Mike’s Blog

In this time of virtual meetings, it strikes me that teams are going to be missing a meaningful connection. It’s the one which happens when someone walks into the room. Or, when you bump into them in the hallway. “Nice socks.” Or, “I love your new haircut.” While this...

Like so many people, I'm working from home. There are four humans and a dog living here. Thankfully, our house is big enough that I can usually find a quiet spot for a call or to think. However, I don't expect the rest of the family to stop living. Everyone's...

There’s nothing normal about business these days. People are working from home while juggling work, child care, school work, pet care and more. For the moment, people are not as productive as they were a few weeks ago. To expect otherwise is unrealistic, and you will...

A lot of people are stressed, given everything going on in their world. The problem is that stress impairs thinking, judgement, decision making, creativity, connection and much more. One cause of stress is when you cannot figure out how to control your environment....

Do you know that feeling when you walk into a room and instantly sense something is wrong (or right)? Such feelings are information, and it can point to something needing your leadership. These types of feelings will still exist when holding virtual meetings. However,...

Is it acceptable for a team to spend time talking about how they’re feeling or the latest news? Do you make the subject taboo? There’s no right answer to this, but as a team, it’s important to be intentional. Consider revising your team working agreement to include...

With so many people working from home, one of the advantages can be the lack of interruptions. One of the downsides can be the lack of interruptions. Without interruptions, you’re more likely to get lost in your work for extended periods. Too much mental focus can...

For many, their days are filled with back to back meetings. While this hasn’t changed given the current reality, something else has. People are not moving their bodies as much. They’re not commuting to the office, or walking between their desk and meeting rooms....

There’s plenty of anxiety in the world right now. Teams are adapting to their new reality. Companies are pivoting to ensure their survival. Start all your team meetings by having everyone share a win. A win is defined as something you intended to do and succeeded at...

Denial can provide an escape from thinking about something too painful to face. I know this to be true, as I was in denial last week. I was living as if what’s happening in China and Italy couldn’t happen here. Living in denial is not going to be good for me, my...

Like so many people, I’ve spent time thinking about how to move forward in such challenging times. The problem is, I spend a lot of time debating with myself, and by the time I decide, the path has changed. What’s right or wrong? What’s needed? If I go this way, will...

The Covid-19 situation is heating up. The pandemic stats are climbing exponentially. Stores and services we take for granted are closing. Even the border has closed to all non-essential travel. As this continues, you’ll have moments of anxiety. You’re also going to...