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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…
Dealing with conflict
Conflict is a fact of life. I have spent the majority of my life in conflict…well not actually IN conflict, but at least helping people through it. Even though I know how to handle conflict, it is not always easy. It is important to remember that you aren’t supposed to enjoy it. But there are…
Do you understand people?
I was listening to a couple of people in a conflict the other day. As I listened, I noticed something so glaringly obvious that I had to make this month’s RESULTS about it. As the two struggled to communicate, the conflict seemed to get more frustrating for both of them. It’s not like the conflict…
What is going on?
This month I want to share a brief message that my friend sent to his staff after the Dallas shooting. Leo Ardine is the CEO of United Teletech Credit Union in New Jersey. His daughter sent him a text expressing her sadness about the recent tragedies going on in our country. His response moved me…
Are you ‘out of the box’?
Those of you that have been reading this blog for a while realize that I really dislike clichés. In fact, I dislike them so much that I regularly make fun of them. So you may be puzzled as to why I chose the first comments of 2013 to have a cliché at their core. The…
Do you jump to conclusions?
A few days ago, I was having a conversation with a friend who was very upset about a text message she received from someone she was dating. On and on she went over what it said…..and the “attitude and emotion” of the text. Clearly there is no emotion in a text, and people certainly can’t…
Has a lack of clarity ever created trouble for you?
It has for me, THAT’S for sure. At the time of this writing, the Malaysian Airlines 777 hasn’t been found. Not only has it not been found but it seems that those at the airline are wandering around in the wilderness. Were it not for the support and help of the international community there is…
Communicating with the opposite gender
WARNING: Contrary to my usual tendency, I am writing a much longer newsletter this month. I STRONGLY urge you to read the whole thing. Recently I have received numerous requests for this topic and so I am giving you the full meal deal this month. Be open to what you read here… it will make…
How politically correct are you?
I am very tired of having to watch everything I say to make sure I don’t offend anyone. Sure, I understand there are some things that are unquestionably offensive and I do my absolute best not to offend anyone intentionally, but come on!! Christmas Day is a national holiday – do we all understand that?…
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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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