We’ve all been there. What was once exciting and novel slowly turns into the “daily grind” as we attempt to cope with the ever increasing pressure to achieve growth and strategic goals. We become so focused on metrics, we overlook the emotional and physical impact this may have on us. You may be burned out... Continue Reading →
3 Steps to Easily Overcome Objections
Most people receiving objections to a request consider it a conversation ender. Some become defensive, others become angry, and others will simply move on. However, successful individuals have a different perspective: they see this as a conversation starter. Objections are bound to happen, whether it’s in sales negotiations or discussing marketing options. Regardless of your... Continue Reading →
Build Trust Within Your Team
Traditionally, there were a few leaders who held all the power, while followers executed the strategy created from the top. Flattening organizational structures have resulted in fewer boundaries between leaders and followers, and as a result, “leaders can no longer trust in power; instead, they rely on the power of trust” (Forbes). Additionally, to be... Continue Reading →
3 Steps for Assertive Communication
Assertiveness. The ability to express yourself in an appropriately honest manner, defining your expectations in terms of ability, potential, resources, and timelines to set healthy personal boundaries. Being assertive is a quality held by all top leaders. It promotes productivity, performance, commitment, and respect within the team. It creates a culture of collaboration and accountability,... Continue Reading →
3 Leadership Lessons From the Ottawa Shooting
On Wednesday October 22, the unthinkable happened as a gunman opened fire on Parliament Hill, the home of Canadian government. While the men and women protecting the institution did their job perfectly, unfortunately a life was lost. My thoughts and condolences go to Cpl. Cirillo and, from Montreal, Warrant Officer Vincent's families. In reflecting on... Continue Reading →
3 Tips for Performance Coaching
The business world is changing. Team members are not looking for bosses, but leaders. This holds particularly true for Millennials, who want to be coached in the workplace. With the right guidance, they will preform beyond expectations. The challenge is that many leaders are not equipped with the tools to effectively coach their teams and team members... Continue Reading →
Reflections on generations: Are we really different?
"Gen-Y are entitled and expect everything to be done for them. They don't understand what it means to do a hard day's work." "Boomers are too traditional and don't know how to use technology." "Nobody talks about us! Don't forget Gen-X!" These are generalizations of what you can find when you read about the generations... Continue Reading →
Leadership Advice: Unplug, turn down the noise, and relax in 4 steps
I was recently on vacation in San Francisco and, for the first time in years, I didn't check my work email. In fact, I barely used technology at all. As a result, I was far more involved and appreciated the trip more than I would have if I was checking Facebook every ten seconds or... Continue Reading →
Interview on It’s All About Me Radio Show (1/3)
A bit of a unique post this week! I've been involved with It's All About ME, a documentary exploring the entitlement of the millennials that was shown at the COMMFFEST Global Community Film Festival (won the MADA Award), the Ottawa International Film Festival, and the Daring Independent Film Festival (won Best Documentary). I was interviewed... Continue Reading →
Leadership Advice: Sleep
Sleep. As our lives become busier and time more valuable, many of us forfeit sleep in favour of watching one more episode of our favourite show or completing another blog post. The 8-hour workday, a concept started during the Industrial Revolution, is no longer the norm with the average American working 8.8 hours (stats from... Continue Reading →