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Stress & Burnout
Episode Summary: In this week’s episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses a leader’s concern about how to increase team engagement without overwhelming an already stretched-thin workforce. Mike distinguishes between overloading employees with more tasks and fostering engagement, explaining that engagement stems from a deep connection to the organization’s vision and purpose,…
Are you hungry to learn?
Perhaps there is no better skill to have and master than the skill of curiosity. Having a sincere interest in learning and understanding seems to me to be a much nobler pursuit than having a sincere interest in being understood. What opportunities do we miss when we are concerned that people understand US. What relationships…
Success leads to happiness or happiness leads to success?
That question has been the source of debate from the halls of academia to the board rooms of corporations to parenting classes and beyond. Do happy people accomplish more or does accomplishing more make them happy? Since we were children, you and I have been taught both subtly and directly that if we work hard…
How often do you get defensive?
If you over-explain yourself, make it someone else’s problem, or tend to think or say that you did what you did because someone else did what they did, then you are challenged with being defensive. If you are not open to this blog and willing to consider that from time to time you may get…
What do you stand for?
Some time ago I asked one of my clients to answer that question. He was surprised at how difficult it was to come up with an answer. When I asked him what his sales numbers were the previous month, he was able to recite them without a second thought. It is not that the numbers…
Do you love what you are doing? Does it matter?
If you listen carefully, you can hear the murmur of debate. The debate is whether people should be doing something they love for work. Should people be actively enjoying their work and living out at least part of their purpose in life through their careers? In 2013, Gallup released some research that indicated 24% of…
Does generosity pay off?
Give and it will be given to you. That’s part of the tradition I was raised in. Be nice, be helpful, be generous and ultimately it will come back to you. With all due respect, I am not certain that is true at all. It is certainly a good character quality to be generous. It’s…
How well do you know and live by your core values?
Your core values matter, all the time. There is much talk about core values. There are courses on identifying your core values. I have written and taught extensively about core values. I am a believer in them as the core of who we are as people. A few things to know about your core values.…
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MONDAYS WITH MIKE
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MONDAYS WITH MIKE POST ARCHIVE
Empathy
In this insightful episode of Mondays with Mike, our host dives into the topic of empathy, answering an important question posed by a listener:: “Can empathy be learned and enhanced?” Mike engages his audience with a candid discussion on the significance of empathy and its impact on personal and professional relationships. He asserts that…
Staying Optimistic
In this inspiring installment of “Mondays with Mike,” our host delves into the juxtaposition of enduring life’s challenges while fostering an optimistic mindset. The episode unpacks the nuances between happiness and optimism, providing listeners with actionable insights on maintaining a positive outlook amidst adversity. Mike introduces the concept of optimism as defined by Martin…
Balancing Individualism and Community
In this thought-provoking episode of Mondays with Mike, listeners are treated to a candid conversation exploring the delicate balance between individualism and community participation. Starting with a light-hearted non-sponsorship acknowledgement of Voss water, Mike dives into a viewer-submitted question that challenges many: how do we maintain our sense of self while actively contributing to…
Personal Failure and Growth
Episode Summary: In this episode of “Mondays with Mike,” Mike Staver and his co-host discuss the ways in which personal failure can lead to greater understanding and growth. They start by acknowledging that not everyone learns from failure, as some people give up after experiencing setbacks. However, they emphasize the importance of learning from…
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…
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