Michael Nichols

Nov 27 2018

How to Introduce a Keynote Speaker Without Embarrassing Yourself

It’s going to happen whether you like or not. It happens to all of us. At some point you are going to be asked to give a speaker introduction for a keynote speaker at an event. There is no escaping to this. The question is – What are you going to do? Today, I am going to give you a simple speaker introduction script to follow and our best tips for introducing a keynote speaker, but first…

I remember the first time I was asked to introduce a keynote speaker. I did the same thing you would do – I Googled “How to Introduce a Keynote Speaker Without Embarrassing Yourself”.

And I was surprised! There were very few articles about introducing a speaker. And most of them were not very helpful.

So I dug a little deeper and here’s what I found…

Nov 20 2018

5 Signs You Have a Frenemy

I had never realized it before – everyone has one or two.

A frenemy is someone who pretends to be a close friend but is actually a rival. Your frenemy is usually friend of friend or coworker that you get along with and enjoy. But they will cut you down at any opportunity with mostly backhanded compliments or and passive-aggressive jabs. At times they seem to root for you to do good – just not better than them.

The behaviors of your frenemy are often rooted in jealousy to any or all aspects of your life. While frenemies can be supportive and complimentary, deep down they possess an ulterior motive – to compete with or humiliate you.

Nov 13 2018

Developing Vision With Your Team

My team had experienced significant change and growth. At the same time, I realized that the speed of change within our organization and our team was taking it’s toll on the team. We were focused on keeping up with day-to-day projects and current growth while neglecting developing vision for future growth.

While this approach was productive in the short-term, I knew that it was not sustainable. So I began assessing ways to clarify priorities. And unify the team around common goals and objectives.

Nov 06 2018

My Annual Review Template – Free Download!

I asked her, “What do you want your life to mean?”

Sitting across the cafe table from our 8-year-old daughter, I waited patiently for her response. She spent the next 45 minutes telling me her dreams – for her life, for her friends, for her work, for her family.

She talked a lot about what she is doing at this point in her life – about today. As I listened, I was reminded – [Tweet “The only way to have a great future is to have a lot of great todays.”]

Oct 25 2018

When you’ve been hurt deeply – 5 ways to deal with the pain

The good news is – you are not alone. Every person in the world is dealing with significant pain.

The problem for leaders is that we’ve been taught that pain is to be expected. And that we must persist through the pain. You know – Suck it up! No pain, no gain – right?

But some wounds will destroy you. They’ll destroy your family. They’ll destroy your career. And they’ll destroy your legacy.

Let’s face it – hurting leaders hurt people. But you have the opportunity to break this destructive cycle for everyone close to you – your team, your colleagues, your family, your friends. Your past does not have to negatively influence your interactions with them.