Blog
Build Culture · Develop Your People · Grow Your Business
Do you feel things are out of control?
If you have not been able to break away from your interest in the news, then I am certain you are riding the ups and downs of the geopolitical world we are now living in. There was a time when only my real estate clients were actually experiencing the turmoil. Now everyone is feeling it;…
Who should you blame?
From the time we are very young, we engage in a game of blame. How many times do parents ask their kids why they did something and get the answer, “Everybody does it” or, “Because so-and-so did it”? How often do we hear adults blame themselves, their environment, the market, their significant other, their heredity,…
How wise are you?
These days, you have access to mountains of information. You can discover answers to almost any question by simply typing your question into a search engine. You go to seminars, classes, read blogs, books and brochures. You watch videos, listen to podcasts, attend webinars, Twitter, and join braintrusts and any number of other think tank…
Get things in focus!
Vacations are ending, summer’s heat is fading, school is back in session, and the days will soon get shorter. The hectic pace of life is returning and as it does, it’s important to maintain focus on the things that REALLY matter. Some years ago I went to the doctor because I was concerned about my…
Can you be still?
I saw a commercial over the holidays that had the line, “Sure, you are active, but why?” This month I want to encourage you to be still. If you are like most people, you are very busy. Think of all the times you have been asked how you are doing and you have answered, “Busy.”…
Do you need to lose weight?
The number one New Years resolution is about losing weight. I was on a cruise recently and made the mistake of having a toxicity evaluation. They measured my body fat, metabolic rate, lean body mass, etc. Why I would do that on a cruise is beyond me. But what I found interesting was the amount…
Why are ‘shoulds’ so bad for you?
A should is simply an expectation imposed (emphasis on imposed) by us on another person or circumstance. The worst kind of shoulds are those imposed on ourselves. The reason they are so bad for you and your family and work is that they are usually irrational or worse. Now before you go getting all uptight…
Do you think?
With all of the swirling information and competing priorities being thrown at us every day, not only from the media but from friends and family and all manner of sources of opinion, it is critical that WE think. It occurred to me last week on a flight from San Francisco, that too often in life…
Why should Billy Graham matter to you?
Regardless of your faith or lack of it. Regardless of whether you are an atheist an agnostic or a believer, Billy Graham is an example to us all. First let me say that I never hold any one person up as THE example of anything. But as I thought about how one person could have…
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
Politics & Family
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
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
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…
Nice Guy Managers
Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers a question about balancing being “too nice” and “being the hammer” as a boss or manager. He explains that the key lies in adjusting leadership behavior to the performance needs of employees. By being more directive when performance falters and more supportive…
Embracing Change
Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses a leader’s struggle to adapt to organizational changes and how their resistance is affecting their team. He offers practical advice on embracing change, from understanding personal resistance to conducting behavioral experiments with the team. With humor and empathy, Mike emphasizes the inevitability…
Identifying True Company Culture
Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers a question about identifying a company’s true culture, whether as an investor, prospective employee, or vendor. He emphasizes the importance of going beyond a company’s marketing materials and mission statements to understand their genuine values and practices. By reviewing public documents, engaging directly…
Dealing with Employee Turnover
Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles a heartfelt question about coping with employees leaving unexpectedly after a company merger. He offers practical advice on how to manage feelings of loss, reflect on the root causes of such departures, and take proactive steps to address cultural shifts in the…
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…
Trusted by the world's most influential leaders.
