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For the coaches and the coached
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
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
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
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?
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
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?
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
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
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…
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