Mike’s Blog
This is for everyone who is interested in Leadership, teams, and people.
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Make it a brave space rather than a safe space
I'm through with talking about safety, physiological safety, and safe spaces. I just returned from leading a team development retreat. Usually, I spend time creating safety in the room. I do this by having a couple of discussions that explore what it means for the...
What do you do when the going gets tough?
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." — Billy Ocean I looked up the meaning of the lyrics. When the situation gets difficult, strong people can step up and handle it. There are times to step up and get through something difficult. However, sometimes...
Do you know that thing about finding yourself?
The past year has been quite the ride. It’s been full of good stuff, challenges, and even a few adventures. Earlier this summer, I found myself feeling lost. Where am I going? Do I have what it takes to be a success? Do I want to do this work anymore? What’s the...
Why do so many transformations fail
Seventy percent of all corporate transformations fail to meet their stated objectives. I've been involved with a few of those failed transformations. I've also worked with several companies implementing changes to their work. In both cases, many companies have...
There’s no such thing as accidents
A couple of weeks ago, I dropped and broke a bottle of wine. As much as I hate to ruin a good bottle of wine, I didn't beat myself up because it was an accident. Have you noticed how often people use the word "accident?" For example, a couple is dealing with an...
It’s only stuff
Growing up, I vaguely remember this lamp in my grandparent’s home. I remember it being a curiosity in my mind. Once my grandparents died, my parents acquired numerous pieces of their furniture, including the lamp. From that day forward, my Dad insisted I take it after...
Don’t let stage fright stop you
You get on the stage, and ego rushes in to say, "Don't mess up." That's when the nerves would start to kick in. You'd know it as you'd likely see me pacing about if you were backstage with me. While I had nearly 35 years of experience performing in a band,...
It’s always a people problem
A software team once told me they spend two hours refreshing their testing regions daily. I asked if this situation seemed reasonable to them. "No, it's a complete waste of time as it keeps us from working on the new features." When asked why they did not change this...
It’s at the back of the store near the dog food
"The ginger beer is near the back of the store near the dog food." I nearly fell over when my son, Scott, said this to me. The thing is, he's gone blind in the past year and has only been in this store while blind. I asked him how he knew this. Scott explained that...
What if everyone is doing the best they know how?
“You know what your problem is? You have too much money.” I explained, “What you’re doing is working, as evidenced by your profits and share value. So, you have no real reason to change. You can keep doing what you’re doing, and it’ll work … for now. After all, it did...
Are people your best assets?
While I tend to not get too hung up on language. However, I always try to improve my language to honour our differences and be more inclusive. For example, one of the phrases I’m trying to change is my habit of saying, “You guys.” It’s a long-standing habit of mine to...
What’s your proof about the best place to work?
There isn't a day that goes by when I don't see an article about returning to the office. It's become such an extensive discussion that we've even assigned the acronym "RTO." Most articles I read explain how executives claim innovation, collaboration, and productivity...
Laying people off does not make you profitable
You’re not profitable if you laid people off to say that. You’ve forever lost a wealth of what makes you successful.
Vulnerability is not a weakness
Vulnerability is only a weakness if you let it be. Embrace your inner ability to not care about what others think of you and be vulnerable.
No such thing as a safe space
Stop trying to create safe spaces, as it’s not possible. Instead, create a brave space where people find their voice and work through the messiness together.
The danger of positional power
Use your positional power carefully and sparingly. Otherwise, you might find yourself standing alone.
Teamwork isn’t linear
Team development isn’t a linear process. It’s more like wandering in circles while you find ways to move forward together.
Stop asking for a team player
Requiring someone to be a team player is like requiring someone to become an artist by tomorrow. Both take time, patience and practice.
Being busy and being productive are two different things
Being busy doesn’t mean you’re productive. Focus on productivity first and feeling busy will happen.
Recognition is the fuel people need
Recognizing people regularly is the fuel that gets them out of bed and wanting to work with each other.
How do people like to be recognized
Ask the people around you how they like to be recognized, as it’s not a one-size-fits-all activity.
Travel tip for when things are going wrong
Travel tip: no matter what happens, have fun; you’ll get there. The same is true in life and business.
The secret to feeling anxious
Feeling anxious happens when we feel something is out of our control. The thing is, nothing is ever out of your control.
The questions of great leaders
Great leaders will ask, “What do I do now?”