224: Stop Recognizing Performance. Start Appreciating People. | Mike Robbins

Update: 2025-10-04

Description

The best cultures aren’t built on paper—they’re fueled by authentic connection, candid conversations, and relentless self-growth.

In this energizing episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reconnects with former baseball rival turned bestselling author and executive coach, Mike Robbins. Together, they dig into what separates good teams from great ones—on the field and in the boardroom. Mike opens up about the power of appreciation over recognition, why embracing imposter syndrome can actually signal real growth, and how leaders build trust (and credibility) by showing up authentically—and not dodging those “sweaty palm” conversations. Expect memorable sports stories, practical mindset tools, and play-by-plays for handling conflict, envy, and high-stakes leadership moments.

From clubhouse chemistry to corporate culture, this episode is loaded with actionable takeaways for anyone leading teams, navigating transitions, or just ready to grow.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why appreciation—not just recognition—creates lasting engagement and trust
How “sweaty palm” conversations unlock deeper relationships and resolve hidden conflict
What to do when imposter syndrome strikes (and why it means you’re growing)
How to turn envy and internal competition into fuel for self-improvement
Mike’s honesty formula for leadership: Honesty minus self-righteousness plus vulnerability
Practical exercises for authentic appreciation and connection within teams

Timestamps:

00:00 – The power of letting go and direct conflict resolution

00:30 – Welcome and Mike’s surprising baseball rivalry origin story

01:49 – What truly makes great teams stand out

04:07 – The leadership mistake of speed over connection

06:03 – Mike’s baseball journey, career-ending injury, and leadership insights

10:56 – Playing for team goals vs. personal goals (and why it matters)

12:02 – Navigating internal competition and organizational “politicking”

15:10 – Mike’s first pro spring training, scarcity mindset, and rooting for others

20:42 – Reframing envy for professional growth

23:30 – Courage, vulnerability, and how Stanford teammates inspired Mike

27:41 – Damon's turning point: Choosing the harder path and what he learned

29:36 – Why imposter syndrome is a sign you're on the right track

32:24 – The honesty equation: authenticity, vulnerability, and humility

36:41 – The difference between recognition and appreciation (with stories)

44:01 – Why leaders are always on stage and how appreciation impacts culture

47:25 – Team appreciation exercise and why it matters

53:29 – Navigating difficult conversations: permission, vulnerability, and intent

58:38 – Two options for conflict: let go or resolve it fully

1:02:30 – Top leadership challenges today—and why real connection matters

About Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins is a former professional baseball player turned bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience helping organizations build trust, authenticity, and winning cultures. After a career-ending arm injury led him from the pitcher’s mound to Silicon Valley startups, Mike became a sought-after speaker and author of five books, including "We're All In This Together." His expertise has been tapped by companies like Google, Microsoft, and the San Francisco Giants, and he’s renowned for translating high-performance team skills from sports to business. Learn more at mike-robbins.com and connect on LinkedIn.

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