Marcus Straub

Colorado

I am a Success Coach/Author/Speaker/ who assists individuals, organizations and teams in realizing their amazing potential on a consistent and lasting basis.

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thebusinesstimes.com

Articles

Does your leadership stand out in a good way?

3 weeks ago | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

Leadership is more than a title. It’s a responsibility demonstrated through actions. If you’ve ever encountered a leader who was irrational, dismissive or even demeaning, you’ve experienced firsthand how poor leadership erodes trust, damages morale and disrupts progress. When leaders contribute to dysfunction instead of offering solutions, loyalty fades, respect vanishes, and their influence weakens. But here’s the reality: You are a leader, whether you acknowledge it or not.
Empower your team to think independently

1 month ago | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

Business owners and managers frequently ask me, “How do you teach people to think?”This profound question can lead to substantial improvements in results. The answer lies in becoming a mentor and an effective communicator, consistently encouraging team members to think independently. There is a tendency among business owners and managers to provide answers rather than investing time with team members to help them discover solutions. This is often due to the belief that it saves time.
Delegation enhances business efficiency

1 month ago | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

Business owners often aim to create greater freedom, wealth, happiness and control over their own destiny. They typically start companies to achieve professional, personal and financial independence, which allows them to travel, relax, contribute to society and enjoy their lives. However, many struggle to realize this vision, because they lack the mindset, skills, processes and people necessary for success.
Effective Listening: Enhancing communication in all relationships

2 months ago | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

Communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, whether in business, personal life or social interactions. At its core, effective communication starts with listening. Yet, listening is often one of the most neglected skills. Many people hear words, but they don’t truly absorb the meaning, intent and emotions behind them. Instead, they focus on preparing their own response rather than understanding the speaker’s message.
Strengthen your team with praise and recognition

2 months ago | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

Business leaders who aim to elevate their company to ever higher levels of success continually seek ways to refine their business model. Achieving this objective necessitates discerning awareness of what is effective and ineffective in the daily operations of the business. A common pitfall to avoid is focusing exclusively on the deficiencies within the current business model at the expense of acknowledging its strengths.
Deal with negative team members before they affect your business

Mar 24, 2025 | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

In any organization, the attitude and behavior of team members significantly influence the work environment and overall productivity. A negative team member can have a detrimental impact, spreading discontent and lowering morale. Addressing negativity promptly and effectively is essential to prevent it from affecting your business. Here are some strategies to deal with negative team members and maintain a positive workplace. The first step in addressing negativity is recognizing it.
Lead the way with exceptional customer service

Mar 11, 2025 | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

With every interaction and transaction, a business gives its customers a positive, neutral or negative feeling. The last two have no place in a thriving company, while the first is a necessary component to happiness and success. In all likelihood, you can recall some experiences as a consumer that left you with a positive, if not a great, feeling. The value you received during these interactions endeared you to these companies, creating loyalty and repeat business.
The Leadership Divide: Are you a leader or a boss?

Feb 25, 2025 | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

If you’re like most people, you’ve worked for a variety of business owners and managers throughout your lifetime. Some of them likely stand out in your mind as individuals you enjoyed working for, while others created an unpleasant work environment. It’s also likely that you have a clear preference for the type of person you would prefer to work for. The same holds true for your team members. There is a vast difference between being a leader and being a boss.
Give yourself a break from professional stressors

Feb 19, 2025 | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

In a previous column, I shared several negative side effects associated with bringing personal baggage to work. I described how even long-term top performers can stumble and fall when they’re unable to effectively manage their personal issues in the workplace. I also elaborated on the domino effect these uncontrolled issues can have on the workplace culture, fellow team members, customers and the business. In this column, let’s consider the other side of this situation.
Learn to separate personal issues from professional life

Jan 28, 2025 | thebusinesstimes.com | Marcus Straub

Some people believe there is a very distinctive barrier between our personal and professional lives which keeps the two separate. However, when you really step back and take an honest and discerning look at your own experiences and those of others you have worked with, this is clearly not the case. In fact, it is quite common for one’s personal baggage to be carried right through the front door, unpacked and spread throughout the workplace.