Blog
Build Culture · Develop Your People · Grow Your Business
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…
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
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…
Communication & Conflict
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 couples communicate effectively and resolve their conflicts in a relationship?” Holy cow. You’ve been sending me questions that I can write books about. Practice, practice,…
How To Deal With My Husband’s Bad Attitude?
In this week’s episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses a challenging and sensitive question from a viewer regarding how to handle her husband’s prolonged unemployment and negative attitude after being fired. Mike provides thoughtful advice on how to approach the situation with empathy, while also emphasizing the importance of open communication, mental…
Demonstrating that You’re Promotable
In this week’s enlightening episode of “Mondays with Mike,” our host, Mike tackles the question: “What is one thing I can do at work to demonstrate I am promotable?” The conversation highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and personal responsibility as key traits that can set an individual apart in the workplace. Mike discusses the…
Develop Stronger Work Relationships
In this week’s practical episode of “Mondays with Mike,” our host Mike addresses the important question: “How can I develop stronger professional relationships with my colleagues and superiors?” The discussion revolves around the significance of interpersonal skills and personal development in fostering professional relationships. Mike highlights the importance of taking initiative, offering solutions instead of…
Handling Constructive Criticism
In this week’s insightful episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike addresses a pressing question: “What are the best ways to handle constructive criticism and turn it into an opportunity for growth?” The conversation centers on practical strategies for receiving and utilizing feedback effectively. Mike emphasizes the importance of asking concluding questions to derive actionable…
Stand Out In Meetings
In this week’s engaging episode of “Mondays with Mike,” our host, Mike, tackles a common question: “What strategies can I employ to increase my influence and presence in team meetings and discussions?” Mike delves into the essential elements of effective communication and presence in professional settings. Mike emphasizes the importance of contributing valuable insights, maintaining…