Blog
Build Culture · Develop Your People · Grow Your Business
Can you admit when you are wrong or don’t know what you are doing?
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?
“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?
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?
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?
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?
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…
- « Previous
- 1
- …
- 10
- 11
- 12
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
Happy New Year 2025
Episode Summary: In this New Year-themed episode, Mike Staver shares an inspiring message to set the tone for the year ahead. He advises against traditional New Year’s resolutions, which often fade quickly, and instead suggests choosing a single word to define your focus and intention for the year. Reflecting on his own options, such…
Merry Christmas 2024
Episode Summary: In this heartfelt holiday message, Mike Staver extends warm wishes for peace, joy, and renewal during the festive season. He emphasizes the value of graciously accepting holiday greetings, regardless of how they are expressed, and highlights the season as a time for hope, connection, and generosity. Acknowledging that the holidays may not…
Coaching vs Criticism
Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses a question about team members who perceive coaching as criticism rather than support. He explains that the key to shifting this mindset lies in changing the approach to coaching itself. Instead of focusing on feedback, Mike emphasizes the importance of asking thoughtful…
Coaching Without Sacrificing Speed
Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles a leadership challenge: integrating coaching into leadership practices without slowing down decision-making or sacrificing speed. He emphasizes that effective coaching can actually increase the pace of organizational performance by enhancing team members’ skills and competence. While coaching may take time initially, it…
Coaching Problem Solving
Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses a common leadership question: how to balance providing guidance with allowing team members to solve problems independently. He emphasizes the importance of observing performance, evaluating its quality, and adjusting leadership style accordingly. Mike outlines a flexible, situational approach to coaching that focuses…
Happy Thanksgiving 2024
Episode Summary: In this special Thanksgiving episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver shares a heartfelt message about the true power of gratitude. Mike explores the difference between thankfulness, which resides in the mind, and gratitude, which comes from the heart and spirit. He encourages viewers to not only think about what they’re…
Managing Underperformance
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver answers a question from a manager struggling to address an underperforming employee without appearing harsh or dismissive. Mike offers a clear, step-by-step approach for handling the situation effectively. He starts by emphasizing the importance of clarity—leaders must first ensure they have clearly…
Managing Stress & Decision-Making
Episode Summary: In this week’s episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver dives into a common challenge faced by leaders managing high-stakes projects: how to reduce stress to make clearer decisions. Mike explores practical strategies that allow leaders to manage stress effectively without compromising leadership quality. Key among these strategies is the concept…
Professionalism
Episode Summary: In this week’s episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses a crucial question from a manager in his 50s, who expresses frustration with young employees frequently using their phones during meetings and social settings. Mike confirms that this behavior is not only unprofessional but also a sign of disengagement, potentially…
Burnout
Hi, everybody. I’m Mike Staver. This is Mondays with Mike, a weekly video series where I answer questions from people just like you. Here’s this week’s question. “I’m in the helping business I help others every day. I’m burned out, and I really cannot talk to anyone about the sadness and discouragement I feel…
State of Leadership
Hi, everybody. I’m Mike Staver. This is Mondays with Mike, a weekly video series where I answer questions from people just like you. Here’s this week’s question. “What is your opinion on the overall state of leadership? And what is one thing you would change?” I think, overall, leaders are too timid in their…
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Hi, everybody. I’m Mike Staver. This is Mondays with Mike, a weekly video series where I answer questions from people just like you. Here’s this week’s question. “How can individuals and organizations foster a culture of innovation and adapt to the rapidly changing job market and technological advances?” You guys are getting legit on…