Resources
Build Culture · Develop Your People · Grow Your Business
Do you learn or do you just notice?
Every day, we are faced with opportunities to learn or just notice. I was recently speaking with a client; talking about how many times some people must go through the same thing over and over again before they really learn. And sometimes even then they don’t learn. The difference between learning and noticing comes in…
Do you know the difference between your gut and your guilt?
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day who was working through a challenge. During the conversation they kept saying that their gut was telling them to do ‘X’. I stopped them mid-sentence the next time they went down that road and said, “Is that your gut or your guilt?” Turns out…
What do you think about when times are tough?
Every day we are faced with challenges in our personal and professional lives. These challenges are sometimes controllable but often are not. The fact is we are either dealing with a difficult issue now, or are about to, or have just finished dealing with one. Now, don’t you feel better? The key to success has…
Are you smarter than a sea turtle?
I was snorkeling yesterday off Maui. Once the initial part of the adventure was complete, the captain of our boat said we were going to pull anchor and go look for sea turtles to dive with. That’s exactly what we did. When I got back on the boat, the first mate asked us some sea…
Obstacles or opportunities? Where is your focus?
We live in a real world with real problems that are really challenging. It is foolish to attempt to dilute that reality with cheesy clichés or platitudes. The fact is, Nietzsche was wrong: it is not always true that “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” It is not always true that “every cloud has…
How effective are you at graduations?
Maxx, my step son, just graduated from High School on Saturday. Last week we spent 2.5 days at his college orientation at The University of Central Florida (GO KNIGHTS). During the orientation, there was a presenter who talked about staying connected and letting go in your relationship with the student. As I was listening, it…
How do you deal with challenging people?
Last week I was asked by a coaching client to help her deal with a direct report who was challenging to her. The direct report kept sticking her nose into things that were none of her business. This nosiness was not only distracting and annoying, but it took focus off the work that needed to…
Is your life about transition or transformation?
You and I experience about 20,000 moments a day. Negative, positive, or neutral, they are moments nonetheless. Many of those moments result in change–change in thought, change of plans, change of attitude, etc. My questions for you this month are: Are the changes that happen in your life and work simply transitions, or are they…
How realistic are you?
As most of you know, I returned from riding my Harley around the perimeter of the USA on Labor Day weekend. It was a 40 day adventure that’s hard to put into words. I was asked many questions during the 6 weeks, but the one that was the most interesting was, “How can you just…
As Featured On
MONDAYS WITH MIKE
Weekly leadership lessons for lasting success.
Mondays with Mike is your weekly guide to bringing out the best in you and those around you.
Have a question you'd like Mike to answer on a future episode?
Click below to submit a question, then keep an eye out for your answer!
Get Mondays with Mike right to your inbox.
Every Monday we send out the latest episode of Mondays with Mike. Don't miss out! Enter your information below to start receiving weekly episodes.
Want more Mondays with Mike?
View the most recent posts below or watch the archives on Mike's YouTube Channel!
MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE
Knowing vs. Doing
” allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”> Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, host Mike Staver tackles the frequent objection: “Why do I need coaching when I already know what I need to do?” Mike Staver explains that simply knowing what to do is not enough—action and consistent execution are crucial. He introduces the concept of a “performance gap,”…
How to Conquer Imposter Syndrome
” allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”> Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, host Mike Staver addresses a common and personal question: how do you deal with imposter syndrome, whether in yourself or when helping others through it? Drawing on his own experiences and insights as a coach, Mike explores the reality that imposter syndrome is…
How to Build a Coaching Culture
” allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”> Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, host Mike Staver tackles a foundational question: what are the first steps to building a long-term coaching culture within an organization? Drawing from his experience as a coach to top executives, Mike emphasizes that creating a strong coaching culture starts with genuine buy-in…
What to do When a Team Member Constantly Plays the Victim
” allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”> Episode Summary In this week’s episode, Mike Staver addresses a question from a listener frustrated by a team member who is constantly “playing the victim.” Mike acknowledges that without the full context, it’s important to consider whether the person may genuinely have reasons to feel victimized—such as being picked on or lacking…
What to do When Your Top Performer Loses Initiative
” allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”> Episode Summary In this week’s episode, Mike Staver responds to a viewer concerned about a top performer who has suddenly stopped showing initiative. Mike’s approach as a coach is to diagnose what triggered the change in behavior. He notes that a loss of motivation can often be the culprit—sometimes top achievers lose…
Why You’re Not Getting Results and What to Do About It
” allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”> Episode Summary In this week’s episode, Mike answers a question from a viewer who feels like they are doing “all the things” but are not seeing results. Mike directly challenges this premise, stating that if you’re not getting results, you’re simply not doing all the things. He explains that the phrase “I’ve…
How to Clarify Goals Using the SMART Framework
Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, a viewer asks for a good way to clarify someone’s goals. Mike introduces the well-known and effective SMART goals framework. He breaks down each letter of the acronym: Specific, Measurable, Actionable (or Achievable), Relevant, and Time-bound. To illustrate the concept, Mike uses the example…
What to Do When You Lack Confidence in Leading
Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, a viewer asks a fundamental question about leadership: what if I don’t feel confident enough to lead other people? Mike’s answer is both direct and reassuring: confidence comes after the behavior, not before it. He explains that you will never feel confident until you…
How to Challenge Someone Who Shuts Down
Episode Summary In this week’s episode, Mike Staver tackles a viewer question about how to coach a person who shuts down every time they are challenged. Mike advises that the first step is to take a “fearless self-inventory” and evaluate your own challenging style. He explains that being too harsh or direct can…
Supportive vs Directive Coaching
Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver explains how leaders can discern when to be supportive and when to be directive in their coaching. He clarifies that directive coaching involves teaching, telling, and guiding, while supportive coaching is more collaborative. The key is to evaluate what the individual is…
Team Members Who Clash With Others
Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses how to coach a team member who is clashing with others. He begins by emphasizing the importance of working on relationships and cultural dynamics as much as on work dynamics. Leaders should foster good relationships through socializations and team meetings where…
Employees Missing Deadlines
Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses a common management challenge: an employee consistently missing deadlines despite claiming they’re doing their best. Mike suggests starting by re-emphasizing the deadline and ensuring the manager was clear about expectations. He then advises discussing the downstream importance of meeting deadlines and…
Trusted by the world's most influential leaders.
