - How to "date the methods, and marry the mission." - Understanding what you're running from, and what you're running to. - The difference between working on a plan, and working on a fix. Listen now, and be sure to rate the podcast. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded in January 2017.

What's the difference between a mature mindset and an immature mindset? Often, it's the element of ownership. Do you blame other people and other circumstances when things don't go right? Are you a victim of your circumstances and environment? Or are you responsible for what is happening in your life and in your team's life, regardless of the circumstances and environment? In this episode, Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan break down what an effective ownership mindset can look like. Are you owning the methods, the successes, the failures and the mission? Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded in January 2017.

It's a new year! Chris Fuller has chosen a single word to help him drive a new level of success for himself in 2017, and we think it may be one you can leverage, too. In this episode, Chris and Brett discuss Chris's word for 2017, and break down the different ways we forecast that will play out in the months to come. Get full details at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded in January 2017 by Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan.

Were there parts of 2016 you were glad to see go? For all of us, there are parts of a year that has just passed that can provide momentum and others that can cause for ongoing obstacles ... if we let them. In this episode, Chris and Brett discuss specifically how to identify what you should leave behind in 2016, and how to do it. We dig deep into 3 key points on how to make it happen, including 1) Look Back Methodically, 2) Be ready for the returns for 2017 and 3) extend your focus beyond just the current year. Get full details at InfluenceLeadership.com. Originally recorded in January 2017 by Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan.

Chris shares a handful of questions to ask yourself to help you reset your thinking, take time to refresh and reflect, and recharge for the successes ahead of you. In this episode, Brett and Chris discuss ... - How to update your attitude in midst of both the sprints and the rests. - How to recognize when you need to recharge, and what works best for you. - How to capture specific thoughts and approaches that can help you be your best while also enjoying the journey along the way. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded in August 2016.

Chris and Brett continue their discussion on the different types of organizational cancers that are most common among today's corporations. Are you guilty of any of these personally? Do you witness them on a regular basis? And what can you, as a leader, do to make things better? Originally recorded in August 2016.

In his work with other companies, Chris Fuller has identified the most common organizational cancers, and the most efficient and effective ways to deal with them. How do you personally handle organizational cancers? How does it affect the work you do? This episode can help you transcend these common challenges and accelerate your success and results. Originally record in August 2016.

We often seek out balance and an even pace in our lives. But is that really the right approach? At different times, success requires strategic sprints and strategic rests. In this episode, Chris Fuller walks through the right way to approach times when you need to go the extra mile and "sprint" to the finish line. At the same time, he discusses the necessity to plan strategic rests in between sprints, which allow you to recover and also prepare for your next sprint. Learn more about Influence Leadership and Chris Fuller at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded in May 2016.

In this episode, Chris and Brett pick up where the last episode left off, digging into the details of Chris' INSPIRED methodology. INSPIRED is an acronym that reminds leaders how to serve their organizations, their teams AND their customers well and at a level that truly differentiates them from others. In this episode, we break down the second half of INSPIRED: I = Integrated in the Culture R = Real E = Executing the Executables with Excellence D = Diligently Developed Daily For more info, visit InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally record May 2016.

Chris and Brett break down one of Chris' most popular training approaches, the INSPIRED presentation. INSPIRED is an acronym that reminds leaders how to serve both their organizations, their teams and their customers well and at a level that truly differentiates them from others. Put another way, how can you create an environment where your customers don't just put up with you, but actually love you. In this episode, we break down the first half of INSPIRED: IN = Intentional S = Service-minded P = Passionate, Purposeful, Partnering I = Integrated in the Culture For more info, visit InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded May 2016.

In this episode, Chris discusses a listener question on how to cast the vision within your organization. We all appreciate and even celebrate a strong and compelling vision. But how do you practically share it with your organization in a way that encourages buy-in and motivates them to feel as strongly about it as you do? That's what this discussion is all about. For more info, visit InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded May 2016.

In this episode, Chris and Brett discuss the intricate approach to leading within your organization regardless of your position. Since leadership is influence, we discuss how to establish influence with your boss and your team, and how to use your influence to drive positive change so everyone can win. Ready to become that leader that everyone turns to? Anxious to learn how you can promote improvements throughout your organization? This episode will help. For more info, visit InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded March 2016.

In this episode (episode 16), Chris and Brett continue their discussion around Chris Fuller's methodology to help companies establish how they deliberately and purposefully develop leaders in their organization. In this episode, we'll talk specifically about ... - how to quickly learn how "leadership" works at your organization - how to adapt to your organization's culture in a way that promotes your own influence while also still pushing the envelope for positive change. - what you can expect in terms of outcomes and timelines when you establish your own plan. - what an engagement with Chris looks like to help you with your Leadership Development Plan. Learn More at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded in March 2016.

Does your company have a leadership development plan? In our experience, most companies don't. They rely more on circumstances and individuals to determine a leader's growth within than company, instead of a system. In this episode, Chris Fuller breaks down the first half of his Leadership Development Plan. You'll learn why every company needs to have a documented plan, and what it looks like specifically. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com. This episode was originally recorded March 2016.

In this episode, we discuss practical ways to recognize and award your team and yourself with each project, while also creating a process for reviewing projects so you can make the most of each learning opportunity. We discuss ... - How to systematically assess projects so you can learn from both the good parts and the challenging parts. - How to celebrate accomplishments in the most productive way. - How to develop your own legacy in the process, and how each project gives you the opportunity to fine-tune your legacy. This episode was originally recorded in February 2016, and features Chris Fuller and Brett Duncan. You can learn more at http://influenceleadership.com/

Leadership isn't just about leading a team of followers, but also influencing those around you ... whether they're downline, upline or crossline from you in the organizational chart. In this episode, Chris shares his handy acronym for remembering how to increase you influence in any relationship and situation. It all starts with B.A.R.K.S. Originally recorded February 2016.

In this episode, we continue our discussion on the best ways to prepare for and handle challenges and adversity. This is the second episode covering the core truths from Chapter 7 of Iditarod Leadership. In this episode, we discuss ... - How to expect frustrations upfront, rather than assume everything will go perfectly. - How to balance realistic expectations with positive energy. - How to identify the real problem beneath the problem ... US! Lots more in this episode. And don't forget to check us out at InfluenceLeadership.com for more info. Originally published April 4, 2016.

Want to know what a sure thing is in business (and in life)? There will always be new challenges to overcome and new problems that need to be solved. It's rare for things to go as planned. But that also means there are always solutions that need to be created. In this episode, we break down some of the fundamental truths from Chapter 7 in Chris Fuller's book, Iditarod Leadership. We'll discuss things like ... - How to identify the changes happening within you while you deal with adversity. - How to stop focusing on the failure and how to focus more on the lesson you can learn. - How to prepare for things you don't even know you should prepare for. Leave us your feedback on this episode, and visit InfluenceLeadership.com for more info.

What is your competitive advantage? In this episode, we help you identify what truly sets you apart from the rest. Sure, it may have something to do with a specific skill, but in business, often your work ethic can be the best differentiator you have. And the good news is anyone can practice a great work ethic. As we continue our discussion of Chris Fuller's book, Iditarod Leadership, we learn how one musher used a little trickery and early rising to get the edge on his competition. How does his story relate to yours?

While leadership may deal with complicated matters on a regular basis, it doesn't mean we can't have simple approaches to guide us through the process. In this episode, Chris walks you through a powerfully simple acronym, R.A.C.E., to help you maximize every initiative and objective. Learn what it means to ... - Be Ready and prepare with excellence for your journey. - Take Action at a high level - Set up Checkpoints so you can measure progress and course-correct as needed. - Evolve to factors out of your control

We throw the term "team-building" around all the time. But what does it really mean? And are you truly deliberate about building your teams? In this episode, Chris Fuller breaks down important aspects of how to build a team the right way, from acknowledging the different roles of the team to knowing how to build a team that fits the success and results you and your organization want.

Having a team of people simply isn't enough. Without roles clearly defined and assigned, your team is just a group of people. A crowd. Leaders must be committed to clarifying the roles of the team, and placing the right people in those roles for the ultimate team experience. In this episode, we'll discuss the different roles of a team as detailed in Iditarod Leadership, including ... - Lead Dogs - Swing Dogs - Team Dogs - Wheel Dogs Listen to the episode now, and learn more about Chris Fuller and Influence Leadership at InfluenceLeadership.com.

Does your team always meet your expectations? Regardless of your answer, a key part of the process has to do with your communication to your team. In this episode, Chris walks you through how to communicate effectively with your team in a way that gets results: - The difference between how amateurs practice and how professionals practice. - How to communicate clearly in a way the motivates your team to meet, even exceed, your expectations. - How to create checkpoints of communication - How to be a leader who is involved and aware without being overbearing or a micromanager. Learn more at InfluenceLeadership.com.

If you don't have an accurate assessment of yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses, how can you know where to focus to make the biggest strides in your own self-improvement. In this episode, Chris discusses .... - How self-awareness is fundamental to strong leadership. - How to hire team members that strengthen both you and the team. - How to ask your team members where you're weak.

Leaders realize the road ahead of them is both a journey and an adventure. How deliberate are you in seeking out the adventures that are within reach? In this episode, we discuss ... - the story behind Iditatord Leadership. - how to proactively identify adventures in your life. - how to pursue opportunities to take on more leadership roles, even when no one is offering one. Originally recorded in September 2015; published October 2015

Culture and leadership are undeniably linked together. Leaders are ultimately responsible for culture. The culture they create then produces the results the organization is after. In this episode, we'll cover ... - Why culture and how you do business have such a direct impact on everything happening in your organization. - Leaders must focus on strategy, vision, the future and culture. Let the amazing teams you create take care of the daily operations. - How culture and identity are linked - How to shape an intentional culture strategy Originally recorded in August 2015; published in September 2015.

Long ago, John Maxwell made it very clear that leadership is all about influence. It's also what this podcast is all about. In this episode, Chris Fuller walks you through exactly how influence is the most important component of any degree of leadership. We'll cover ... - How to have influence even before you have a leadership title. - The different ways to gain influence (it's not just charisma or a personality) - The differences among attention, influence and manipulation - How you not just influence someone, but how to inspire them. This episode was originally recording in August 2015; published in September 2015.

In this first episode of the Influence Leadership Podcast, Chris Fuller introduces you to his methodology and some of the stories that have made him one of the most sought after leadership specialists in the world. We'll cover ... - The purpose of the podcast - Chris' history with the John Maxwell organization - An overview of Chris' book, Iditarod Leadership - Chris Fuller's background - The one thing every leader needs to think about more. Recorded originally in August 2015; Published September 2015.