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Is there peace?
I am in New York. I was fortunate enough to have a few hours of free time so I went online and purchased a guided tour ticket to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Others have told me about how well done the museum is and how moving it was. It was breezy, cool and raining consistently…
Do you have a place?
An hour ago I got back from a walk on the beach. You know, trying to get my steps in so this pesky bracelet on my arm doesn’t bug me for failing at my goals. What can I say….. it works. As I walked down the beach the wind was at my back. I was…
How much should you tolerate?
Boundaries are lines of distinction. A place where something starts and another ends. The importance of personal boundaries cannot be overstated. Boundaries are one of the keys to a healthy and clear way of seeing the world and relating to people. There is often a misunderstanding about the nature and use of them. There are…
When is the low road the high road?
The fact is, if you live long enough, you are going to get betrayed, taken advantage of or treated unkindly. That’s life and if none of that ever happens to you then you just aren’t living large enough or far enough out on the limb. The question is how do you know which course of…
Ever had a great idea?
Throughout the course of our lives we come up with ideas, inventions, opinions, solutions etc, etc. If we really love the idea we enthusiastically share it and think about it. Has that ever happened to you? If you are like most people it has happened. What also happens is that there are varying degrees of…
Does your health matter?
I just completed my Mayo Clinic Executive Health Physical. Colonoscopy, endoscopy, full history and physical – the whole shooting match. Two days of being poked and prodded and examined and questioned. This is at least the fourth time I have done this. Fortunately, Dr. Rodriquez said that on almost every measure I am healthier than…
Do you make smart choices?
Sheena Iyengar, Ph.D., has done interesting research on choice. It is very American to desire choice; to believe that choice ultimately is the greatest freedom. Dr. Iyengar has found that the desire for choice is not always a constructive desire, and that when there are too many choices we actually begin to make poorer choices.…
Are you a ‘from scratch thinker’?
I often hear people say, “I have no regrets.” Really? Seriously? Then I am weirder than I thought, because I have some regrets. Not self-loathing, oh what a worm I am regrets, just some things I look back on and wish I would have done or not done. There is value in the question ‘if…
Is Osama Bin Laden’s death relevant to you?
He’s dead and there’s no doubt about that! Last Sunday night, as I was watching news coverage and the President’s brief speech, I felt a sense of relief. It wasn’t relief because I felt safer or because a dangerous person was out of the way. It wasn’t relief because I will sleep sounder as I…
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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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