Paul McGee: 10 lessons in confidence, communication and choosing success

Elevate: The Official Podcast of Elite Agent Magazine

And it’s that theory that forms the basis of Paul’s chat with host, Samantha McLean, on this episode of the Elevate podcast.

Ahead of speaking at Elite Retreat, Paul, who is also known as the SUMO Guy, shares invaluable insights on change, resilience, confidence and leadership.

He takes a deep dive into the power of branding, the importance of persistence, and why embracing simplicity can lead to genius moves that transform your business and life.

Paul also reveals his secret formula for overcoming challenges, the difference between “worth it worry” and “worthless worry” and how to communicate effectively by saying less, but impacting more.

Paul and Samantha also dig down into some of his bestselling books, to surface key strategies specifically for real estate professionals, including tips on high-stakes negotiations, the power of preparation and a win-win mindset.

“I think sometimes wisdom is hiding in plain sight and sometimes it’s the simple stuff that, when you realise it, you do it and you implement it and you go, that was genius.” – PAUL MCGEE

10 things you’ll learn in this episode:

1. The genius move that transformed Paul’s speaking career.
   Timestamp: 4-minutes.
   
2. Why confidence is situational, not a fixed trait.
   Timestamp: 8-minutes.

3. A simple formula to change your perspective on any event.
   Timestamp: 9-minutes.

4. How to boost your confidence before a high-stakes negotiation.
   Timestamp: 11-minutes.

5. The key to succeeding with people: treat them as individuals.
   Timestamp: 13-minutes.

6. The difference between “Worth It Worry” and “Worthless Worry.”
   Timestamp: 15-minutes.

7. Why you can’t fix or change other people (and what to focus on instead).
   Timestamp: 18-minutes.

8. The SLIM approach to effective communication.
   Timestamp: 21-minutes.

9. How to use storytelling and imagery to increase your impact.
   Timestamp: 22-minutes.

10. The power of treating every day as a “choose day.”
    Timestamp: 25-minutes.

Links

• Connect with Paul McGee
• SUMO (Shut Up, Move On): The Straight–Talking Guide to Creating and Enjoying a Brilliant Life
• Self–Confidence: The Remarkable Truth of Why a Small Change Can Make a Big Difference
• How to Succeed with People: Remarkably Easy Ways to Engage, Influence and Motivate Almost Anyone
• How Not To Worry: The Remarkable Truth of How a Small Change Can Help You Stress Less and Enjoy Life More
• SUMO Your Relationships: How to handle not strangle the people you live and work with
• How to Speak So People Really Listen: The Straight-Talking Guide to Communicating with Influence and Impact
• Steven Covey – The 7 habits of highly effective people

Detailed Episode Guide

In the fast-paced real estate world, success often depends on more than industry expertise; it also relies on personal development and effective communication. This week on the Elevate Podcast, we had the pleasure of exploring these critical areas with Paul McGee, widely known as the Sumo Guy. A seasoned speaker and bestselling author, Paul shares insights drawn from a career that spans over 40 countries.

The Power of the Genius Move
Central to our discussion was the idea of the “genius move” – those pivotal actions or mindset shifts that have a significant impact on personal or professional life. Paul explained that genius doesn’t have to be complex or intellectual; sometimes, the simplest insights can lead to dramatic changes. He recounted his journey in defining his brand, “Sumo” (Shut Up, Move On), and how perseverance through 13 rejections led him to become a bestselling author.

Developing Confidence: Situational and Grown, Not Innate
Contrary to common belief, confidence isn’t an inherent, all-encompassing trait. Paul highlighted its situational nature, noting that while someone might excel in one area, they may lack confidence in another. Through personal stories, he illustrated that confidence is built through experience and emphasised the importance of showing up, even when nervous, to foster competence and assurance.

Success in Real Estate: Communication and Listening
In real estate, where client interactions and negotiations are everyday tasks, effective communication is essential. Paul emphasised that successful communication isn’t about providing excessive details but saying just enough to make an impact. Using the SLIM principle – Say Less, Impact More – he demonstrated how saying less can often make conversations more effective.

Paul also highlighted the importance of listening to motivate and influence, whether dealing with team members or clients. He advised leaders to genuinely understand their team by listening individually, which can greatly enhance management outcomes.

Handling Worry: Worthy vs. Worthless
Worry is a natural but often unproductive emotion. Paul distinguishes between ‘worthy’ worry, which can prompt action, and ‘worthless’ worry, which centres on things beyond control. This distinction can help real estate professionals manage anxieties around market changes and business uncertainties by focusing on areas where they can make an impact.

Building Resilient Relationships
Whether personal or professional, relationships thrive on clear communication and understanding. Paul discussed the E+R=O formula: the Event plus Response equals Outcome. He emphasised that while you can’t change others, you can control your responses and tailor strategies to each unique interaction.

Conclusion: Every Day is a Choose Day
Paul left listeners with an empowering message: Every day is a choose day. Life presents ongoing opportunities to make decisions that shape our future. By making intentional choices today, we can create a happier, more successful tomorrow.

As real estate professionals prepare for Elite Retreat on Hayman Island, Paul McGee’s insights are a valuable reminder of the role personal growth plays in achieving business success. Be sure to listen to the full podcast for more insights and get inspired to make genius moves in your own career journey.

FAQ on Insights on Confidence, Communication, and Success with Paul McGee

1. Who is Paul McGee?
Paul McGee, also known as the “Sumo Guy,” is an acclaimed speaker and bestselling author with a career spanning over 40 countries. He is known for his practical approach to personal development and effective communication, encapsulated in his “Sumo” (Shut Up, Move On) philosophy.

2. What is the “genius move” concept discussed in this episode?
The “genius move” refers to pivotal actions or mindset shifts that significantly impact personal or professional success. Paul explains that these moves don’t require complex ideas; often, simple insights can lead to transformative outcomes.

3. How does Paul define confidence?
Paul describes confidence as a situational skill, developed through experience rather than being an innate trait. He emphasises that confidence grows by showing up, practising, and learning from experiences, even when feeling uncertain.

4. What is the SLIM principle?
SLIM stands for “Say Less, Impact More.” Paul advises that impactful communication isn’t about overwhelming with information but rather saying just enough to leave a strong impression.

5. How does Paul view the importance of listening in communication?
Listening, according to Paul, is crucial for motivating and influencing others, especially in leadership. By truly listening to individuals, leaders can build trust, understand their team better, and make more informed decisions.

6. How does Paul distinguish between “worthy” and “worthless” worry?
Paul categorises worry into two types: “worthy” worry, which motivates action, and “worthless” worry, which fixates on uncontrollable factors. He encourages focusing on worries that can lead to constructive action, helping to manage anxiety and uncertainty.

7. What is the E+R=O formula?
The E+R=O formula stands for “Event plus Response equals Outcome.” Paul explains that while we cannot change external events or others’ behaviours, we can control our responses to achieve better outcomes.

8. What does Paul mean by “Every day is a choose day”?
“Every day is a choose day” is a reminder that we constantly have the power to make choices. By making intentional decisions each day, we can shape our lives and success more positively.

9. How can Paul’s insights benefit real estate professionals?
Paul’s insights on communication, confidence, and resilience are particularly relevant for real estate professionals, where interactions with clients, negotiations, and managing uncertainty are daily tasks. His tips can help real estate agents enhance their personal growth and communication skills for greater success.

10. Where can I listen to the full episode?
You can listen to this episode on the Elevate Podcast.

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