The Final Episode
Come Rain or Shine
"When you're appealing to everybody, you're appealing to nobody. You really have to know who you are and differentiate yourself. Home in on that thing that people are going to remember." Episode Highlights 00:00 Returned to business world after offering advice. 05:06 Importance of mentoring and paying it forward. 09:57 Focus on client needs, not credentials. 10:32 Enthusiasm attracts people. Focus on them and provide value. 15:46 Value in encouragement and diverse experiences. 17:44 Grateful for learning to ask questions, listen, and engage with others. 23:33 Appreciation for sponsorship and...
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Give 'Em the Pickle [Rebroadcast]
Come Rain or Shine
One of my favorite customer service books is from legendary author and speaker Bob Farrell. In his book, ‘Give ‘Em the Pickle’, he discusses how to improve client satisfaction and retention through three words, “I’ll be back.” However, as Jody and I explain in this episode, to earn this phrase, one should not rely on the protocol alone. Contrarily, if you want to go above and beyond in our affairs, dare to fuse selfless service with common sense. But Dan? How do we equip our employees to do this? The answer is simple: Have a framework to empower from. Give your team the confidence...
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A Trip Down Elm Street
Come Rain or Shine
[Rebroadcast of one of Dan's favorite episodes.] “No matter what you’ve done in your life, career and what you’ve been involved with, you’re going to have hard times. And moving on is really the only option you have. You get up and keep moving forward.” In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, special guests, Clint Hill, and Lisa McCubbin join the show to discuss the history of President John F. Kennedy and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from their perspective. A former U.S. Secret Service agent who served under five presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford, Clint...
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Developing a New Point of View
Come Rain or Shine
“Just because the information is at our fingertips doesn't mean we're always leveraging it to actually get stuff done and do things." In today's fast-paced world, information is readily accessible, yet many of us struggle to leverage it effectively. We often find ourselves consuming content for entertainment purposes rather than using it to fuel personal growth and development. It’s easy to forget the power of new perspectives and information. Developing a new point of view could transform the way we approach new ideas and expand our knowledge. You just need to know what to do once you...
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What Is Holding You Back
Come Rain or Shine
"You can't always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it and how you kind of take it in, and that's all on you." Episode Highlights 02:26 Courage and discipline are key to growth. 04:51 Change mindset, find motivation, or make change. 07:43 Attitude and choices determine control and confidence. 12:52 Start doing, make it real, change. 13:24 Transition from sedentary to active lifestyle. Connect with Dan: About Dan - Instagram - LinkedIn - Facebook - What is Holding You Back? Any time someone tells me they wish something was different in their...
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Pay Attention to the Person In Front of You
Come Rain or Shine
“You create your own luck.' When you engage in conversations with strangers, you never know what it may turn into - a pleasant conversation, a business opportunity, or even a friendship." Episode Highlights 01:27 Pay attention to people for effective leadership, communication, and relationship building. 04:43 Nonverbals are a powerful way to communicate, including in unintended ways 06:48 Interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities and relationship 11:29 Listening with intent helps uncover new connections and opportunities. 12:40 Being present earns respect. 17:43 Eliminating...
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Take Responsibility
Come Rain or Shine
“Sometimes I look around and say, why am I in this situation? It makes me take a step back to say, “ What did you do to get yourself in this situation? What could you have done to not be in this situation?” Episode Highlights [00:03:58] Take responsibility for hiring, then address issues or remove employees.. [00:10:54] Ownership mindset leads to remarkable acts of responsibility and...
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Change Your Environment to Change Your Mindset
Come Rain or Shine
“We’re just so busy and distracted, things come in and out. We just don't take time to say, wow, that's a nice thing. I'm creating a little memory for myself right now." – Dan Cockerell Episode Highlights [00:02:19] Saying yes to opportunities and changing environments can be refreshing and inspiring. [00:05:07] Meditation is challenging but worthwhile. Be present and appreciate the little things. [00:09:15] Outdoor trip to Bryce Canyon. Refreshing and inspiring. [00:11:14] Effective meetings occur when they are held while doing related tasks. Connect with Dan: About Dan - ...
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The Four Elements of Team Productivity
Come Rain or Shine
"Talent times Relationships plus expectations plus reward and recognition equals the productivity of a team." Episode Highlights [00:03:02] Gallup's 4 measurements of team productivity. [00:06:22] Giving gratitude and recognition reinforces positive behavior and improves productivity. [00:08:42] Clarify expectations and communicate with your team for improved productivity. [00:12:45] Assess team morale, identify need for friendship [00:15:39] Discuss expectations, recognize team, gather feedback, clarify actions, follow-up. [00:16:40] Use feedback to improve leadership for better results...
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Connecting with Customers through Storytelling
Come Rain or Shine
“If you don't keep their interest, they walk away. So I really learned really quickly how to keep that interest. And that was through storytelling.” Episode Highlights [00:01:22] Passion for storytelling through moving around. [00:04:30] Transitioned from working for Disney to writing for nonprofits and training small business leaders [00:10:14] Inspiration from Disney's use of stories, failures, and four key challenges (safety, courtesy, show efficiency). [00:14:42] Storytelling creates respect and enhances effectiveness. [00:16:30] Own your story; be universal and specific. [00:22:10]...
info_outlineAs a leader of any organization, it's really important that we work every day to become unnecessary. - Chris Meroff
Chris Meroff’s journey is what has shaped him into a strategic leader that helps others recognize the value of prioritizing employee fulfillment. His story is both inspiring and enlightening.
As a college dropout with no clear path in life, Chris found himself working in his parents' consulting business for K-12 education, despite having no prior knowledge of the field. After 15 grueling years, Chris decided to branch off and launch a similar venture in Texas, one of the largest markets in the country. Despite facing multiple setbacks, his relentless determination led to the flourishing of a successful business with 75 employees within four years.
However, Chris realized that his achievement did not bring him the fulfillment he expected. His belief that leadership required him to exude confidence and strength left him feeling isolated and emotionally drained when an invaluable employee resigned. That moment shaped Chris' view on the importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership. The next thing he knew he has to do was a transform his approach to employee fulfillment.
Make sure to share this episode of Come Rain or Shine with your colleagues and friends who need to hear this message about the impact of leadership on employee fulfillment.
Connect with Chris Meroff
Chris Meroff's Website: https://chrismeroff.com/
Order the Book: Align: Four Simple Steps for Leaders to Create Employee Fulfillment
Connect with Dan:
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:37 - Chris's Background
00:06:17 - The Need for Empathy and Vulnerability
00:08:25 - Becoming Unnecessary as a Leader
00:09:25 - Step 1: Focus on Culture
00:13:33 - Defining Culture and Guiding Principles
00:14:35 - Prioritizing Time and Resources
00:16:14 - Aligning Talent with Tasks
00:17:24 - Creating a Success Plan
00:19:24 - The Value of Investing in Employees