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Can you admit when you are wrong or don’t know what you are doing?

By Mike Staver | January 22, 2019

I had an issue with my new laptop. I accessed the Dell customer service chat feature only to be told 10 minutes into the chat that my problem had to be handled by a live person and should only take 10 minutes. I called. I was rerouted to the Philippines. The gentleman was nice and…

How effective are you at handling change?

By Mike Staver | January 22, 2019

“Change is difficult” may be one of the biggest lies people buy. If you won 100 million dollars in the lottery, your life would probably change, and you probably wouldn’t find that change difficult. Change is only difficult when you believe that the change is going to produce negative or undesirable results. “People are afraid…

Have you ever gotten really good bad news?

By Mike Staver | January 22, 2019

2014 was (to put it mildly) a very difficult year. Then, in January 2015, I got a call sharing some bad news. It struck me how relieved I was to hear this bad news. When I thought about why I felt so relieved I realized that, compared to the news I actually expected and was…

Are you kidding me?

By Mike Staver | January 22, 2019

If you have been reading this blog for any time at all, you know I think that a constant need to feel comfortable limits our potential and the results we create. Every major or minor accomplishment that has meant anything to you in your life has required that you work through discomfort. Yet for some…

Are you playing to win or playing not to lose?

By Mike Staver | January 22, 2019

In many ways, we have let the pendulum swing too far in the “can’t we all get along” direction. While I think it’s a good idea to look out for each other and to live in alignment with our values I think it’s not a good idea to play things too conservatively. The papers this…

Are you optimistic?

By Mike Staver | January 22, 2019

Recently I was giving Harrison feedback (the predictive selection and development assessment I use). I shared the feedback with the client that their Harrison indicated they had a tendency toward optimism. They said, “I think that’s true, I am usually positive and happy.” There are many who believe positive and happy is optimistic. While optimists…

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MONDAYS WITH MIKE

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MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE

What Do People Take Too Seriously?

By Mike Staver | April 16, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the question, “What’s one thing you think people take too seriously in life?” He believes that people generally take themselves and many aspects of life too seriously, including politics, religion, relationships, and their possessions. Mike encourages listeners to give themselves a break,…

Trusting Your Gut

By Mike Staver | April 14, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the question, “When should you trust your gut over data when making business decisions?” He advises that relying on gut feelings should be infrequent and emphasizes the importance of verifying hunches with data and facts. Mike suggests that while data should guide…

How to Negotiate a Raise Without Sounding Entitled

By Mike Staver | April 7, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the question, “What’s the best way to negotiate a raise without coming off entitled?” He emphasizes that the key is to present the results and impact you’ve created for the company, rather than focusing on what others earn or simply stating you…

Work-Life Balance

By Mike Staver | March 31, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike discusses the concept of work-life balance and why he believes it’s largely a myth. He introduces the idea of work-life focus, emphasizing the importance of being present and focused in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work or personal life. Mike also addresses the seeming…

Habits of Successful People

By Mike Staver | March 24, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike discusses one habit successful people have that most people overlook: persistence and the ability to tolerate failure. Mike emphasizes the importance of not giving up on your goals and pushing past obstacles. He also shares a personal story about a business venture he regrets…

Honest Feedback for Your Boss

By Mike Staver | March 17, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike addresses a viewer question about how to give honest feedback to a boss who can’t handle criticism. Mike advises viewers to ask clarifying questions and avoid criticizing their boss’s character or behavior. Instead, he suggests framing feedback in terms of improvement and offering specific…

When to Leave a Well-Paying Job

By Mike Staver | March 7, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike addresses a viewer question about deciding when to leave a well-paying but miserable job. Mike advises viewers to take an inventory of what makes them unhappy in their current role. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that you always have a choice, even if…

Impossible Clients

By Mike Staver | March 3, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike answers a viewer question about how to respond to a client who’s impossible to please without losing your mind. Mike emphasizes the importance of taking a “fearless inventory” of your own actions and responsibilities before jumping to conclusions about the client. He suggests evaluating…

Advice For Our Younger Selves

By Mike Staver | February 24, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the thought-provoking question: What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you in your 20s? His answer is straightforward—invest and save money, no matter how little. He reflects on his younger years when he believed he didn’t have enough money…

Politics & Family

By Mike Staver | February 14, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles a common dilemma: dealing with a family member who constantly brings up politics at gatherings. His approach is simple—do not engage. He shares his personal strategy of staying neutral, avoiding the discussion entirely, and not reacting emotionally. Instead of debating or arguing,…

Office Politics

By Mike Staver | February 10, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles a tough workplace dilemma: How can you get ahead in a company where office politics seem more important than performance? He acknowledges that succeeding in such an environment is extremely difficult and even questions whether staying in such a company long-term is…

Feeling Like You’re Too Old

By Mike Staver | February 3, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses a fun yet relatable question: What’s a polite way to say, “I’m too old for this” when declining a party invite? Mike emphasizes that age should never be the excuse—plenty of older individuals still enjoy late-night socializing. Instead, he encourages people to…

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