Volatility Does Not Earn Credibility
Years ago, I had a boss who was emotionally unstable. He was quick to anger and got annoyed easily. He would often get upset about the smallest details. He was prone to irritation and annoyance. He was well educated, talented, and bright, and when he was in a good mood, you couldn’t meet a nicer […]
What’s the difference between venting and complaining?
One of the responsibilities that comes with adulthood is to contain your emotions. Four-year-olds are unable to do this. When a temper-tantrum comes on, they erupt. They aren’t capable of taking into account how their actions and feelings impact those around them. Their emotions run their life. So when a forty-year-old acts like this, we […]
Town of Cochrane at their annual Health and Safety Day
This past week I had the good fortune of presenting to all the staff at the Town of Cochrane at their annual Health and Safety Day. These were a team of dedicated individuals who are committed to helping keep Cochrane an incredible place to live and visit. Thanks to all the Town of Cochrane employees […]
The Acclimatization Of Success
Climbers who have reached the top of Everest say acclimatization takes several weeks when you get over 3000 meters. The idea is to expose the body gradually to higher and higher altitudes, forcing it to adjust, and then returning to a lower elevation that the body is used to, to recuperate. Without acclimatization, even if […]
What’s the difference between learning about leadership and leadership development?
My experience in the leadership development field has taught me that there’s a difference between learning about leadership and leadership development. There’s a difference between listening to a TED talk, podcast, audio book, Youtube video or reading about leadership, and investing in a leadership development experience. This past week at our ninth Authentic Leadership Academy, […]
What is job security – really?
If you pay a visit to Crystal glass in Cochrane to get your windshield fixed or a window replaced, chances are you’ll meet Amanda. Amanda is one of the most positive, helpful, and enthused people you’ll ever meet. She’s always smiling, always ready to be of service. For a long time I thought she owned […]
The difference between intuition and assumptions.
A good friend called the other day and asked if I could explain the difference between intuition and assumptions. I’d never thought of making that distinction before, and nothing intuitively came to me. However, I think that a summary of our conversation is worth sharing. Here’s what we came up with: Assumptions and intuitions may […]
Why is it so difficult to apologize for a mistake and why is it important to leadership?
False pride. We like to appear competent. A part of us may think it’s a weakness to show imperfection. We hate to be wrong when our identity and work are based on being right. Apologizing risks falling from the artificial pedestal. A lack of self-awareness. Sometimes we don’t even know an apology is required because […]
Learning to connect when you’re a lone wolf
Being somewhat of a lone wolf, I am hyper-independent when it comes to business. I started my career in private practice as a family therapist, and then, for the past three-plus decades, as a speaker, consultant, workshop facilitator, and coach, I’ve been a solo business owner. Over the years, I’ve tried partnerships, but inevitably I’ve […]
Leadership Lessons From Nature
The late renowned Canadian artist and my good friend, Murray Phillips, used to spend a third of his time living in the woods and painting nature. He once said, “there are no straight lines in nature.” Nature is perfect in its imperfection. It does not struggle against the whole universe by struggling against this moment. […]
