Bring Your Whole Self To Work

On today’s show I talk about the idea that “We can do hard things,” which is something I’ve been reminded about over the past few years by my friend, the incredible author Glennon Doyle.  Things right now are really challenging for a lot of us, and there is so much pain, change, and uncertainty in our world.  I lay out five specific things we can focus on these days, which can help us navigate these challenging times.    They are:   1) Feel Your Feelings   2) Remember How Strong You Are   3) Ask For Help   4) Check in With Others   5) Stay in the Present Moment   Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins We Have More Than This Requires (blog post), by Mike Robbins Brene Brown podcast interview with Dr. Marc Brackett Glennon Doyle Untamed (book), by Glennon Doyle   Shareables:   “We can

On today’s show I talk about the idea that “this, too, shall pass.”  While there is deep truth and wisdom in this mantra, it can also be tricky.  We have to be careful about when and how we say it to others, and also how we think about it ourselves.  And, remembering how strong and resilient we are, as well as knowing that we will get through this, are important things for us to focus on as we make our way through this challenging time.   Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins We Have More Than This Requires (blog post), by Mike Robbins   Shareables:   “This, too, shall pass.” — @MikeDRobbins   “We’ve made it through 100% of the challenges we’ve faced in life so far.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Remember how strong and resilient you are.” — @MikeDRobbins  

On today’s episode I had a chance to connect with my friend, colleague, and teammate Andrew Deutscher.  Andrew works with me and our team.  He’s an expert in individual and team performance, well-being, and productivity.  He’s an author, keynote speaker, and just an overall great human being.  On the show we discuss how to navigate the challenge and uncertainty of this moment personally, and some specific things that leaders and teams can do right now to manage themselves, their energy, and connect with each other effectively.   Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Andrew Deutscher Managing Energy for Teams Andrew Deutecher on LinkedIn Typecast: Amazing People Overcoming the Chronic Disease of Type 1 Diabetes, by Andrew Deutecher (book) TEDx Talk: Seize Back Your Life and Be Fully E

On today’s show I talk about the intense paradox of this moment in time.  Things are uncertain, scary, confusing, and challenging in so many ways.  And, yet, there is so much opportunity for growth, and a recognition of love, beauty, and togetherness - even as most of us are physically separated right now.  For us as leaders, parents, and human beings, being able to embrace the paradox of this moment and navigate through the contradictory emotions we are having are essential to our well-being and success, and that of those around us.   Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief (book), by David Kessler Elizabeth Gilbert and Chris Anderson - TED interview   Shareables:   “Have compassion for yourself and others right now - everyone is doing the bes

On today’s show I talk about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the Five Stages of Grief, and how I have been thinking about these things a lot the past few days.  I’ve been inspired by a few thought-leaders in recent days - Chip Conley, Brene Brown, David Kessler, and Elizabeth Gilbert.  In this episode, I address how we can meet our needs, understand where we are and how we feel, and acknowledge the grief and loss we may be experiencing at this time.  Allowing ourselves to truly feel how we are feeling, without judgment, can move us to a place of acceptance and, ultimately, meaning, in the midst of all of this. Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo From Maslow (book), by Chip Conley Chip Conley on LinkedIn David Kessler and Brene Brown - podca

On today’s show I talk with my friend Michael Bungay Stanier, the author of a number of great books, including his latest, The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious, and Change the Way You Lead Forever.  Michael and I reflect upon the current pandemic, and he shares his insights about how we can navigate this whole experience and support others in the process.  He also gives some great advice about how to tame our “advice monster” - in general and especially right now.   Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins The Advice Trap (book), by Michael Bungay Stanier Michael Bungay Stanier TEDx Talk - How to Tame Your Advice Monster What’s Your Advice Monster Questionnaire?   Shareables:   “Being humble and staying curious are two of the best things we can do when we want to empower other peopl

Things continue to be challenging for so many of us in the midst of this global pandemic.  And, as the news gets more grim and the reality of what’s happening settles in, it’s important for us to learn new ways to navigate this whole experience, and to support those around us to do the same.  In this episode I share some thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for how to surrender to this experience - the most healthy and productive way.  This isn’t all that fun or easy, and we’re all dealing with our own unique circumstance, challenges, and situations.  And, we’re also all in this together.   Here are the specific suggestions I make in this episode:   1.  Create a routine for yourself   2.  Focus on self-care and well-being   3.  Ask for help and support   4.  Mix it up and be creative   5.  Focus on what you’re grateful for and who you appreciate   Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mi

We are in a defining moment right now.  And while none of us know how this is going to play out or what the ultimate impact will be on our lives, our businesses, our economy, and our society, we do know that we need to dig in and step up to meet the challenges we are facing.  My good friend - bestselling author and leadership expert, Lisa McLeod - joins me on the podcast today.  We talk about how leaders can step into this moment - to impact their teams and lead their businesses through this difficult time by focusing on what she calls, “Noble Purpose.”  Lisa believes that business can be a force for good and that now is the time for us to prove it.  She and I discuss the fact that leaders have a choice, to descend into a transactional mindset and see this crisis as a scramble for money. Or they can decide that they are willing to step into something bigger. Our organizations, our employees, and perhaps even our very humanity are at stake.   Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike Robbin

Today’s episode is a refreshing break from the news of the day and the coronavirus, but is a really important conversation about how we can lead with gratitude in the midst of stress, challenge, and uncertainty, which is very much related to what’s going on in the world right now.  One of the most influential voices in workplace trends over the past two decades, Chester Elton, has been called ‘The Apostle of Appreciation.’ Along with Adrian Gostick, Chester has written twelve books on recognition, leadership, and culture, including five New York Times bestsellers. Their latest book, Leading with Gratitude: Eight Leadership Practices for Extraordinary Business Results, is a culmination of their years of work in this area and Chester has some interesting insights to share. Why is it so difficult to express gratitude in the workplace? How can we balance leading with gratitude against tackling business challenges? Will being grateful cause us to lose our edge? These are just a few of the topics Chester discusses

This whole experience with the coronavirus continues to be bizarre, challenging, fascinating, scary, and more.  The paradox of this moment is that while we are all physically separated from one another, we’re also together in this experience.  For those of us who are able to work from home, we’re both fortunate and we’re also probably dealing with lots of practical challenges in this regard.  In this episode, I talk about some specific things we can do to stay connected to our teams so that we can not only get our work done effectively, but grow, develop, and deepen our relationships and our culture in the process.  Remembering and operating from the perspective that we’re all in this together, which we are, is essential right now. Here are the specific suggestions I make in this episode: 1.  Address the moment, your feelings, and other people’s feelings 2.  Over-communicate 3.  Double down on authenticity - do the “if you really knew me” exercise 4.  Appreciate people - use the “appreciation seat” exercise 5

Being Authentic and Appreciative, Especially Right Now Description: Things are weird and challenging right now in so many ways.  Just about every aspect of our work and our lives are significantly disrupted by the coronavirus.  In this episode, I talk about how important authenticity and appreciation are to our current reality.  Being real about our experience and giving others the space to do the same is essential right now. And, looking for and finding things and people to appreciate, including ourselves, is also super helpful at this time. Here are the key suggestions I make in this episode: Authenticity: 1.  Be real about how you feel...and allow yourself to feel all of your feelings 2.  Ask for help 3.  Check in with others and give them space to be exactly where they are Appreciation: 1.  Look for and find things to be grateful for 2.  Appreciate other people - the ones you’re related to, work with, and others 3.  Appreciate and love yourself Resources: We’re All in This Together - virtual program Mike

Many of us, if we’re fortunate enough to have a job that allows it, are working from home right now.  This poses a lot of challenges for us individually, as leaders, and for our teams.  And, even as difficult, disruptive, and uncomfortable as working remotely can be, especially given the intensity of what’s going on right now in the world, there are some specific things we can do, both individually and collectively, to not only be more effective, but to be able to thrive in the process.  On this episode, I share ten specific things you can think about and do, which will allow you to work and lead from home during this crazy time more successfully.   What to focus on for ourselves while we work from home:   1.  Take care of yourself   2.  Set up rituals/routines   3.  Be flexible   4.  Ask for help   5.  Be real   What to focus on as a leader and for our team while everyone is working from home:   1.  Take care of yourself first   2.  Get guidance and support   3.  Check in with the people on your team   4.  B

When we’re facing something big, scary, and overwhelming, like what’s going on in our world right now, it is easy to feel small and like there’s not much we can do.  However, when we think back on times in our lives when we’ve faced something challenging - personally and/or collectively - it can remind us of our strength and resilience.  On this episode, I talk about how we can tap into our personal and collective power in the face of the fear and uncertainty of this moment.  And, I share five specific things we can do and think about as we make our way through what’s going on right now.   1)  Be real about how you feel   2)  Reach out for support   3)  Take Inventory of how resilient you are   4)  Check in with other people   5)  Focus on what you’re grateful for   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Bring Your Whole Self to Work, by Mike Robbins We’re All in This Together, b

Things have changed in a pretty significant way in our country and our world in the past few days with the coronavirus.  On this special episode, I address some of how I’ve been feeling and what’s going on right now.  I also talk about how we can remember that we’re all in this together, especially during this time, and some specific things we can do for ourselves, others, our kids, and how we can navigate this new world we suddenly find ourselves in.  We can do this, even though it might seem hard, scary, and weird right now.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Bring Your Whole Self to Work, by Mike Robbins We’re All in This Together, by Mike Robbins   Shareables:   “We’re all in this together.” — @MikeDRobbins   “This is going to be hard, but we can get through it together if we focus on compassion, courage, authenticity, and love.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Keep reaching out, asking for help, and

With the intensity of everything happening right now - the coronavirus outbreak, the U.S. presidential primary election, a volatile stock market, and many other events going on in the world and our lives today, there is a lot of understandable fear going around. This makes sense and can be hard for us to deal with personally, with our teams at work, and collectively. On this episode I share some of my own experiences with fear and powerlessness in my life, and some specific techniques we can use to embrace our fear and emotions, and tap into the power of them in a positive way. Our emotions are very powerful, but feeling emotion doesn’t mean that we are that emotion. When we’re mindful of the stories we tell ourselves, it can help us manage and harness our emotions most effectively.   Key Takeaways: [1:19] There’s a lot of fear in the world right now, around the elections, the coronavirus outbreak, the volatile stock market, and other events. How are we dealing with the fear in our lives? [4:35] How much of o

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from sports teams, both in business and life. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, we can all benefit from looking to sports to see what makes the great teams great, and how we can apply things to our own groups. Rich Hollenberg joins me in this episode to dive into some of the things he’s observed and learned from his 25 years in sports broadcasting, specifically with ESPN college basketball and the Tampa Bay Rays. We explore some of the themes of sports, broadcasting, teamwork, and what really creates the chemistry necessary for teams to thrive. Rich also shares his insights about building a great team culture.   Key Takeaways: [3:32] Rich has been in sportscasting for 25 years. What inspired him to go into this field? [7:36] How did Rich get into the business of sportscasting and make a career for himself? [13:16] It can be scary to fully commit to something without knowing for sure that it will work out, but that is necessary to reach your goals. [17:35] Rich shares

In light of the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal, I have been thinking a lot about cheating recently.  The Astros are a client of mine and AJ Hinch, the former manager of the Astros is a good friend and former teammate of mine, so this is very close to home for me.  And, given the intense reaction from the media and throughout the baseball and sports worlds about this situation, it’s had me take a deeper look at why people seem so upset about it. The reality is that, whether in baseball or in life in general, most of us cheat in some way, and at some time. We usually justify or minimize our own cheating.  However, we often get extremely worked up when others get caught doing it, and hypocritically judge them for it. I explore some of my own feelings around the scandal, and why it’s so important for us to reflect on and evaluate our own actions before seeking to point the finger at others.   Key Takeaways:   [1:33] Cheating is an interesting topic. Mike talks about the recent cheating scandal in baseball,

We’re living in politically divisive times.  On the heels of impeachment, with the primary process in full swing, and with the Presidential election looming this fall, things seem to be getting even more intense on this front.  And while we’re often told, directly or indirectly, not to talk about politics at work, it’s hard not to do so these days. For a number of reasons, it’s important for us to find ways to talk about politics, in a respectful and authentic way that brings us closer together - at work and in life. This week on the podcast I share my thoughts on how we can do this and specifically how we can create a more open and inclusive environment at work, where people feel safe to share their opinions about politics and more (even and especially if those opinions are different).   Key Takeaways: [3:04] How can we be more authentic and bring our whole self to work in the midst of incredibly intense and divisive political times? [6:03] There's wisdom in not talking about taboo topics like politics, reli

Letting go of approval and relinquishing control are things that I’ve struggled with for many years, and continue to work on. My counselor Eleanor recently said to me, “You obsessively seek approval.  Stop doing that.  And, when you don’t get the approval you want, you go into control.  Neither of these things serve you or work very well.”   She’s right.  Seeking approval and/or trying to control everything can get in our way in life, both personally and professionally, and can stop us from achieving our goals. In this week’s episode, I share some of my thoughts around why we don’t need everyone to like us and approve of everything that we do, as well as why trying to control things and people doesn’t serve us or anyone else. I also talk about the things we can control, in a healthy way, and how to focus on those things to create the impact and outcomes that we truly want.   Key Takeaways: [2:46] Letting go of seeking approval and having control is something we may struggle with, but it is important to do as

Loss and grief are inevitable parts of life. Both personally and professionally, we face a lot of loss and grief that we have a hard time dealing with. However, even though they can be scary and painful to talk about, and we mostly tend to live in denial about them, it’s essential for us to grapple with these powerful emotions. I share some of my thoughts around loss and grief, and some of my own personal losses of loved ones and people close to me, as well as why it is so important for us to address these emotions. Ultimately, these are very common and universal experiences that everyone experiences, and we need to be more open, real and honest about them.   Key Takeaways: [2:07] Loss and grief are part of life, but parts that aren’t often talked about or acknowledged. [3:05] Kobe Bryant recently died in a tragic accident. His death affected Mike more than he expected, and he explores why that might be. [8:51] Like everyone else, Mike has experienced the loss of loved ones and people close to him, and as muc