341: How to Get Your Team to Do What You Ask with Steven Blue

January 21, 20253 min read

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Why do people often struggle to follow through on their responsibilities, even after they agree to do so in a meeting? 

Today’s guest is here to unpack this exact issue and offers practical solutions to help you and your team get things done.

Meet Steven Blue. Steven is the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, which creates high technology products that save lives and preserve the environment. He is a keynote speaker and has addressed audiences at Harvard Business School, The United Nations, Carnegie Hall, The Safe America Foundation, and many more. 

Steven is also the CEO in residence at Winona State University and author of 5 best-selling books including Mastering the Art of Success, The $10 Million Dollar Employee and Metamorphosis. He works with executives, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to learn how to maximize their company’s growth through fostering company culture and innovation.

In this episode, Steven and I dive into why employees sometimes fail to follow through and what managers can do to address these challenges—from mentoring to clear delegation to creating a workplace culture that empowers employees.

✨In the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, you’ll also hear powerful examples of what happens when values are aligned and how intentional culture-building transforms organizations.

Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

  • (00:00) Introduction

  • (02:24) Why people struggle to follow through on tasks

  • (04:28) Giving employees the permission “not to know” 

  • (07:13) Two most powerful phrases every leader should use

  • (08:57) Strategies to ensure team members fulfill their responsibilities

  • (16:30) The 3 Cs of effective communication

  • (22:46) Building a values-driven organizational culture

  • (26:55) A great manager Steven has worked for

  • (28:09) Keep up with Steven Blue

  • (28:44) [Extended Episode Only] Understanding your organization’s culture

  • (31:23) [Extended Episode Only] Transitioning to the cultural values you want

Additional Resources

✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ 

✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ 

✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle 

✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation= 

✨Read the full transcript here

Keep up with Steven Blue

- Follow Steven on LinkedIn here

- Visit Steven’s official website for more information here

Guest Bonus: Free Book or Coaching Session for 5 Members of Podcast+

Steve is offering five members of Podcast+ either a Free copy of Unlocking Success: Inspiring Tales of Resilience, Innovation, and Growth or a private 1-hour coaching session with him.

In Unlocking Success, Jack Canfield, the co-creator of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, joins forces with an exceptional group of professionals from around the globe to bring you a collection of stories that illuminate the power of resilience, creativity, and determination.

Each chapter offers a unique glimpse into the journey of individuals who faced adversity, embraced innovation, and transformed obstacles into opportunities.

👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more 


The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

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