Episode 106: Why being “barely adequate” is a smart strategy for First Time Facilitators with Michael Bungay-Stanier
I was lucky enough to interview Michael Bungay Stanier in Brisbane (Nov 2019). Watch the interview, instead!
I'm re-releasing an interview with one of the world's legends today!
It’s to celebrate the pre-order launch of Michael Bungay Stanier's (MBS) newest book, "How to Begin: Start Doing Something that Matters" is now available for pre-order.
It’s legendary!
Gosh I’ve been so excited to bring this episode to you! If you listened to my interview with Mark Bowden, you would have heard us talk about today’s guest, one of my all-time favourite thoughts leaders + author's, Michael Bungay-Stanier.
Michael Bungay Stanier is at the forefront of shaping how organizations around the world make being coach-like an essential leadership competency. His book, The Coaching Habit was an instant classic and one of the books that most impacted how I think and lead. I am eagerly anticipating the follow-up, deep-dive he’s written, coming out on February 29th. The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious, and Change the Way You Lead Forever is sure to be transformative.
In 2019, Michael was named the #1 thought leader in coaching by Thinkers50, the so-called Oscars of management. Michael was also the first Canadian coach of the year and has been named a Global Coaching Guru since 2014.
I was lucky enough to record this conversation with Michael when he was in Brisbane. In this conversation, we cover a ton of topics ranging from finding your purpose, to how a room should be setup, to how we can be more coach-like in our interactions, how we can give less advice as well (when it’s so tempting to give advice).
You can also watch this video on YouTube. In the video, you’ll see Michael share his facilitation toolkit (yup, he brought it along to the interview!) :World’s #1 thought leader on coaching, Michael Bungay-Stanier talks facilitation with Leanne Hughes
Michael also shares specifics on how to deliver activity instructions, including how to sequence question time in pairs and how to assess who speaks first in a pairing exercise, using humour.
Speaking of humour, one of the reasons I think Michael is one of my favourite authors, is because he is that funny. You see that in the way that he writes, the way he chooses his words - highly intelligent while keeping it real. It’s also why you’ll hear me laughing over the top of much of what he says #sorrynotsorry.
About my guest: Michael Bungay-Stanier
Michael’s the founder of Box of Crayons, a company that champions coaching skills as a force for manager excellence and leader capability. He’s a compelling keynote speaker, combining practicality, humour, and an unprecedented degree of engagement with the audience. He’s spoken around the world in front of crowds ranging from ten to ten thousand.
Michael has written and also been featured in numerous publications including Business Insider, Fast Company, Forbes, The Globe & Mail and The Huffington Post.
The world desperately needs more humble, curious leaders. His latest book, The Advice Trap takes us deep into the whys and then shows us exactly how to get there. Available February 29th wherever books are sold.
Resources mentioned in the interview:
The Advice Trap (official site, pre-order your copy today!)
Free webinar 26 February 2020: 5 unpredictable ways to start a workshop (that predictably work)
Want some new ideas on how to begin a workshop? I’m running a free, live webinar on the 5 unpredictable ways to start a workshop (that predictably work) on Wednesday 26 February, 10am AEST. You can find out more and sign up here (and don’t worry, if you can’t make it live but you register, you’ll also get the recording).
Like this show?
Continue the conversation when the show is over by joining my free Facebook group called The Flipchart. We have over 580 facilitators, from all over the world, sharing ideas and asking questions, it’s a fun and supportive community.
Tweet Michael your thanks + what you learnt from him (or, you can follow Michael Bungay-Stanier on Instagram)
Tweet Leanne your number one takeaway from this episode (and follow her behind the scenes on Instagram)
Quotes:
“Great work has more impact and greater meaning.”
“Coaching is an essential skill and behavior of a leader.”
“Coaching is about you leading in a different way that will allow your people to feel more engaged, empowered and more focused on what matters.”