Episode 61- Marcus Buckingham on Nine Lies About Work

Called “the most inspirational data geek you’ll ever meet,” Marcus Buckingham is re-defining the future of work. After spending nearly two decades as a senior…

Episode 61- Marcus Buckingham on Nine Lies About Work

Called “the most inspirational data geek you’ll ever meet,” Marcus Buckingham is re-defining the future of work. After spending nearly two decades as a senior…

Called “the most inspirational data geek you’ll ever meet,” Marcus Buckingham is re-defining the future of work. After spending nearly two decades as a senior researcher at Gallup and then starting his own company, Marcus now guides the vision of ADP Research Institute as Co-Head and Talent Expert. In his new book, Nine Lies About Work, Marcus challenges our assumptions about organizations, talent and high performance. We talk about the myths behind many of our common beliefs about work and leadership, and explore how we can all become freethinking leaders who value our unique imprint on the world.

Follow Marcus: Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

“If you look at excellence in anything, you find idiosyncrasy. Average is homogenous.”

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

What inspired him to study people and performance (1:57)
How he defines strengths and weaknesses (3:34)
The love it / loathe it exercise to identify unique strengths (7:33)
The message behind his new book Nine Lies About Work (10:18)
The nine lies about work (12:11)
People don’t care about what company they work for. They care which teams they’re on because that’s where work actually happens.
(14:03)
Teams are the defining experience at work (18:47)
The problem with cascading goals (20:05)
Why the best companies cascade meaning (22:19)
The importance of weekly one-on-one check ins (25:08)
People don’t need feedback; they need attention (29:34)
Feedback should be focused on facts, steps and praise when something works (33:33)
The best people aren’t well-rounded (34:30)
The problem with competencies models (37:44)
The only thing leaders have in common is followers (39:53)
Resources Marcus recommends for listeners (44:55)

Resources / People Mentioned

Gallup
Marcus Buckingham, ADP
Marcus Buckingham’s CareerIntervention (Oprah)
Nine Lies About Work by Marcus Buckingham
First Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham
Lionel Messi, soccer player
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Soul’s Code by James Hillman
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
StandOut app
HBR: The Feedback Fallacy by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall
Emily Blunt, actress
Donald O. Clifton, Gallup

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app and leave a rating or review!

Get Molly’s Free 5-Minute Morning Routine to Build Better Relationships

LATEST BOOK

Dynamic Drive

The Purpose-Fueled Formula for Sustainable Success

“A very special book about finding your purpose, getting amazing things done and leading your finest life.”

A #1 USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Dynamic Drive

The Purpose-Fueled Formula for Sustainable Success

In a world fixated on fleeting success, a bold framework for pursuing your goals unapologetically without compromising what matters most. This isn’t just another self-help theory: Dynamic Drive is your practical guide to unlocking your true potential. Through her decades of experience working with top athletes and peak performers across industries, renowned keynote speaker and leadership expert Molly Fletcher has created a proven formula backed by research that outlines the seven keys to sustainable success. The truth is fulfillment doesn’t come from setting and accomplishing goals in isolation. It comes from Dynamic Drive—a holistic approach that connects all parts of you with your purpose and allows you to engage in meaningful growth, both personally and professionally. Unlike traditional approaches that dilute drive into a mere means to an end, which can lead to burnout, Dynamic Drive is a way of life, a mindset. It’s about figuring out the parts of your life where you are playing small or safe or are dissatisfied. Dynamic Drive is the process by which we implement and sustain intentional change. The greatest reward isn’t in what you achieve, but who you become in the process. Your path to sustained high performance in all areas of your life begins here. This is your manual for an aligned, joyful, and relentless pursuit of a better you.

“A very special book about finding your purpose, getting amazing things done and leading your finest life.”

The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom

What if the way we measure success is broken? In this episode I sit down with Sahil Bloom, author of the new book The 5 Types of Wealth, to explore a new definition of true wealth. Sahil shares the wake-up call that forced him to reevaluate his career, relationships, and...

Episode 231- Never Knocked Out: Kendall Toole on Reinvention, Resilience, and Life After Peloton

Life will knock you down—but it doesn’t have to knock you out. In this episode, I sit down with Kendall Toole. A top fitness and wellness expert, mental health advocate, and content creator, Kendall has inspired millions with her energy and authenticity. But behind her success is a powerful story...

Episode 230- 9 Hard Truths about Love with Relationship Coach Jillian Turecki

Are you unintentionally standing in your own way when it comes to love? In this episode, I sit down with renowned relationship coach Jillian Turecki to uncover the nine hard truths that can transform how we approach love and relationships. Based on her new book, It Begins With You, Jillian...

Episode 229- Why Most Goals Fail—And How to Achieve Yours

Did you know that over 90% of New Year’s resolutions fail? It’s a staggering statistic, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. In this episode, I break down why so many well-intentioned goals fall short and share practical strategies to help you stay on track. The key? Anchoring your...

Episode 228- What If YOU Are the Answer? Rachel Hollis on The Questions That Will Change Your Life

What if the hardest seasons of your life were the key to unlocking your greatest growth? Rachel Hollis—#1 New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and entrepreneur—shares life-changing questions from her new book, What If YOU Are the Answer? In our conversation, Rachel shares how embracing curiosity over fear and...

Episode 227- Mastering Storytelling for Better Communication with Kindra Hall

The most powerful tool for connection and influence isn’t a fancy pitch deck, a perfectly rehearsed presentation, or even an impressive résumé—it’s your ability to tell a story. Kindra Hall is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, award-winning storyteller and sought-after keynote speaker. Her books, Stories That Stick and Choose...

Resources