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How clear is your mind?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

As I write this, I am just a day away from leaving on my annual ride with my buddies to Sturgis, South Dakota. Sturgis is the largest motorcycle rally in the world. Thousands of bikers descend on this small South Dakota town every year for a week. We always ride, never trailer. Here’s why. The…

Are you ready?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

This month I am going to ask you to look at something that isn’t that pleasant to look at. Loss. A week ago, my biological father died unexpectedly. On some levels we were ready; on others, nobody was ready. I am challenging you to ask yourself if you are ready for that kind of loss.…

Is it really noisy or is it just me?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

When was the last time you stopped and noticed the noise around you? Just stop right now and listen. It’s not just the keys on the computer keyboards being used by people in the office, or the wind outside, or the truck driving by, it’s internal noise as well. We are bombarded with so much…

Are you intellectually benevolent?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Benevolence has to do with being generous, giving and kind. This month, I am wondering if you are intellectually generous, giving and kind, or do you find yourself far too quick to judge or evaluate someone or something else simply because they are different than you or what you believe? I am on Facebook personally,…

Surviving the Storms of Life

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

I am stunned, as I know you are, at the utter devastation and chaos that is being experienced in Mississippi and Louisiana as I write this. I urge you to find a way to help. The Red Cross, as an example, is desperate for donations. As I was watching CNN last night I was amazed…

How complex does it really need to be?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

Many of you know that I took a 5400 mile ride on my Harley in August from Florida to South Dakota through Moab,Utah the Colorado Rockies then home. I was gone for 14 days. For two weeks I had my bike, a bag strapped to my sissy bar and a back pack. Had the time…

Does Sturgis SD matter to you? It should!

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

As you read this, I am on my way to (or perhaps already in) Sturgis for the 75th annual motorcycle rally. It’s THE biker event of the year. Whether you ride or don’t isn’t relevant. The rally matters because of what it means to me and to most of those that attend. It represents community,…

Peace on Earth?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

The holiday season is here. Doesn’t feel very cheery, does it? The sentiment this time of year, regardless of the way you celebrate or whether you celebrate at all, is centered around the idea of peace. Let’s face it – you can’t really make a case for peace on earth at this point in human…

How do you manage your moods & emotions?

By Mike Staver | January 23, 2019

The management of moods is key to a life of purpose and productivity. Too many people believe that being in a “good mood” is best. They attempt to talk you out of a “bad mood.” Perhaps you tend to be hard on yourself when your mood is down or anxious or angry or any of…

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MONDAYS WITH MIKE

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MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE

Work-Life Balance

By Mike Staver | March 31, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike discusses the concept of work-life balance and why he believes it’s largely a myth. He introduces the idea of work-life focus, emphasizing the importance of being present and focused in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work or personal life. Mike also addresses the seeming…

Habits of Successful People

By Mike Staver | March 24, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike discusses one habit successful people have that most people overlook: persistence and the ability to tolerate failure. Mike emphasizes the importance of not giving up on your goals and pushing past obstacles. He also shares a personal story about a business venture he regrets…

Honest Feedback for Your Boss

By Mike Staver | March 17, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike addresses a viewer question about how to give honest feedback to a boss who can’t handle criticism. Mike advises viewers to ask clarifying questions and avoid criticizing their boss’s character or behavior. Instead, he suggests framing feedback in terms of improvement and offering specific…

When to Leave a Well-Paying Job

By Mike Staver | March 7, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike addresses a viewer question about deciding when to leave a well-paying but miserable job. Mike advises viewers to take an inventory of what makes them unhappy in their current role. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that you always have a choice, even if…

Impossible Clients

By Mike Staver | March 3, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike answers a viewer question about how to respond to a client who’s impossible to please without losing your mind. Mike emphasizes the importance of taking a “fearless inventory” of your own actions and responsibilities before jumping to conclusions about the client. He suggests evaluating…

Advice For Our Younger Selves

By Mike Staver | February 24, 2025

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers the thought-provoking question: What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you in your 20s? His answer is straightforward—invest and save money, no matter how little. He reflects on his younger years when he believed he didn’t have enough money…

Politics & Family

By Mike Staver | February 14, 2025

  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

By Mike Staver | February 10, 2025

  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

By Mike Staver | February 3, 2025

  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

By Mike Staver | January 27, 2025

  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

By Mike Staver | January 20, 2025

  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

By Mike Staver | January 13, 2025

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…

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