In Session 1 of Pillar 2 on becoming a better manager, the focus is on the pivotal importance of dialogue for effective management. The session encourages managers to break away from traditional management techniques, emphasizing the need to foster open communication and build trust with team members. It introduces the concept of "commander intent" for clarity in team objectives and underscores the significance of active listening, rapport-building, and understanding team diversity for leadership success. Participants will learn practical strategies for engaging with their teams on a deeper level and gain insights into managing both introverted and extroverted personalities. The session concludes with real-world exercises to refine these interpersonal skills, which are essential for any manager looking to excel in their role.

In this insightful session, we delve into the transformative approach of shifting from traditional delegation to a culture of empowerment and partnership in management. Talbot shares his personal experiences and examines the pitfalls of rigid delegation, explaining how it can lead to loss of top talent and a lack of growth within an organization. The focus is on cultivating an environment of trust, where managers actively listen, align team members’ passions with the company's goals, and foster a sense of ownership and pride in their work. By redefining roles through partnership, managers can unlock the potential for both individual development and corporate success. Whether you're a new or seasoned manager, this session is designed to challenge your management style and inspire a more collaborative, authentic, and purpose-driven leadership approach that not only encourages individual contributions but also leads to team cohesion and increased productivity.

In this session, we delve into the vital skills of communication and feedback from a managerial perspective. Participants will learn how to foster effective two-way exchanges with team members, embracing active listening to strengthen understanding and trust. We'll explore techniques for providing timely, constructive feedback in private settings to respect and promote growth among team members. The session highlights the benefits of reducing ambiguity, aligning team roles with individual talents, and ensuring that every member grasps the objectives clearly for enhanced efficiency. Attendees will also be introduced to the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) feedback model, guiding managers on how to provide clear, contextual, and behavior-focused feedback for maximum positive impact. This session equips managers with the necessary tools to improve communication channels, boost team morale, and increase productivity within their organizations.

In this impactful session, Talbot draws on his military experience to teach managers the power of 'commander's intent.' He emphasizes the importance of clearly communicating your desired end state so that every team member knows what success looks like and can work towards it independently. By addressing the 'why' and 'how' of a mission, Talbot guides you through creating a shared vision, encouraging initiative, and empowering your team to adapt and overcome any obstacles. This session not only provides actionable strategies to enhance team productivity but also includes worksheets to help attendees implement these principles in their managerial practices effectively. Join us to strengthen your leadership and ensure your team is aligned and inspired to achieve collective goals.

Dive into session five where Ken and Talbot explore the essential skills of collaboration and conflict resolution for managers. Discover how to harness the unique strengths of each team member, foster a culture of open communication, and act as a proactive coach to your employees. Learn actionable strategies to improve team problem-solving, boost engagement, and effectively handle conflicts using tools like the Cedar model. This session empowers leaders to create a cohesive team dynamic that celebrates individual contributions while working towards common goals. Join us to elevate your management approach and lead your team to success with empathy, clarity, and a shared vision.

In Session 6, "Trust and Respect," we delve into the foundational elements that foster high-performing teams. Emphasizing the critical nature of trust and respect in any workplace dynamic, we explore strategies to be transparent, genuine, and consistent in managerial roles. We discuss the importance of accountability, demonstrating interest and empathy, investing time in understanding team members, and recognizing their contributions. Additionally, we cover the practical implications of building trust, such as improved engagement and alignment of team members' passions with organizational objectives. Real-world scenarios are used to illustrate how to assess the level of trust and respect within a team, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and feedback. The session equips managers with valuable insights and actionable steps towards becoming elite leaders by nurturing a culture rooted in trust and respect.

In Session 7, "Culture and Diversity," Talbot emphasizes the critical role of culture in management and the importance of diversity in creating high-performing teams. Drawing from over 25 years of leadership experience, Talbot discusses how managers set the tone for a company's culture and how that influences team dynamics, innovation, and customer perception. He highlights the concepts of psychological safety, inclusive communication, shared values, and a clear vision as pivotal for fostering a collaborative and diverse workplace. The session also addresses the challenges new managers may face when integrating into an existing culture and providing actionable strategies for building a cohesive team aligned with the company's goals. Additionally, Talbot tackles the tough decisions managers must make when dealing with team members who do not fit the cultural mold, stressing the importance of maintaining the team's integrity and mission focus.

In session eight, the final installment of our management series, we focus on cultivating elite managerial skills. This session dives deep into the 10 core tenets of effective management, offering a concise toolkit to enhance leadership capabilities. From articulating clear intentions and solving the team dynamic puzzle to fostering trust and celebrating achievements, each tenet is a crucial piece of the puzzle in building a successful and cohesive team. Participants are encouraged to reflect and act on these principles in their managerial roles, striving for continuous improvement and excellence in leading their teams. Join us in embracing these actionable insights to become a manager who not only guides but inspires a shared vision of success.

Welcome to Pillar Three, Session One of our elite performance series. In this insightful session, learners are introduced to the fundamental concepts and starting rules crucial for effectively managing their managers. Emphasizing the essential role of understanding and aligning with your manager's goals, we explore the importance of reliability and trust, the personalization of corporate decisions, and the strategic importance of the long game in your career. Armed with practical steps and reflective questions, participants will learn how to position themselves as dependable, strategic allies to their managers. Join us as we set the mindset for success and establish a solid foundation for navigating the nuances of upward management.

This session focuses on how to showcase resilience, proactivity, and effective communication in the professional setting, particularly in the context of managing the relationship with one's boss. It delves into the importance of understanding a manager's workload, anticipating their needs, and establishing clear lines of communication. Participants learn how to be the proactive 'left guard' for their manager, anticipate potential issues, and maintain a service-oriented mindset. This ensures that managers are aware of both progress and obstacles thanks to transparent, timely updates. The session encourages taking initiative, communicating bad news courageously, and seeking solutions proactively. Ultimately, this session equips participants with the mindset and tools to be world-class professionals by going beyond their comfort zones and contributing to organizational efficiency and success.

In session four, Ken and Talbot delve into the concept of malleability in the professional sphere, emphasizing its critical role in career management and cultivating a productive relationship with one's manager. They explore the powerful principle of adaptability, comparing it to the fluidity revered in martial arts, and discuss how it applies to thriving amidst constant organizational change. The session offers real-life strategies for emerging professionals to push towards excellence while maintaining the flexibility to pivot when necessary. Listeners are encouraged to build resilience, reduce self-induced stress, and position themselves as indispensable team members by being open to change, thus enhancing their long-term career prospects. Join us to unlock the secrets to being adaptable and making it work to your advantage.

Session Three focuses on developing a reputation for being amazingly predictable and empowering both yourself and your team by maximizing control over your actions.  Talbot emphasizes the importance of reliability, earnest communication, and proactive problem-solving, encouraging the students to help their managers and team members succeed. He discusses the value of mirroring communication styles to build rapport and urges participants to avoid being passive "order takers." Instead, they are encouraged to engage actively in discussions, challenge ideas respectfully, and present solutions, embodying an attitude that contributes positively to the team's success. By prioritizing the success of the manager and the team, participants learn that their own professional growth is also supported. This session equips individuals with strategies to effectively manage upward relationships and demonstrates how excellence in these areas can lead to recognition and advancement in the long run.

In this enlightening session, Ken and Talbot delve into the crucial topic of securing a promotion. Talbot shares valuable insights on why earning a promotion is more than just a personal triumph—it's a strategic maneuver that involves careful planning and consideration for your current team and manager. You'll learn why it's vital to think beyond individual performance and take on the responsibility of succession planning, ensuring a seamless transition for all parties involved. This session offers practical steps for identifying and grooming potential successors, engaging with key stakeholders, and ultimately positioning yourself as an indispensable asset primed for advancement. Discover the subtle intricacies of climbing the career ladder with a focus on holistic professional growth and team success.

In this empowering session, you'll learn how to integrate all the knowledge from previous sections and apply it to mastering self-awareness, managing your manager, and most importantly, focusing on personal growth. We delve into the powerful concept of beginning with the end in mind, exploring how visualization techniques, used by elite athletes and professionals, can propel you towards your end goals. We also introduce the unique ‘Internal GPS’ strategy, which helps you identify and develop your inherent talents and passions into a fulfilling career path. The ‘Right Angle Rule’ will teach you about brutal self-honesty in assessing your strengths and paths at different career stages. Equipped with practical exercises and the encouragement to engage in regular reflection, this session is a roadmap to aligning your career trajectory with your deepest joys and becoming truly elite in your field. Join us to discover how to pinpoint your purpose, accelerate personal development, and set practical, audacious goals for continued success.

Join Ken and Talbot as they explore the four pivotal steps towards achieving elite performance in your personal and professional life. In this session, Talbot imparts practical advice and strategies to transform your intentions into actionable steps, with a focus on managing perceptions, setting and pursuing goals with a positive mentality, and the power of belief in oneself. Discover how to maintain a positive mental attitude, begin with the end in mind, embrace the journey with all its challenges, and celebrate small wins. This session not only emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself and visualizing your goals but also delves into the significance of daily accountability, strategic reflection, embracing a supportive environment, and establishing a consistent morning routine. Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder or achieve personal growth, these insightful strategies will guide you through your journey to elite performance with Ken and Talbot's expert guidance.

Join us for the eighth and final session of our transformative series designed to catapult your personal and professional growth. In this culminating event, we focus on the crucial skill of expanding your comfort zone—a vital step for anyone on the path to elite performance. Gain insights from Talbot's wealth of experience spanning the military, Silicon Valley, and finance, and learn how to embrace the discomfort that accompanies growth. Discover J. Dotson's law on optimal arousal for peak performance, understand the transition from the comfort to the fear zone, and equip yourself with strategies to navigate towards the learning and growth zones. Now is the time to dismantle barriers and redefine your potential—step out with courage and adaptability, and let us guide you through to the pinnacle of your elite journey. This session is not just about reaching new heights but also about becoming resilient, adaptable, and ultimately, unstoppable.