Paul Falcone – Author of “101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager’s Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges”

How to Lead Like a Boss: Lessons from Paul Falcone on Tough Conversations and Building Legacy

Mike interviews Paul Falcone.

On this episode of Million Dollar Stories, we dove deep into the art of leadership with Paul Falcone, a renowned HR expert and author of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager’s Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges. This wasn’t just another talk about HR buzzwords; it was a masterclass in building a lasting leadership legacy.

Being a great leader isn’t about knowing all the answers or micromanaging your team into submission. It’s about empowering people, creating a culture of accountability, and, most importantly, having the guts to tackle tough conversations head-on. Paul shared a treasure trove of insights for leaders who want to inspire their teams while navigating challenges with finesse.

SUMMARY

Paul began by pointing out something we’ve all felt but rarely say aloud: society’s frantic pace has made us lose the ability to pass down wisdom. We’re glued to our phones, always multitasking, and constantly “building the plane while flying it.” However, leadership requires pausing and making time for meaningful staff meetings where you encourage your team to think like entrepreneurs, not just employees.

Paul introduced a game-changing question for managers to pose to their teams:

“On a scale of 1 to 10, how are we helping you do your best work daily with peace of mind? What would make us a 10?”

This isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It’s a way to pinpoint gaps, spark innovation, and create a shared action plan. And it starts with a conversation rooted in trust, clarity, and shared goals.

Paul and I both agreed: if you want to scale a business, you need employees who think like business owners. This concept of the “intrapreneur” is where magic happens. It’s about giving your team the freedom to take ownership of their roles, but with the expectation that they will bring fresh ideas and solutions.

These conversations aren’t about assigning blame or micromanaging; they’re about shifting perspectives. Paul suggested using the word “perception” in tough talks because it neutralizes the conversation. Saying, “From a perception standpoint, it seems like you’re disengaging. Do you feel that?” opens the door to honest dialogue.

It’s not about calling someone out; it’s about pulling them back into the fold and helping them see how they fit into the bigger picture.

Here’s a killer tip from Paul that I’m about to steal for my team: quarterly performance reviews. Not the stuffy, formal kind that drains everyone’s soul, but dynamic, employee-led check-ins that feel more like coaching sessions.

Here’s how it works:

  1. The Employee Owns It: They schedule the meeting and set the agenda.
  2. The Manager Coaches: Your job is listening, asking questions, and mentoring.
  3. Focus on Growth: Discuss achievements, challenges, and professional development goals.

This simple shift assigns responsibility to your team while giving them the tools and space to thrive. It also reinforces a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Paul explained that high-performing employees will eat this up because it creates a rhythm of achievement. They’ll start thinking about results like increasing revenue, saving time, or improving customer care, and those wins will become the building blocks of your company’s success.

One of my favourite parts of our conversation was when Paul talked about the ultimate goal for any leader: leaving a legacy. He said, “I want my employees to look back 20 years from now and say, ‘Paul Falcone was the best boss I ever had.’”

Being the “best boss” isn’t about being a pushover or never making mistakes. It’s about showing your team that you care about their success as much as yours. It’s about creating an environment where they can do their best work with peace of mind and feel proud of their contributions.

Approaching leadership with humility, admitting you don’t have all the answers, and genuinely asking for input builds trust. People want to follow leaders who respect their opinions and value their insights.

Paul ended with a powerful reminder: storms, whether economic downturns or internal challenges are blessings in disguise. They test your leadership, reveal who’s genuinely committed, and force you to innovate.

The key is embracing the chaos and using it as a growth catalyst. Your team will look to you for guidance; how you handle those moments will define your legacy.

Mike Fallat and Paul Falcone talk about the book 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager’s Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges.

Paul dropped one last nugget of wisdom: books with numbers in the title sell better. That’s not just a quirky observation; it’s backed by years of publishing success. From 101 Tough Conversations to 2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews, Paul has mastered creating practical, actionable content that resonates with readers.

So, if you’re thinking about writing your first book, take a page from Paul’s playbook. Numbers work.

This episode wasn’t just about leadership; it was about transformation. Whether you’re running a team of five or a company of 500, Paul’s advice is a game-changer. Leadership isn’t just about running a business but building people.

So, if you missed this episode, go back and listen. The lessons Paul Falcone shared aren’t just for managers and anyone who wants to lead with purpose, build a lasting legacy, and live free.

Live Free and Write On.

Get his book here:

About Mike Fallat

Mike Fallat, aka The BookMan, is the owner of Dreamstarters Publishing and the Million Dollar Book Agency. They have helped 300+ entrepreneurs become bestselling authors. His goal is to help 1,000 entrepreneurs publish books and teach them how to use their books as a gateway to generating 7-figures.

Visit website for more information: https://www.milliondollarbookagency.com/

About Dreamstarters Publishing


Dreamstarters Publishing offers ghostwriting, cover design, and everything that is required to take an idea to a finished book (kindle, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook).


The Million Dollar Book Agency is the ultimate marketing CRM system for author-preneurs. Services include automated funnels, lead generation campaigns, book fulfillment, podcast management, press releases, virtual assistants, course development, and more.

Mike also hosts a podcast known as Million Dollar Stories and runs a membership-based site known as Million Dollar Circle. In addition to owning the book business, he invests in self storage real estate.

https://dreamstarterspublishing.com/

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