Search Episodes
Renzi Stone played basketball for the University of Oklahoma and is recognized nationally for his political intelligence and public relations insight. Raised in a household where, he says, “competition was the main currency,” Renzi has never been one to shy away from going one on one—even with somebody on his own team—if he feels it’s the right way to get the job done.
“Once, in the middle of working with a colleague on something, he said to me, ‘Well, do you want me to do it or not?’,” Renzi recalled. “I replied, ‘I want you to do it.’ So he said, ‘Then get out of my way. And if you don’t like it at the end, you can fire me. But I think you’ll be pleased.’”
Renzi described the exchange as a “great piece of feedback” from a member of his team who trusted Renzi enough to tell it like he saw it and to do so in the context of the moment. “I think that 1,000 short conversations beat one big, weekly conversation every day,” Renzi observed. “Leadership isn’t about telling someone to do something. It’s about giving your team a framework and a set of expectations that allow them to be who they are.”
In this case, a short and, some might say, brutally honest exchange set up a project for success.
In this episode of Corporate Competitor Podcast, Renzi discusses the techniques and philosophies that have brought him honors as a top business executive under the age of 40.
“The opportunity to compete for something that is a little bit out of reach is where I have found joy in my life,” said Renzi. We think you’ll find plenty of joy in this podcast. So lace up your high tops and get ready to run some shuttles!
You will learn:
- 4:30 The currency of Renzi’s household.
- 9:30 What leadership is NOT.
- 16:30 How to train yourself to overcome adversity.
- 18:00 How Renzi came to embrace new leadership perspectives.
- 22:00 Why you need to teach your team to “touch the line.”
- 28:00 How to create value for your team.
- 32:30 How to balance support and challenge.
Never Miss An Episode
You will receive a FREE chapter from Don’s best-selling book on GREAT TEAMS when you subscribe.
Bonus Resource
Search episodes
Recommended For You
Love This Podcast?
We would be so grateful if you left us a rating and review!
Greg Brenneman
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
John C. Maxwell
“I am a subscriber because you are one of the greatest teachers, one of the best storytellers I have ever met, and I know you will maximize the people you have on the podcast. I’m telling everyone because when you find gold you point everyone to it.”
Simon Sinek
“Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
Beth Brooke
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
Rick Hendrick
“We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
Bill George
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Step 1: Open the Apple Podcasts App.
Step 2: Search Corporate Competitor Podcast and click the episode art.
Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the page and leave a rating and review.
BONUS Screenshot your review, and send to corporate.competitor@greatnessinc.com for a free gift!