Leadership Topic Archives - Page 2 of 3

16 Feb 2019

Embrace Irrational.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

Rational explanations do not explain current leadership behaviour. Given the pace of change and the increasing pressure of demands, leaders at all levels are responding based on their instinct, beliefs and attitudes. When pressure is applied to retrieve rational explanations, perceptions are triggered that ignite inflammatory thoughts and emotions. Policies are put in place to correct and prevent, yet policies rely on rational thought to be effective. We push down irrational responses and yet the increased pressure fuels a higher … Read More

12 Sep 2018

Is fear real power?

by Cathy Caswell | 0

“Real power is, I don’t even want to use the word: ‘Fear.’” Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump in an interview with Bill Woodward and Robert Costa, March 31, 2016 Fear is a derailer ‘Is fear real power?’ Certainly many will respond with a ‘Yes’ because it triggers a response and it drives action. But fear simply implies ‘power over others’. Fear relies on position and authority to trigger reactions in others. Generating this emotion does not allow space for others … Read More

27 Jul 2018

How to improve productivity? Resolve reactions to the word ‘should’.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

Why improve productivity? Improving productivity allows us to achieve more with less. We often think of this as achieving more financial benefit with less of the organization’s financial resources. There is also great opportunity to achieve more with less of our personal resources. Think for a moment of the time and/or energy that goes in to building our personal resources: exercise; healthy eating; sleep and others. We work hard to have energy available to spend on work. In turn, this … Read More

6 Dec 2017

MYActionsMatter

by Cathy Caswell | 0

Actions are often reactions: MYActionsMatter is a campaign by the Government of Canada to mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The theme provides a strong callout to reinforce that our actions are not just meaningless behaviours. Our actions make a difference to everyone around us. The actions highlighted in the campaign messaging are common behaviours that are often excused or discounted. We think that we are making deliberate actions when in fact, most of these behaviours are reactive … Read More

21 Sep 2017

Support diversity and inclusion using Logosynthesis®.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

Integrating diversity and inclusion into traditions: Diversity and inclusion are important. We may know this yet we often feel discomfort. As I scrolled through Facebook this morning, I was greeted with a post of group photos from past Terry Fox Runs. This was a tradition in our office. Sometimes I went on my own, sometimes with my family. But we did this annual 5 km run, rain or shine. I was blessed with a boss who valued tradition and made … Read More

16 Sep 2017

Is it time to rethink feminism?

by Cathy Caswell | 0

Do men have to lose power to make room for women? This morning I reflected on Justin Trudeau’s talk to the Women in the World convention held earlier this week in Toronto. I applaud his efforts towards fairness! It feels invigorating to have a proud feminist fight for the rights of women! But there is a watch out. I got stuck on the reference to the notion that men will have to lose power to make room for women. I … Read More

14 Sep 2017

A Fair Chance to Succeed

by Cathy Caswell | 0

We should all have a fair chance to succeed. Justin Trudeau was asked about his number one priority for the next two years at a recent Women in the World convention. He acknowledged that there was a lot to be done but the big one was around fairness, stating a desire that ‘everyone has a fair chance to succeed in Canada. … Everything I can do, everything we can do, to shift the world in the right direction continues to … Read More

3 Sep 2017

My Canada. Creating Space for Success.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

An interesting debate is heating up in Canada between the government and the self-employed. Canada is looking to create space for success for all. So the Liberal platform states ‘We’ll ask the wealthiest 1% to pay a bit more so middle class families can pay less’. It goes on to say: ‘Our plan to help middle class Canadians: Create jobs. Strengthen the economy. Grow the middle class.’ Bill Morneau introduced the proposed changes to make this happen. He proposed that … Read More

24 Aug 2017

Creating Space for Gender Equality

by Cathy Caswell | 0

The topic of gender equality can trigger reactions. Gender equality impacts all of us! I have surrounded myself with great, intelligent men. I consider them my peers, I value their insight and I rely on their counsel. Yet this group can frustrate me with their decisiveness and their different perspectives. I react. In turn, they react to my impatience and frustration – sometimes with avoidance, sometimes with frustration. Bottom line – we don’t maximize our effectiveness. Through my work with … Read More

The Healthy Living Plan Culture Logosynthesis

14 Aug 2017

Culture. In our hearts and soul.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

A Nation’s Culture Resides in the Hearts and Souls of Its People — Mahatma Gandhi Supporting Health at the Level of Heart and Soul The essence of humanity is felt most profoundly through music, dance, and prayer—expressions of the heart and soul. These experiences bring people together in life’s most meaningful moments, whether for celebration or mourning, and their shared energy fosters a sense of health and well-being. Yet, just as we connect through joy, we can also feel stuck, … Read More