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Are the rules always important?
I was sitting next to a woman on a four and a half hour flight the other day. Turns out she was 80 years old. Not a withering little old lady 80, but rather a smart, well-dressed, very healthy 80. She got on the plane with a very unhappy little 10lb dog in a carryon.…
How do you make decisions?
There are two factors in most decision making. Fact and Gut, when used together, lead to the best decisions. Sometimes they are in conflict, or one seems to be louder than the other. While many people seem to say, “just go with your gut”, others want all decisions to ‘make sense’. Which is better, smarter…
Why should a pharmacy chain’s decision matter to you?
This week CVS Pharmacy made a decision to stop selling all tobacco products in their stores by October 2014. I posted to Facebook that I thought it was a courageous decision for leaders to make. My point was NOT about tobacco. I don’t really care if CVS was doing it for publicity. It was courageous…
Do you make good decisions?
The National Speakers Association decided to change their name and brand to PLATFORM recently. The decision stirred up so much anger that the President of the Association decided to put the change (two years in the making) on hold. Why so much anger, you ask? Three reasons: a perception by the membership that is was…
How smart are you?
Most coaches (executive, athletic, etc.) will tell you that playing up is necessary for real performance improvement. Playing up is how willing you are to spend time around those that are smarter, more talented or further along their development path than you are. Doing that stimulates you to play up to the higher level of…
How do you make difficult decisions?
All of us have times when we are faced with difficult decisions. The reasons for the difficulty are as varied as the decisions each of us faces. Perhaps the difficulty is because it might have financial consequences or maybe someone’s feelings are going to get hurt. Maybe the difficulty is because, regardless of the choice…
Sale or customer – what’s more important?
Seems like an obvious enough question, doesn’t it? My buddy called a Harley Davidson store to find out if they have a leather jacket exactly like the one he has (his has worn out.) The salesperson at the Harley store says, “We don’t have it in stock, but I would be happy to call around…
Are you creating a world-class customer experience?
Please read the headline carefully. Then read it again. When all extraneous issues are stripped away, the customer experience is the single most critical factor in determining your success. In a very real sense, nothing else matters. How that experience is defined is your key to continuing to prosper. I sometimes hesitate to speak of…
Do you find fault or favour?
I know, I know, you are probably thinking you find both fault and favor. Admittedly, some people are balanced in their view of people and events but for the most part everyone has a bias.Everyone tends to lean one way or the other. Everyone, that is, that has any real interaction with people or life…
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MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE
The Evolution of Identity
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike Staver discusses how the concept of identity evolves over the course of a lifetime. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth, expanding one’s view of oneself and the world, and being open to new experiences. Mike highlights that a stagnant identity can hinder personal…
The Paradox Principle
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Monday’s with Mike,” Mike Staver addresses the role of intuition versus analytical thinking in making major life decisions. He introduces the concept of the paradox principle, which suggests that seemingly contradictory ideas can actually work together. Mike explains that it is possible to be both intuitive and analytical,…
Maintaining Authenticity
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses the question of how to maintain authenticity in a world that often rewards conformity. He emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with one’s core values while respecting the differences and beliefs of others. Staver highlights the need to strike a…
Managing Irritability
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike Staver addresses a question about increasing irritability and reactivity. He discusses whether these emotions are caused by external factors or internal factors. Mike explains that frustration tolerance and impulse control play a significant role in managing irritability. He suggests getting a physical check-up to…
Direct Communication
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Monday’s with Mike”, host Mike Staver discusses the common tendency for people, especially couples, to talk more about their relationship and partner with their friends rather than directly addressing their concerns with their partner. Mike and his producer Marty emphasize the importance of open and honest communication in…
Shifting Priorities with Age
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses a question from a viewer who is experiencing a shift in their priorities as they get older. The viewer is feeling pressure from friends and family to continue participating in traditions that no longer hold importance for them. Mike provides suggestions…
Nurturing Creativity with Structure
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike and Marty discuss whether true creativity can be nurtured in a structured work environment or if it requires freedom and chaos. They explore the idea of structured chaos and the importance of striking a balance between structure and freedom. Mike emphasizes the need for…
Finding Meaning in an Automated World
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike Staver discusses how to find meaning in work in an increasingly automated world. He emphasizes that the key to finding meaning lies in the impact of one’s work, rather than the methodology or automation involved. Staver encourages listeners to make life and career choices…
The Impact of Pursuing Material Success on Mental Well-Being
Episode Summary: Welcome to “Mondays with Mike,” a weekly video series where Mike answers questions from viewers. In this episode, Mike discusses the impact of the pursuit of material success on our mental and emotional well-being. While money can buy certain things that bring temporary happiness, true and sustainable happiness comes from the people…
The Influence of Free Will and Destiny on Career Choices
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike tackles a deep and profound question about how concepts like free will and destiny influence our career paths and life choices. He discusses the importance of free will in making choices and how our backgrounds and beliefs shape our decisions. Mike emphasizes the need…
Impact of Social Media on Reality Perception and How to Manage It
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike discusses the impact of social media on our perception of reality and how to manage it. They explore how age and life experiences play a significant role in shaping our understanding of social media’s polished version of reality. Mike emphasizes the importance of being…
Understanding and Empathizing with Others: The Power of Listening
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike Staver explores the question of whether it is possible to truly understand someone else’s perspective. While acknowledging that it may be difficult to fully comprehend another person’s perspective without having experienced it firsthand, Mike emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection. Understanding someone’s perspective…
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