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Are you hungry to learn?

By Mike Staver | February 27, 2019

Perhaps there is no better skill to have and master than the skill of curiosity. Having a sincere interest in learning and understanding seems to me to be a much nobler pursuit than having a sincere interest in being understood. What opportunities do we miss when we are concerned that people understand US. What relationships…

Success leads to happiness or happiness leads to success?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

That question has been the source of debate from the halls of academia to the board rooms of corporations to parenting classes and beyond. Do happy people accomplish more or does accomplishing more make them happy? Since we were children, you and I have been taught both subtly and directly that if we work hard…

How often do you get defensive?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

If you over-explain yourself, make it someone else’s problem, or tend to think or say that you did what you did because someone else did what they did, then you are challenged with being defensive. If you are not open to this blog and willing to consider that from time to time you may get…

What do you stand for?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Some time ago I asked one of my clients to answer that question. He was surprised at how difficult it was to come up with an answer. When I asked him what his sales numbers were the previous month, he was able to recite them without a second thought. It is not that the numbers…

Do you love what you are doing? Does it matter?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

If you listen carefully, you can hear the murmur of debate. The debate is whether people should be doing something they love for work. Should people be actively enjoying their work and living out at least part of their purpose in life through their careers? In 2013, Gallup released some research that indicated 24% of…

Does generosity pay off?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Give and it will be given to you. That’s part of the tradition I was raised in. Be nice, be helpful, be generous and ultimately it will come back to you. With all due respect, I am not certain that is true at all. It is certainly a good character quality to be generous. It’s…

How well do you know and live by your core values?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Your core values matter, all the time. There is much talk about core values. There are courses on identifying your core values. I have written and taught extensively about core values. I am a believer in them as the core of who we are as people. A few things to know about your core values.…

How to stay calm under pressure?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Whether you are a leader, a follower, or both, there is always pressure. Home, work, and even play can create tension. While there are many things that are great about the “technology age,” the speed and volume of information has created an enormous strain on individuals and organizations. If you are feeling the pressure, you’ve…

What exactly is incrementalism?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

According to Statisticbrain.com roughly 45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions and yet fewer than 8% ever achieve them. Why? Too Lazy? No Discipline? Some other self-critical reason? I don’t think any of those are the reasons. I think the American way is to do things big. We like big cars, big meals, etc. In…

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MONDAYS WITH MIKE

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MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE

Direct Communication

By Mike Staver | February 19, 2024

  Episode Summary: In this episode of “Monday’s with Mike”, host Mike Staver discusses the common tendency for people, especially couples, to talk more about their relationship and partner with their friends rather than directly addressing their concerns with their partner. Mike and his producer Marty emphasize the importance of open and honest communication in…

Shifting Priorities with Age

By Mike Staver | February 19, 2024

  Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses a question from a viewer who is experiencing a shift in their priorities as they get older. The viewer is feeling pressure from friends and family to continue participating in traditions that no longer hold importance for them. Mike provides suggestions…

Nurturing Creativity with Structure

By Mike Staver | February 19, 2024

  Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike and Marty discuss whether true creativity can be nurtured in a structured work environment or if it requires freedom and chaos. They explore the idea of structured chaos and the importance of striking a balance between structure and freedom. Mike emphasizes the need for…

Finding Meaning in an Automated World

By Mike Staver | February 19, 2024

  Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike Staver discusses how to find meaning in work in an increasingly automated world. He emphasizes that the key to finding meaning lies in the impact of one’s work, rather than the methodology or automation involved. Staver encourages listeners to make life and career choices…

The Impact of Pursuing Material Success on Mental Well-Being

By Mike Staver | February 19, 2024

  Episode Summary: Welcome to “Mondays with Mike,” a weekly video series where Mike answers questions from viewers. In this episode, Mike discusses the impact of the pursuit of material success on our mental and emotional well-being. While money can buy certain things that bring temporary happiness, true and sustainable happiness comes from the people…

The Influence of Free Will and Destiny on Career Choices

By Mike Staver | February 19, 2024

  Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike tackles a deep and profound question about how concepts like free will and destiny influence our career paths and life choices. He discusses the importance of free will in making choices and how our backgrounds and beliefs shape our decisions. Mike emphasizes the need…

Impact of Social Media on Reality Perception and How to Manage It

By Mike Staver | February 6, 2024

  Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike discusses the impact of social media on our perception of reality and how to manage it. They explore how age and life experiences play a significant role in shaping our understanding of social media’s polished version of reality. Mike emphasizes the importance of being…

Understanding and Empathizing with Others: The Power of Listening

By Mike Staver | February 5, 2024

  Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike Staver explores the question of whether it is possible to truly understand someone else’s perspective. While acknowledging that it may be difficult to fully comprehend another person’s perspective without having experienced it firsthand, Mike emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection. Understanding someone’s perspective…

Balancing Personal Ambition and Community Connection

By Mike Staver | January 29, 2024

  Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver and Marty discuss the balance between personal ambitions and the need for community and connection. They explore the idea of sacrificing personal goals for the greater good and the importance of giving back to the community. They emphasize that personal ambitions and community involvement…

Technology & the Pursuit of Happiness

By Mike Staver | January 22, 2024

  Summary: Mike and Marty discuss the role of technology in our pursuit of happiness. They agree that while technology can enhance our path to happiness, deriving happiness solely from technology is not sustainable. They caution against becoming too dependent on technology and emphasize the importance of genuine human connection. Key Takeaways: Technology should shorten…

Personal Relationships & Professional Identity

By Mike Staver | January 15, 2024

  Summary: Personal relationships play a significant role in shaping our professional identities. Our values, priorities, and focus are influenced by the people we surround ourselves with. In today’s world, it is no longer possible to leave our personal lives at home, as our personal identities are brought into the workplace. While some individuals may…

Evolution of Work

By Mike Staver | January 8, 2024

  Summary: Mike discusses the concept of work and how it might evolve in the next 50 years. He mentions that many people today seem to be disinterested in work and even afraid of it. Mike predicts that work will become more technology-driven, with increased automation and remote work. He highlights a recent incident where…

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