The holidays are a great time to rejuvenate through diving into a book. As you head into the holiday season, here is a list of my favourite leadership and management books. These books have inspired me to think differently and grow as a leader and manager. You will find a range of styles and topics here. I have summarized why … Read More

When I started mediating, I found I was dealing with some very resistant people. I discovered firsthand that people who are angry, threatened, or scared will occasionally dig their heels in and hold on for dear life – sometimes to the point where they hurt themselves as much or more than they hurt the other party. You’ve probably noticed that … Read More

Many organizations have done a lot of work in recent years to understand what truly motivates people at work. In that process, we have been moving away from a “carrots and sticks” philosophy to one that is much more nuanced and based in behavioural science. “Carrots” are essentially simple rewards like cash bonuses, while “sticks” are punishments that cause pain. … Read More

Vision is our view of the future. Vision is the portrait of our hopes and dreams. It is our mental picture of what might be, but is not yet. Vision gives us a sense of purpose and guides us as we work in the present. In organizations, a vision statement articulates what the organization aspires to accomplish. Organizations need a … Read More

We started a new employee this past week, and it got me thinking about what’s important for that crucial first week. There are so many ways to get off on the wrong foot, but here are three things we can all do to make that impressionable employee’s first week go well. Plan your new hire’s first day and week in … Read More

Taking the time to be self-aware, to really consider one’s strengths and weaknesses, is not something most leaders do very often. They are usually too busy focusing on the seemingly more urgent tasks of any given day to take time for self-reflection. Developing and practicing self-awareness may not get the attention it warrants, yet it is one of the most … Read More

A leader worth following has three key ingredients: Competency, Commitment, and Character. Today’s blog will focus on Character. Competency determines what we can do. Commitment determines what we want to do. Character determines what we will do. A few years ago I had the privilege of spending a week at one of Canada’s prominent business schools with public-good sector leaders … Read More

Vision is our view of the future. Vision is the portrait of our hopes and dreams. It is our mental picture of what might be, but is not yet. Vision gives us a sense of purpose and guides us as we work in the present. In organizations, a vision statement articulates what the organization aspires to accomplish. Visionary leaders energize … Read More

I have worked with and for mindful leaders.  These individuals have been grounded, insightful, intentional, kind, patient, present, calm and inspiring.  I have also worked with and for leaders who have not seemed very mindful and often appeared distracted, lacking in self-awareness, unaware of their impact on others, and reactionary rather than responsive. Are you a mindful leader? What is … Read More

Effective leaders learn to delegate because transferring work to others frees up time for them to work on tasks that only they can do or that they can do best. Delegation is not merely a way to lighten your own workload; it also serves to increase the motivation and competence of those to whom you have delegated. One of our … Read More