Mike’s Blog
This is for everyone who is interested in Leadership, teams, and people.
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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.
A post about nothing
I’m stuck. I’ve been sitting here wondering what to write about. Yet, nothing has been coming to me. I did some reading in hopes that something would inspire me. And still nothing. What I know is that when I’m stuck, the best thing I can do is to start writing (or...
Why do we keep pushing against the odds?
On Friday, the internet went down for cable subscribers in southern Ontario. Once I realized it was down, my first thoughts went to “how am I going to get my work done today. What about the calls I have scheduled?” While I do have the hotspot on my phone, it’s too...
Finding true fulfillment
Breaking free from the chains of external expectations is the key to true happiness and personal fulfillment.
The power of perspectives
Take the time to understand rather than dismiss someone’s perspective. After all, you don’t have to adopt it.
Free yourself from what others are thinking
The most empowering phrase I know is: “What other people think of me is none of my business.”
Do you talk about politics or religion?
Last weekend, I did something I had promised myself I would never do: We had an in-depth conversation with another couple about Canadian politics. <gasp!> Mark Twain once said: “Never discuss politics or religion in polite company.” While I only found this quote...
Free yourself from what others are thinking
The most empowering phrase I know is: “What other people think of me is none of my business.”
Lasting change starts with an awareness of what is true
Awareness is like a muscle you can strengthen. All you need to do is to slow down and pay attention.
Where are you leading from?
Leading doesn’t mean you’re always in the front. Sometimes, the right thing to do is to let others be in front with your support.
Resilient teams have problems
Resilient teams have problems, too. They’ve just developed a keen ability to recover to resiliency quickly.
Change is like the weather
Your change plan is like a weather forecast. Both provide useful information, but you’d be wise to adjust to whatever happens on the journey.
Change is like the weather
Your change plan is like a weather forecast. Both provide useful information, but you’d be wise to adjust to whatever happens on the journey.
Resilient teams are connected
Give the team time weekly to connect, share, and laugh, as this is foundational to having a resilient team.
Start all meetings on time regardless of who’s present
Start all meetings on time regardless of who’s present. It’s the single greatest thing you can do to help most of them start on time.
