How To Be Authentic About Mental Health In The Workplace

According to a recent HBR article, up to 80% of people will experience a diagnosable mental health condition over the course of their lifetime, whether they know it or not and almost 60% of employees have never spoken to anyone at work about it. It means that the effects of the stigma still loom large. […]

A big part of my work and focus is teaching leaders to be integrated, balanced, good human beings with strong character.

This is the foundation of high trust, psychologically safe organizations. And this is where the truly lasting impact and fulfillment comes from in our leadership. People these days are wanting their leaders to get past the gimmicks, fads, and flavours of the month and be real. Legacy is not so much what we leave behind […]

How Does A Leader Demonstrate Authenticity?

One of the best parts of my work is the incredible people I connect with and learn from, one of whom is Geoff Topping, Chief People Officer at Challenger Motor Freight. Amazing guy. Totally authentic. In one exchange, Geoff mentioned that he created a list of how authenticity can be demonstrated in the workplace. It […]

ARE YOU CONNECTING?

Everyone communicates but few connect. –  John Maxwell Our newly hired hand arrived early. When I saw an old man riding a rusted bicycle up our gravel road in the pouring rain and into the yard of our family farm, I wondered, “Who is this slightly scary, weird-looking guy, whistling and smiling, dressed in worn-out coveralls, […]

You don’t have to be a people person to be a leader

For years I have taught the principle, “fit people, don’t fix people.” I’m not about changing people. I’m about aligning people in a position that supports their strengths so it’s a win-win for everyone. I’ve met many senior executives who do a great job building and running a company, but aren’t good at connecting with […]

Get the relationships right

As I help CEOs and senior executives develop strategy and execute that strategy with a good accountability process, I have come to realize that if we don’t get the relationships right, none of this matters. John Maxwell said, “People buy into the leader, then the vision.” But many people have this all backwards. They believe […]

Small Giants: Choosing To Be Better Rather Than Bigger

As my life and business unfolded over the years, I became clearer about my values. My personal business model is based on an approach inspired by Bo Burlingham, who wrote, Small Giants: Companies that Choose To Be Great Instead of Big. To quote Bo, “It has long been a business article of faith that great […]

S-l-o-w D-o-w-n to Find the Rhythm of Life

Work today can be hectic and intense, with tight deadlines, meetings, and notifications coming at you from every angle. With all that noise it’s hard to focus and get things done—especially when you’re also dealing with stress about your workload. Over the past few years, researchers have offered different explanations for the rise of anxiety […]

The Missing Link Of Authenticity

Carl Rogers, a founder of humanistic psychology, focused much of his work on the problem of authority. Rigid power hierarchies had led to oppression in many spheres of life and he pioneered a movement that liberated individuals from these authority structures. People are naturally good, he believed, and can be trusted to do their own […]

When does ambition become harmful?

I’m a person who has set goals all of my adult life. Ever since my dad introduced me to Earl Nightingale when I was a teenager, I was inspired to deliberately better myself. With ambition deeply ingrained, foundational habits were formed that built a road of success for me. But like anything in life, an […]