Mike’s Blog
This is for everyone who is interested in Leadership, teams, and people.
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How do you invest in yourself?
What is the first thing you think of when I ask, "How are you investing in yourself." Like many people, your mind might immediately think about *Time* and *money*. "When I have more time, I will …" "When I have more money, I will …" The thing is, many of us have a...
The impact of hope on outcomes
Hope. It's a four-letter word that can change everything. When someone has hope, they keep moving forward despite their challenges or adversity. What happens, though, when hope is absent? Consider the results when people don't believe there's any hope of success: What...
I can’t make this stuff up
Sigh. Did you see my post from last week about some travel adventures? More like my travel challenges? If not, you may want to read it first as it will give some context for this one (but don’t feel you have to as this post will stand alone):...
No problem is bigger than me
How was your flight? It’s an interesting question. And, like so many other curious questions, I can’t help but wonder about the motive of the question. I flew somewhere for the first time after nearly three years. I was in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to attend and speak at...
The power of perspectives
Have you noticed how perspectives play a significant role in our lives? Don’t believe me or are unsure what I’m talking about? Spend a little time on social media, and you’ll quickly see what I mean. It’s hard to scroll more than a couple of posts without seeing how...
What can our kids teach us about leadership?
The other week a leader told me they wanted to improve their leadership to be a good role model for their kids. Needless to say, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be a good role model for your kids. However, what if we adults have this idea backwards in ways?...
The impact of labelling problems
Labels. We use labels in many ways. Arguably most labels serve a useful purpose, and some even protect us from danger. Take canned food, for example. While gone on our honeymoon, our friends got into our apartment to have a little 'fun.' The one thing our friends did...
Steaminig cups of coffee and mouse jigglers
Do you remember the Bud Light “steaming cup of coffee?” Commercial? In this commercial, people equate a steaming cup of coffee to the idea that Johnson is working hard. The boss walks by his office, spots the steaming cup and comments, “Looks like Johnson’s in early.”...
Forget trying to love the work you do
“What else would I do?” That’s the answer I got when I asked Jake why he still does what he does at 84 years old. Jake is the outfitter at Brent (a tiny town in Northern Ontario), where we recently vacationed. Jake also owns several cottages he rents, runs the general...
There are no lifeguards out here
What would be different if people always took responsibility for themselves?
Are you fixing this flat tire or the next one?
Rather than using a process to solve problems, work with your team to find ways to make things better every day.
Be careful what you ask for – you might get it
Use plain language when you encourage, coach, and mentor people as they go after a great outcome.
Decisions don’t always need action
What if the right decision is to not do anything.
Stop looking for a eureka moment
Stop hoping for the eureka moment. Just keep taking little steps, and you will get there.
An important question for leaders to ask
Great leaders are always asking, “How can I help you succeed today?”
Who’s in charge of your career?
You’re in charge of your career, don’t let a boss’s indifference limit you.
When to end a meeting
The best meetings end once they achieve their intended purpose and outcomes, not when the clock says it’s time.
Do you want more productive meetings?
Productive meetings are full of people aligned to its purpose.
What’s your zone of genius?
Your zone of genius is when work doesn’t feel like work. What’s your zone of genius?
If you believe it is impossible, you probably won’t achieve it
“If you believe it is impossible, you probably won’t achieve it.” — Doc Norton
What are you overcomplicating
What are you overcomplicating? Find ways to simplify the things you do every day.
People follow leaders for a reason
What makes you the leader people want to follow?
One idea to improve your meetings
“We still have 10 minutes left, what do you want to talk about?” is always a source of waste in meetings.
How to find productivity gains
When productivity is an issue for your team, start by looking for how you might be impeding it.