Strength. Connection through experience.

Our strength lies in our connections. Strength is viewed as a sign of success. This strength relies on connection through experience. We aim to strengthen ourselves both individually and within organizations – and there is ample material to tell us how to achieve this. I think of strength as a matrix, with each experience representing a bond holding together individual points. The quality of these experiences impact the quality of the bonds and hence, the strength of the individual and … Read More

How can we support multiculturalism?

Celebrating our diversity. We are truly a mosaic worth celebrating!  And there is an important role to support multiculturalism. This year, we celebrate an important milestone in Canada’s history, marking 150 years as a nation. Strong and free. Humble and proud. We are keenly aware that our cities, towns and rural communities were both carved from the wilderness and overtake from communities native to this land. All to create a space for a vision we know as Canada. What has … Read More

Faith in Leadership

Our Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a special, private meeting with Pope Francis yesterday. Listening to his interview following their conversation, it was evident that he was deeply moved by the personal, reflective discussion. I understand that there is  a great deal of pressure and scrutiny on our leaders to say the right things and to have the right look. They need to be warm, friendly and authentic but not ‘too’ warm and friendly because that is not authentic. … Read More

Can we be strong and still let go?

Let go to create space for success. I am strong and successful. I have worked hard for what I have and for what is important to me. Things haven’t always gone my way but I have carried on. That is not an option. But I have also come to realize the beauty in being able to let go. I have come to realize that by letting go, we can create a space for success. Life happens but we can still let go. Life … Read More

Stances: Our Premier vs. Our Teachers

Tension leads to stances: As tension escalates on contract negotiations between the teachers union and the government, the public is left feeling very angry and confused. The situation is reactive and irrational. The latest straw to fuel another work-to-rule mandate was our premier’s ‘clarification’ that the teachers two ‘new’ days off were for marking and classroom preparation. So I view this as new material to apply and I have identified the importance of stances, defined as a way of thinking about something, especially … Read More

When Leaders Listen: Creating Space for Success

Leaders listen to embrace diversity. What happens when leaders listen? At the Community Town Hall in Dartmouth, NS last evening, our Prime Minister listened to questions from a ‘friendly’ audience. I attended with a question to ask but as I observed the dynamics, I received my answer without needing to stand at the microphone. As I listened, I noticed how he was able to disarm controversy by acknowledging diversity of opinion and respecting the concerns of individuals. As he accepts the responsibility of … Read More

Diversity. A leadership dilemma.

Leaders assume important roles at all levels of our society. We rely on them to set the direction, focus the group and prevent things from becoming overwhelming. We expect a great deal of our leaders and often forget that everyone leads based on their own beliefs. And what each of us believes is different based on personal experiences and societal norms. My reactions are an indicator of the energy tied to my beliefs. We all react. In the reactive state, our energy is not available for productive, creative thought. Change and … Read More

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