SHINING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: 5 Ways Caring Can Make A Difference
It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. – The Christophers Yesterday I received a note from a good friend and client of many years. It started a discussion on how, over recent months, we have both been gravely troubled by the violence in the world, the disregard for human life […]
Ambition, Renewal, And Why Rest Is Essential To Achievement
When my father, who was once a nationally ranked gymnast, coached me in high school track, his approach to training came from University of Oregon’s track coach Bill Bowerman. The legendary running coach, Arthur Lydiard, who presided over New Zealand’s golden era in world track and field during the 1960s, had mentored Bowerman. He introduced […]
How To Build A Respectful Workplace: It’s Not A Program
I recently overheard a manager talking with a colleague about how he was being sent to a “Respectful Workplace Program.” I couldn’t help but interrupt and ask him about it. “Yes,” he explained. “Everyone in our company is required to attend a one-day training seminar on how to build a respectful workplace.” Be assured that […]
Three Attributes of Authenticity – It Goes Beyond “Being Yourself”
“We are in the age of authenticity,” writes Adam Grant, in a recent New York Times article, “where ‘be yourself’ is the defining advice in life, love and career… We want to live authentic lives, marry authentic partners, work for an authentic boss, vote for an authentic president. In university commencement speeches, ‘Be true to […]
The Lean Management Approach – Five Keys To Building An Accountable Culture
Last Thursday I had the good fortune of attending a one-day Lean 101 course, hosted by POS Bio-Sciences in Saskatoon. The Lean approach has been integral to their success, and I wanted to learn first hand how the tool of Lean is used to help build the “POS Way.” POS has inspired me over the […]
The Power Of Finding Your Genius
There’s a joke about a salesman who is driving along the highway and sees a sign, “Talking Dog for Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the back yard. He goes into the back yard and sees a mutt sitting there. “You talk?” he asks. “Yep,” the mutt […]
Four Ways To Be a Good Leader By Being A Good Person
John Coltrane, the great American jazz saxophonist and composer, once said that to be a better artist you have to be a better person. He could easily have been talking about leadership. It’s not about your title; it’s about who you are as a person. And you can be a better leader by working on […]
Creating A Better World 5 Decisions That Will Change Your Life
I rarely fill in surveys for hotels or airlines when I travel. But yesterday, I took five minutes to respond to an online survey from Air Canada. They wanted to know how my Regina to Calgary flight was last week. I had a great experience on this flight, and I told them so. But taking […]
5 WAYS TO REWIRE, REIMAGINE, AND RECREATE YOURSELF AND YOUR WORKPLACE
There is little doubt that the environment where we work and live impacts our lives. However, by taking charge of how you perceive your environment, you can make incredible changes in your life. Rewire your thoughts about your environment, reimagine the reality of your environment, and you will recreate your environment. Quantum physics has discovered […]
LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Many of my clients are directly or indirectly affected by the downturn in the oil and gas industry. The oil patch has its cycles – just as we do in our lives. We all go through personal and economic ups and downs. During these uncertain times, I have observed what good leaders do to reduce […]
