156: How to Stay Motivated, with Bonni Stachowiak

Bonni Stachowiak: Teaching in Higher Ed

Bonni is the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, Dean of Teaching and Learning and Professor of Business and Management at Vanguard University, and my life partner. Prior to her academic career, she was a human resources consultant and executive officer for a publicly traded company. Bonni is the author of The Productive Online and Offline Professor: A Practical Guide*.

Question from Gabriel

• I recommended episode #144: How We Do Things Around Here To Get Results

Question from Torrey

I would like to know if you have a group on book reads or know of any groups I can join to get advice about good reading for leadership? For example which of Peter Drucker’s books should I read?

• Subscribe to Coaching for Leaders weekly update for a reader’s guide to the 10 Leadership Books That Will Help You Get Better Results From Others
• Check out Dave’s personal reading library on GoodReeds
• Dave recommended Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute*
• Dave and Bonni recommended The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker*
• Bonni recommended The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz*
• Bonni recommended The Empowered Manager by Peter Block*
• Bonni recommended Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen and Roger Fisher*
• Bonni recommended The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge*

Question from Busakorn

I was wondering if you could advise a great book for selling skills?

• Bonni recommended Let’s Get Real or Let’s Not Play by Mahan Khalsa and Randy Illig
• Bonni recommended SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham*

Question from Torrey

I would like the partners to be motivated enough to complete their reporting and liquidations with a concern for quality and timing, and not have to constantly ask and remind them. I want them to WANT to complete their reporting and do a good job, but right now they do not seem too concerned about it. How can we motivate them to improve their performance?

• What’s the “why” behind the “what?”
• On The Folly Of Rewarding A While Hoping For B by Steven Kerr

Question from Anonymous

I had decided a few weeks ago that my time with my company has expired and it was the moment to move on. I have a second interview coming and while the change scares me, I think it’s needed. My health and marriage are affected so change should be good. My reason for leaving is because of people and I cannot figure out a way to deliver the message without sounding whiny. I don’t want to burn any bridges at all but I also need to be firm and not allow my boss to convince me to stay. Do you have suggestions?
– Bonni recommended Michael Hyatt’s podcast on 7 Actions To Take Before You Quit Your Job

Question from Armando

• Be intentional about what goes in and surround yourself with people who bring life to you
• Give yourself grace!
• Dave recommended episode #85: Ten Ways to Pick Yourself Up When You’re Beaten Down
• Dave’s past article One Interaction That Enhances Performance In The Best Employees might be a helpful idea as well
• “If you act enthusiastic you’ll be enthusiastic.” -Dale Carnegie

Question from Paola

As a very structured person I am quite good organized when it comes to clear and specific tasks. But to be honest I feel kind of lost when I have to do projects or strategic work with no clear way, structure or tasks. Can you provide some ideas on that?
Dave recommended Basecamp for project management
– Dave uses and recommends MindNode (Mac*) (iPhone and iPad*) for mind mapping
– Bonni’s question to stakeholders: “When this is done, what will success look like?”

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