How many times have you heard the phrase, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”? Sure, adversity can build strength—(believe me!)—but learning the hard way isn’t the only way. We can also get stronger in a more enjoyable way—by choosing something we care about and practicing...
In my first management job, years ago, I reported to a director who used to call me at 5:30 p.m. and say, “This is your job, not your life, go home now!” That was abnormal, even back then. As Brigid Schulte, in HBR article, You...
Firmly ingrained in our culture is this expectation that we need to work ourselves to a point of exhaustion and burnout. The pressure is there both internally and externally to constantly prove our self-worth. The unconscious belief is that being busy all the time and...
In a recent yoga class, the instructor asked, “Is your practice in line with your energy today?” In other words, was I pushing too hard, or not hard enough? I was low energy that day. Tired. It was good advice because it’s easy to push yourself too...
I’ve been talking with a lot of workplace groups lately about this one leadership skill. It is the ability to overcome the negativity bias we all have, and thereby increase our positive emotion. Why? Because as the ratio of positive to negative emotions increases beyond 3:1,...
“The most important determinant of people’s work experience is the culture of the organization. People’s most immediate culture is their team.” Dr. Michael West, Europe’s leading expert on healthcare leadership Most people I talk to say their organization’s culture could use some work. Some might even use...
The story of how McMan Central is strategically creating a thriving culture. Tucked away in Innisfail, Alberta there is a house finished neatly in a cream stucco and brown trim. This home has held many people, and witnessed extremes of happiness and sorrow within its walls....
Photo by Devon MacKay on Unsplash I have a new job; a really important one, and it’s perfect for me … A few months ago, I accepted the part-time position of Executive Director of BCalm. I know this is a great next step for me, working with an...
When the pandemic first began, I remember seeing all of these videos circulating where you could explore the Lourve, or walk down the cobblestone alleyways in Italy, or tour Britain’s medieval castles, all from the comfort of your couch! This was a novel escape while...
In March 2020, almost overnight, our oldest daughter’s workplace reinvented how they work. All employees from head office moved to working from home. Jess says it took some adjustment, but now she appreciates not having the daily commute and actually puts in a longer day....