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Do you tend to be frank or diplomatic?
Being able to communicate effectively is probably the most important skill a person can have. My hope is that you are both frank and diplomatic. The concept of blending seemingly opposite communication styles so that you operate most efficiently is critical to being effective personally and professionally. While being both frank and diplomatic is a…
Do you speak your truth?
In our professional and personal lives, most of the success we encounter is the direct result of speaking our truth. Speaking our truth is about how we communicate to ourselves and to those around us. I have found that the times in my life when I have found myself in the best place is when…
Is honesty really the best policy?
Have you ever had someone say something to you that upset you, made you mad, or otherwise hurt your feelings? When you point that out, have they said, “Well, I am just being honest!” Doesn’t that make you want to say — “Well, lie a little!” So many times people use honesty as a weapon.…
Do you know how to shut up?
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and they made their point, but just had to add a few other comments? Or, how about listening to a speaker that said “in closing” 5 times before they actually closed? I was recently working with two people that were attempting to resolve a conflict. At…
Have you tried listening?
For years and years and years people have talked about how important listening is. Books are written, seminars are taught, coaches encourage it and bosses expect it. But for some reason most people are pathetic at it. Even after all the lectures, books and teaching most are just not willing to listen. I hereby challenge…
How influential are you?
One of the most asked questions I get is, “How do I get my (employees, kids, spouse, partner etc) to be more motivated, more focused, more driven, more engaged, or more whatever?” While there are hundreds of people who will give you three points and a poem for how to do that, I would encourage…
Are you an explainer or an explorer?
Little kids ask a lot of questions in a single day. By the time we become adults, we ask very few questions. Most of the reason for that is that we have been taught that answers get us A’s. Answers prove we are smart. Answers make us feel certainty, and certainty builds confidence. There is…
Does Donald Trump matter?
Yes he does and he should matter to you! Not because of who he is and what he says. Not because of his ironic popularity. But because of the EXACT reason that he is popular. Trump is a fascinating study in what it takes to influence and what it takes to be followed. Donald Trump…
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MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE
Work-Life Balance
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…
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