Mike’s Blog

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...

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...

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?...

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...

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.”...

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...

I was coaching an executive near the top of one of Canada's big banks. She called me in one day to talk about running a leadership program for her team. On my way to her office, I had decided I would only do this program if it were for the right reasons. Too many...