Category: The Better Boss

The Better Boss Podcast
The Essential People Management Skills Every Leader Needs

“Because leading people is still a human skill.”

What makes a good manager great? It’s not the systems or the software. It’s how well you lead people. In each 20-minute episode of The Better Boss, host Gregg Ward shares one proven people management technique you can put into practice immediately.

As Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Respectful Leadership and author of the award-winning, bestselling business fable The Respectful Leader, Gregg brings decades of expertise to every conversation.

Joined by top managers from global corporations, he’ll break down exactly what each technique is, when to use it, how to apply it, and why it delivers results. You’ll even hear it demonstrated in real scenarios.

Whether you’re managing your first team or leading an entire organization, this podcast offers practical tools to manage people more effectively, starting today.

Practice Regular Respect with Bill Guyan

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Leadership is often defined by big decisions and bold strategies, but what if the real difference comes down to the small, consistent moments that shape how people feel every day? Gregg sits down with respected executive and military veteran Bill Guyan to explore the quiet discipline of practicing what they call regular respect.

Drawing from experiences leading soldiers in combat and guiding hundreds of employees through the uncertainty of COVID, Bill shares how empathy, humility, and steady communication can transform culture from the inside out. He reflects on lessons learned the hard way, including the shift from command-driven leadership to influence rooted in trust and emotional intelligence.

Together, they unpack the idea of the emotional bank account and why leaders who invest daily in human connection create organizations that are resilient, engaged, and built to thrive.

This episode is a grounded reminder that extraordinary leadership often looks like ordinary respect done consistently.

The Better Boss: Be the First to Respect

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The fastest way to elevate your leadership doesn’t require a new strategy, a bigger budget, or a corner office. It starts with one word: hello.

In this episode of The Better Boss, Gregg breaks down a deceptively simple yet transformational practice called “Be the First to Respect.” Drawing from his early career at John Jay College and the unforgettable example of a president who made everyone feel seen, Gregg reveals why initiating a greeting and using someone’s name carries far more influence than most leaders realize.

Backed by social psychology and practical experience from the R-Factor Leadership Workshop, Gregg explains how being the first to acknowledge someone removes hesitation, builds instant rapport, and creates a powerful ripple effect of respect throughout your organization.

This isn’t about small talk. It’s about intentional connection. It’s about sending the message that every person matters.

If you want your team to warm up to your ideas, receive your feedback openly, and genuinely respect your leadership, this episode gives you a technique you can use today.

Introducing The Better Boss with Gregg Ward

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What if the first step to better leadership isn’t strategy, but respect?

Rosie officially welcomes Gregg Ward to the Show Up As a Leader family with his bold new series: The Better Boss. In this intro episode, they explore the urgent need for human-centric leadership in today’s VUCA world. Gregg shares how his unconventional path, from theater to training NYPD officers in de-escalation, shaped his life’s mission: helping leaders communicate with compassion and lead with respect.

Together, they dive into why managers at every level feel overwhelmed, how stress fuels disrespect, and why “just give me the tool” isn’t just a cry for help, but a call for practicality. You’ll get a sneak peek at what to expect from this powerful monthly series, including short-burst learning and real-world demos of proven techniques like Respectful Listening.

Whether you're a new manager, seasoned exec, or someone who’s tired of the command-and-control playbook, this is your invite to show up differently. Don’t be a butthead… be a better boss!