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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…

For the coaches and the coached

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

This month I would like to make a few suggestions on how to effectively coach and how to effectively be coached. If you are in a leadership role, one of your primary responsibilities is to coach your direct reports. It will make you a better leader and it will add value to those you lead…

The power of gifts

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

This time of year is designed to be about giving and the power of gifts. It usually does not work out as designed as the giving sometimes turns into a frantic focus on urgency and the anxiety that goes with choosing the right gift. I want to encourage you to be mindful during this time…

The five characteristics of courageous leadership

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Continuing Onward Under Rigorous And Grinding Experiences Judy House, the best boss I ever reported to, used to say to me, “Mike, the higher you move in an organization the less freedom you have.” In any endeavor where you have people looking to you for leadership, they are watching you and waiting to see how…

Leading with heart

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Great leadership doesn’t require lofty positions. Leadership is the degree to which you are willing to influence those around you. The key to great influence is your values. What do you value most? To what extent do you exercise your influence in places and in ways that make a difference and are aligned with your…

Are you a coward?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Relax! I’m not calling you a coward…yet. I am simply asking you to take a moment to evaluate the extent to which courage and fear each influence the way you live and work. I am not here to judge, just to ask tough questions: “What are you afraid of?” “What is the most courageous thing…

Find your courage

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Never make a life or business altering decision in a moment of high emotional intensity, especially when that emotion is fear or anxiety. There have been more regrettable decisions made because of what we are afraid of than probably any other emotional state. Fear manifests when you think about what will happen or what won’t…

Are you really grateful?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

As is my tradition in November, I am dedicating this piece to gratitude. We live in a world that is so fast-paced and busy, time is seldom taken to truly and deeply express gratitude. I am not talking about a polite ‘thank you’. I am speaking here about something deeper, something that you take the…

Recognition and gratitude – Roped Club

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

What do you think the world would be like if each of us committed to verbally recognize one person every day? As the season of Thanksgiving approaches I have a challenge for you. The challenge is a lifelong commitment to verbal recognition and gratitude. With that in mind, I have started a club inspired by…

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MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE

What to Do When a Capable Employee Underperforms

By Mike Staver | July 21, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses the common problem of an employee who is capable but consistently underperforming. He suggests that this issue often stems from a lack of clarity regarding what high performance truly entails from the employee’s perspective. Mike advises evaluating whether the employee understands…

Coaching Clients Through Tough Decisions

By Mike Staver | July 14, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses the common challenge of clients who freeze when faced with tough decisions. He suggests that this hesitancy often stems from fear of negative outcomes or concerns about impacting others. Mike proposes starting by asking what the client is most concerned might…

How to Hold Someone Accountable Without Micromanaging

By Mike Staver | July 7, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles the common challenge of holding people accountable without resorting to micromanagement. He redefines accountability not as a weapon, but as “a promise kept.” Mike emphasizes that true accountability hinges on clarity of expectation and mutual agreement. He provides clear examples to…

Why Your Feedback Isn’t Landing Right

By Mike Staver | June 30, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses the common excuse for not giving feedback: “it never lands right.” He firmly states that avoiding feedback for this reason is a “terrible idea” and that feedback must be given regardless. Instead of avoidance, Mike advises a diagnostic approach. He prompts…

Emotional Intelligence

By Mike Staver | June 23, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses the question of how to deal with individuals who have low emotional intelligence. He explains that the approach depends on the specific area where their emotional intelligence is lacking. If they exhibit low self-awareness, Mike suggests kindly making them aware of…

Coaching vs. Giving Advice

By Mike Staver | June 16, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver clarifies the crucial distinction between coaching and simply giving advice. He explains that great coaching often involves very little advice-giving. Instead, it’s about the intersection of being directional and conversational, with the best coaches asking good questions to help individuals uncover their…

How to Give Motivating Feedback

By Mike Staver | June 9, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles the challenging but crucial topic of giving feedback that genuinely motivates a team rather than deflating them. He shares two key strategies. The first involves clearly stating the desired outcome, such as “flawless execution,” and then providing feedback within that framework,…

What to Say When Your Team Doesn’t Listen

By Mike Staver | June 2, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses a common leader’s frustration: “My team just doesn’t listen.” He explains that often, the issue isn’t a lack of listening, but a lack of clarity in communication. Mike advises leaders to emphasize and expand on what they are saying, then verify…

How to Communicate Assertively and Respectfully to Leadership

By Mike Staver | May 26, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Monday’s with Mike, Mike Staver answers the question: “How can I effectively communicate my ideas and concerns to upper management in a way that is assertive but still respectful?”. Mike discusses the true meaning of assertiveness and provides key strategies for communicating effectively with upper management. Key…

Coaching Versus Criticism

By Mike Staver | May 16, 2025

   Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the question: “Some of my team members seem resistant to coaching. See it as criticism rather than support. How can I shift their mindset to see coaching as positive?” Mike provides insights on how to re-evaluate your coaching approach to ensure…

How to Foster a Culture of Innovation

By Mike Staver | May 12, 2025

 Episode Summary In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the question: “How can individuals and organizations foster a culture of innovation and adapt to the rapidly changing job market and technological advances?” Staver emphasizes the importance of celebrating experimentation and viewing failure as a stepping stone to innovation, using the story…

Long Term Career Goals

By Mike Staver | May 5, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the question, “Should you stay in a job for stability even if it doesn’t align with your long-term goals?” His emphatic answer is “no.” He argues that your career should align with your long-term goals, similar to how his company only pursues…

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