Podcast Summary: BNI & The Power of One – Episode 867

Business Matters 133 – A Time of Thanks (November 26, 2025)

Host: Tim Roberts
Guest: Michael Martin

Episode Overview

This episode, released the day before Thanksgiving, centers on gratitude in both business and personal life. Tim and Michael use their recent experiences and busy schedules as a backdrop to underscore the importance of reflection, delegation, trust, and recognizing team members. The conversation balances practical leadership strategies with a spirit of giving thanks, making it both a holiday-themed and actionable discussion for business owners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thanksgiving as a Time for Reflection and Recharge

• Relaxed Celebrations:
  Tim shares about his low-key Thanksgiving, appreciating its lack of expectations and the opportunity to recharge with family ([02:10]).
• Opportunity for Gratitude:
  Both hosts agree that Thanksgiving is a prompt to reflect on positive aspects of life and work, despite ongoing chaos ([02:56]).

2. The Power of Delegation

• Learning to Let Go:
  Tim details his journey from micromanaging to fully trusting his team with major responsibilities:

  “I think in the past I've delegated stuff, but I've always kept my fingers… I haven't fully delegated. Does that make sense?” – Tim ([06:54])

• Events as a Delegation Test:
  Recent major BNI events in Florida acted as a proving ground for his team, with Tim purposefully pulling back and witnessing improved results ([07:13]).
• Benefits to Growth:
  Delegating is framed as essential for scaling and maximizing new opportunities; you can’t do it all and still grow ([08:40]).

3. Working “On” Versus “In” the Business

• Transitioning Roles:
  Michael reflects on a common leadership mantra:

  “…as a leader, you have to get to the point where you work on the business, not in the business.” ([07:53])

• Planning and Vision:
  Tim credits long-term planning and delegation as key to his ability to accept new projects and adapt to change ([09:57]).

4. Teaching, Training, and Trust

• Foundational Knowledge:
  Both hosts emphasize the importance of leaders knowing and teaching core tasks before handing them off ([11:08]).
• Trusting Others’ Methods:
  Leaders are encouraged to allow those they delegate to do things differently, as new approaches may be better ([12:26]).
• Gradual Comfort with Letting Go:
  Example: Lindsay (Tim’s partner) managing several businesses, learning to trust trained staff ([11:46]).

5. Recognizing & Thanking Team Members

• Recognition Equals Retention:
  Michael urges leaders to catch people doing things right—not just wrong—and to thank them publically and promptly:

  “…when you give thanks, you gain something. Givers gain.” – Michael ([16:04])

• Small Gestures Matter:
  Recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate—just timely and genuine ([15:39]).

6. The Double-Edged Sword of Trust

• When Trust Breaks:
  Tim shares a recent experience where delegation failed due to a breach of trust, necessitating decisive action ([17:32]).
• Mistakes vs. Misconduct:
  Michael clarifies the distinction: Mistakes are training opportunities, while breaches of trust warrant quick changes ([18:26]).
• Hire Slow, Fire Fast / Delegate Slow, Adjust Fast:
  This adaptation highlights being cautious with responsibilities, but moving decisively when issues arise ([19:00]).

7. Mindset & Gratitude for Your Current Journey

• Perspective Check:
  Tim encourages listeners not to undervalue their current position, noting,

  “…there's always somebody who would kill to be in your position no matter where you are.” – Tim ([22:53])

• Success is Nonlinear:
  Success is described as a journey filled with bumps, not a straight line ([23:23]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Delegation:
  “I gave you an example of a meeting that's happening today that I, I would normally be a part of. And I was like, no, I trust you guys to have the meeting and come up with the solution…” – Tim ([07:14])
• On Trust When Delegating:
  “Delegation is an exercise in trust for the leader... you have to go into it with realistic expectations. That one, whoever you delegate to, I don't care who they are, they're not you.” – Michael ([12:26])
• On Recognizing Good Work:
  “You don't wait till the end of the year to recognize somebody making a mistake. Why wait till the end of the year... to recognize somebody for doing something right? Do it on the spot.” – Michael ([14:45])
• On Handling Broken Trust:
  “It's a matter of, like, you need to trust they're going to do right. But when the trust and integrity is broken, don't become...trapped in the complacency or the fear of...stepping in.” – Tim ([17:47])
• On Perspective and Being Thankful:
  “You don't get to that next level until you recognize where you are and be a bit thankful for where you are.” – Tim ([22:53])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Thanksgiving and Reflection: [02:10]
• The Power of Delegation: [06:54] – [08:30]
• Working On vs. In the Business: [07:53]
• Delegation Requires Trust: [12:26] – [13:50]
• Recognizing Team Members: [14:20] – [16:25]
• Handling Broken Trust: [16:32] – [18:25]
• Distinguishing Mistakes from Breaches: [18:26] – [19:45]
• Advice on Mindset & Thankfulness: [21:06] – [23:41]

Closing Thoughts

The episode closes with wishes for a restful and grateful Thanksgiving, and encouragement to notice—and vocalize—appreciation for both small and large contributions in business and life. Tim and Michael remind listeners that recognizing progress and expressing thanks are key drivers of positive culture and continued growth.

“Take a little time to be thankful. It doesn't have to be the big things. Can be the little things. And tell those people you're thankful and why.” – Michael ([24:08])

This summary provides a comprehensive guide to the actionable insights, memorable exchanges, and key topics covered in this episode, delivering value both to BNI members and business leaders seeking growth and community.