A Time For Letting Go
My mother used to say that she spent the first half of her life accumulating things and the second half getting rid of them. The important things in life, she learned, aren’t things. At this stage of my life, I get it. After months of reflection, Val and I have decided to simplify our life […]
From a TO-DO List to a TO-BE List
Successful people have some kind of a to-do list – stuff that needs doing this year, this week, this day. Living authentically means having a to-be list: How will you show up in your life? What kind of person will you be when you come to work? What kind of a leader will you be? […]
Don’t promote insecure people.
Insecurity and positional power don’t mix well. But I see it all the time. Someone is placed in a position of authority and they use that authority to get work done. “I’m the boss so do as I say.” While you might get short-term results, if you aren’t secure enough to listen and value the […]
The Workplace as a Classroom for Self-Development
Work harder on yourself than you do on your job. It was a phrase that changed Jim Rohn’s life. As the legendary personal development speaker and author famously said, “If you work on your job, you’ll make a living. If you work on yourself, you’ll make a fortune.” The best leaders are committed to life-long learning. […]
What a legend can teach us about leadership
The past week we lost a legend. Bob Cole, the eminent broadcaster for Hockey Night in Canada for fifty years, was a beloved and iconic figure in Canadian sports. His passing was felt by hockey fans across the country. Bob Cole was the long time play-by-play voice of Hockey Night In Canada. He was also […]
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 […]
