Dealing with Abrasive Personalities
Introduction Every once in a while I read a book or an article that is so compelling that it takes me aback. Such was the case a few months ago [...]
What Guys Need to Learn from Women
Introduction One of the biggest societal changes that has occurred in the past fifty years has been the enhanced visibility and profile of women. There is no denying that women [...]
Thanks, But I’ll Buy My Own Watch!
Introduction On Saturday mornings I usually play tennis with my friend, Paul. Prior to our match recently we got into a discussion regarding corporate relocations. Paul mentioned that a colleague [...]
If You Don’t Ask You Won’t Get
Introduction Next to recruitment and performance reviews there is probably no aspect of Human Resources that is more badly managed than the annual career planning discussion with employees. Assuming that [...]
A World with Fewer Options and Fewer Choices
Introduction The onset of the COVID pandemic in March 2020 brought about a number of changes in all our lives. The biggest by far were the supply chain issues. Inventory [...]
What About the Men?
Introduction One of the biggest socio-cultural changes over the past fifty years has been the ascendancy of women in society. I’ve noticed this particularly in education. When I first started [...]
Stop Kissing Frogs!
Introduction “Stop kissing frogs”. That phrase emerged a while back as a graphic reminder for people to have the courage to walk away from ideas, actions, relationships, people or situations [...]
Do Good Gardeners Make Good Managers?
Introduction I live in an older, established neighbourhood in which there are a number of beautiful properties. Most of these gardens didn’t get that way by accident. They are the [...]
A Liberal Arts Degree Still Has Relevance
Introduction What is the best preparation for someone aspiring to a business career? If I had dollars for the number of times in my life I have heard this question [...]
Context Is Everything
Introduction One of the issues many of my clients struggle with is how to create engagement and commitment amongst their team. Many of them are newly promoted to team lead [...]
Superstars vs. Consistent Performers
Introduction For those who are fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs the 2022-23 Stanley Cup playoffs represent yet another year of high expectations and disappointing results. This year was supposed [...]
Excuse Me! When Did We Get So Rude?
Introduction As the pandemic ends and life returns to something resembling normal, it’s increasingly apparent that the behaviour of many of us has radically changed during our collective period of [...]
Developing Strategic Leadership Skills
Preamble Recently while going through some old files I came across this article that I initially posted on my old website back in July 2018. I took a look at [...]
Maintaining Focus
Introduction Apart from job search and improving time management skills probably the one area most of my clients struggle with is maintaining focus. The ability to prioritize from among competing [...]
Don’t Let Go
Introduction I am admittedly not a great fan of many contemporary musical artists. However, one exception is a British singer and songwriter by the name of James Morrison (not to [...]
Cover Letters Really Can Add Value
Introduction One of the commonest questions I am often asked by job seekers is whether cover letters are still necessary. Some career consultants maintain that the advent of online job [...]
December Isn’t Just for Holidays Anymore
Introduction Many people mistakenly believe that the onset of Christmas and New Year means that the probability of securing employment is greatly reduced. While there may have been some merit [...]
Is Working From Home Worth It?
Introduction Now that the pandemic lockdowns are behind us many employers are insisting their employees return to the office. The rationale for this decision ranges from the need for employees [...]
One May Not Be Enough (Sponsors, that is)
Introduction About a year ago a client of mine lamented the fact that her long-standing supervisor, an individual who was responsible for bringing her into the organization and actively supporting [...]
Age Discrimination is Alive and Well
Introduction In recent weeks the media in Canada has been abuzz with stories and speculation regarding the sudden departure of long-time CTV News anchor Lisa Laflamme. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/bell-ends-lisa-laflammes-contract-as-ctv-national-news-anchor-i-am-shocked-and-saddened Her sudden termination [...]
Do Introverts Make Better Leaders?
Introduction Do introverts make better leaders? I’ve reflected on this question many times throughout my career. Regardless of whether it is politics, business or entertainment, it seems the more gregarious [...]
Keeping It Simple
Introduction I recently purchased a new alarm clock. Normally, something as mundane as this would not be cause for celebration let alone the subject of a blog. What was distinctive [...]
Taking Control of Your Performance Review
Introduction Next to recruitment there is probably no area of human resources that is as horribly mismanaged as performance management. If you were to ask a hundred managers or supervisors [...]
Maybe It’s Time to Fire Your Boss
Introduction Recently while coaching two new clients I was reminded of how critical having a good boss or supervisor is to an employee’s career success. Both of my clients are [...]
How Not to Manage a Crisis
Introduction The tragic events in Ukraine have brought home to many of us the horrors of war. The graphic pictures that have emerged from the fighting, bombing and evacuations have [...]