In the current climate of COVID-19 survival, increasing political divide, and racial unrest, the message of Mike Robbins’s newest book We’re All in This Together is needed now more than ever. Leaders face the increasingly hard task of holding teams together as cohesive and efficient units despite the stressful and rapidly changing environment.

Mike Robbins is an author, thought leader and sought-after speaker who teaches people, leaders, and teams to infuse their lives and businesses with authenticity and appreciation. He has authored 5 books and been featured on NPR, ABC News, the Harvard Business Review, and The Wall Street Journal among other publications.

In today’s episode, Mike shares his background and how it informed his current career as a thought leader, speaker, and author. He discusses the call to write his newest book, the interesting timing of its release on the cusp of COVID-19, and how leaders can use the concepts to reassure their teams of unity during crises. 

Mike explores each of the four pillars in his book and how they are applicable to strengthening workplace bonds and effectiveness. Finally, he leaves listeners with two tangible tips that leaders can start with to build stronger teams.

This episode is sponsored by University of Wisconsin Health and Wellness Management, offering online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in wellness management. You can visit hwm.wisconsin.edu for more information. 

Graduates of the program have launched successful wellness careers with healthcare systems, wellness program vendors, community agencies, insurance providers, even the military. Here are some really cool things about UW Health and Wellness Management:

• Courses are designed and taught by distinguished faculty from the University of Wisconsin, many of whom actively work in the field.
• UW Health and Wellness Management is also supported by an advisory board, industry experts from corporations such as Children’s Wisconsin, Willis Towers Watson, and the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds, who offer advice on changing trends in health and wellness so that students are learning the most up-to-date methods.
• Students often say the flexible, online format is a big factor in their ability to earn a degree. (Our recent situation is an indication of the advantages of online learning.) Although the program is online, you’ll make strong connections with peers and faculty, just as you would on campus.

UW Health and Wellness Management bachelor’s and master’s degrees provide the skills you need to manage comprehensive employee well-being programs that foster healthier lifestyles and promote the value of staying well. 

Turn your passion for wellness into a healthy career with University of Wisconsin Health and Wellness Management. Visit hwm.wisconsin.edu or contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 1-877-895-3276.

Interview Highlights (with timestamps):

• [7:29] Mike’s Major League baseball background and how it informed his business career
• [22:12] The call to write We’re All in This Together and the growing divide in America
• [29:25] Mike’s advice on being “all in this together” during crises like COVID-19
• [39:00] Pillar 1: The importance of psychological safety in the workplace
• [44:11] Pillar 2: Focusing on inclusion and belonging
• [48:15] Pillar 3: Embracing sweaty palm conversations
• [57:58] Pillar 4: Caring about and challenging each other
• [1:05:08] Tangible tips for leaders to build a strong team

Mentioned in this episode:

• Mike-Robbins.com

Full Bio:

Mike Robbins is the author of five books, including his brand new title, WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: Creating a Team Culture of High Performance, Trust, and Belonging, which released April 21st . For the past 20 years, he’s been a sought-after speaker and consultant who delivers keynotes and seminars for some of the top organizations in the world. 

His clients include Google, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Genentech, eBay, Harvard University, Gap, LinkedIn, the Oakland A’s, and many others. He and his work have been featured in the New York Times and the Harvard Business Review, as well as on NPR and ABC News. He’s a regular contributor to Forbes, hosts a weekly podcast, and his books have been translated into 15 different languages.