The Million-Copy Bestselling Author, Michael Bungay-Stanier

The following is an excerpt from Dave Crenshaw's interview with Michael Bungay-Stanier from The Dave Crenshaw Success Project, a new podcast. You can subscribe to Dave's new podcast here.

Michael Bungay Stanier—known to his friends as MBS—is the author of six books that have sold more than a million copies between them. He's best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century that is already recognized as a classic. He also founded Box of Crayons, a learning and development company that helps organizations move from advice-driven to curiosity-led. In his interview, Michael shared what he did to stand out from the crowd to become a Rhodes Scholar. He talked about the value of differentiation and how he used his curiosity as a superpower. He also discussed why he puts his marriage at the top of his priority list and how he has maintained balance throughout his successful journey.?

Highlights from Michael's Interview:

Michael was born in Australia and grew up in Canberra, expecting to become a government employee like most people in the area.?

"I grew up just expecting that I would do that because I didn't have any role models to do anything else."

When Michael learned that he needed to win a Rhodes Scholarship to attend Oxford University, he set his mind to it and took action.?

Unfortunately, despite doing all the "right things," his initial Rhodes Scholar application was declined.

"I was like, okay, so I was literally the worst applicant of everybody who applied, so no problem. I went away and licked my wounds for a bit."

Michael's determined spirit pushed him to refocus, try harder, and apply again. The second time around, he got invited to an interview.?

"I [realized] I need to differentiate myself. So, I had my long blonde hair and multiple earrings. I wore a pink and purple tie-dyed tie, and I was pretty sure that I'm either going to come a distant last or I'm going to come first because they're going to bet on the odd person."

Michael's strategic approach to making himself stand out worked. He was chosen as one of the Rhodes Scholars and graduated from Oxford University in 1994.

While attending university, Michael worked as a student counselor. He also met Marcella, his future wife, a month after coming to Oxford, and began building a relationship with her.

After graduation, Michael began to look for his first job. Without a clear path, Michael followed his curiosity and secured a position with a start-up innovation company. The founders loved his quirky style and "weird" personality.

"I still haven’t the slightest idea of what I want to do with my life."

Michael spent six years doing focus groups before realizing he wanted to find work that felt more meaningful to him.

"I do not want my legacy to be a new range of soups. That's not meaningful work for me."

He went on to work with consulting firms and relocated to Toronto with his wife, Marcella. After several years, he was let go.

"What was brilliant was literally two days beforehand, my maple leaf card—the equivalent of a green card—had arrived. So, I could now work independently in Canada."

What seemed like a failure turned into a phenomenal opportunity for Michael. He decided to start his own business.

In 2002, Michael founded Box of Crayons with Marcella’s support, which would start him on his ultimate journey for meaningful, creative work. At first, he had no business plan or specific purpose.

"After four or five years of that, I was invited to do some training around coaching skills. And that became the thing that Box of Crayons is now known for and what I'm known for today."

Michael solidified his business plan around coaching companies to transform from advice-driven to curiosity-led leadership.

In 2016, Michael wrote his bestselling book The Coaching Habit. He self-published in 2016 after multiple publishers turned him away. His determination, once again, kept him focused on the objective and motivated him to succeed.

"I've made the commitment. I'm going to do it the best I can. Commit to the process rather than the outcome."

Today, Michael continues working on his legacy, Box of Crayons, writing books, and hosting his podcast show, Two Pages, which is all about discussing books that change lives. He's enjoying a happy life in Toronto, Canada.?

Action Principles?

Pick one to do this week:?

1. Be different. Figure out what makes you unique, then use it to make yourself stand out from the crowd. ACTION: Ask yourself, "How can I differentiate this just a little bit to stand out?"
2. Be more curious. The first answer that comes to mind may not be the right one. Dig deeper. ACTION: When you're having a tough conversation, ask more questions to get a better understanding.
3. Consider forming a partnership. It can be easier to succeed when you have the right support. A successful partnership can provide the skills you lack as well as support to keep you motivated. ACTION: Ask yourself if there's a partnership that would help you be more successful, and submit a proposal.?
4. Set clear expectations up front. If you're working with others, always communicate expectations at the beginning. This helps minimize misunderstandings and conflicts in the future. ACTION: Request a meeting to discuss expectations at the start of a partnership, and put them in writing.?

Guest Resources

If you'd like to follow Michael Bungay-Stanier, subscribe to his podcast, Two Pages. If you're interested in personal development, visit his page, MBS.works. If you're interested in corporate solutions, visit BoxofCrayons.com. You can find his book The Coaching Habit on Amazon.

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