Archives for Blog

Leadership is a Two-Way Street

Leadership is a Two-Way Street: Think of someone who has done you a huge favour. Someone who was there for you at a time when you needed it most. Maybe a great mentor or a long-time friend. Your people are there for you each and every day, and you should be there for them too. Effective leadership has always been a two-way street. Throughout history, the most respected and motivational leaders in most industries all have one thing in common — they treat their people with respect, inspiring them to return the favour. By leading by example and doing
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Leaders Creating a Supportive Environment

Understanding Our Responsibilities Over the last few years, many of us have begun to understand how deeply the world around us can affect us internally. Changing the way we think, the way we feel, and even the way we behave. It is our responsibility as leaders to check in with our people and do what we can to assist and understand. Over the dark and cold winter season, take the time to talk to your people and you may be surprised by how much you can make a difference. When our people are struggling, it can affect their productivity, their
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Attraction and Retention in a Post-Pandemic World

Attraction and Retention in a Post-Pandemic World- It’s no secret, the pandemic took a toll on both the economy and the job market. We’re currently living through a labour shortage, where leaders struggle to attract new people and have a hard time retaining their best. Luckily, there are many ways to make your business more attractive to prospective and current employees alike. Attraction Attracting new people has been difficult lately due to the labour shortage. This is simply an outcome of supply and demand, as people have more choice in where they work. This is why you
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The Importance of Catching up with your People

The Importance of Catching up with your People You can have the best leadership in the world, but your business won’t run smoothly unless all the gears are turning. Unfortunately, it’s apparent that not all leaders truly understand the importance of quick chats and checking in on their peoples’ wellbeing. Catching up regularly on a personal level is a small gesture that can go a long way — not only in your relationships with your people, but in terms of your success as a business. After all, your people are your most valuable assets, and they should be
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Asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s maturity.

Asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s maturity. – As leaders, we carry the responsibility of being knowledgeable enough to answer questions when they’re asked. But in order to answer these questions, our people must first as+k them. Although we may learn best from our mistakes, making them can sometimes cost you and your employer. If you’re unsure about something, it’s generally a good idea to ask about the process and do the learning beforehand. In order to seek assistance though, you must first acknowledge that you are in need of help. Coming to terms with a gap in
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The Importance of Positivity in Leaders

The Importance of Positivity in Leaders: Our people’s lives are changing, and we need to be able to adapt. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what your opinions may be. In a time as dynamic and unprecedented as today, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the short and long-term future. The cost of commuting to work can even be a struggle for some. This is why it’s imperative that we stay positive and supportive as leaders. If you approach every situation with positivity in your leadership, it will motivate others to do the same. It’s easy to fall short
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Importance of Company Culture

Importance of Company Culture: Whether you’re proud of where your family comes from, the school you’ve graduated or the success of your favourite sports team, everyone has enjoyed being a part of a strong culture. It gives a sense of belonging and dignity to anyone behind the greater cause, which carries significant importance in any work environment. There’s no question that company culture is important. It can make or break a business, and it can be the difference between a thriving workplace and a toxic one. When you have a strong company culture, it means that your employees are
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Mark’s Observations: Canadian Concrete Expo 2022

Mark’s Observations: Canadian Concrete Expo 2022 – Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Canadian Concrete Expo. There was quite a lot to take in, but I was particularly impressed by the amount of company pride demonstrated by the attendees. Left and right, there were crowds of people wearing company-branded shirts, logos, colours and other indications that they were proud to represent their workplace on a national scale. These teams were motivated by what they stood for and continue to work towards, which is an intangible asset – one that must happen naturally and can’t be taught or
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Ask Them Before They Leave

Ask Them Before They Leave: 7 Stay Interview Questions To Improve Retention. Many companies have adopted the use of the “exit interview” as a means to gain feedback on an employee’s experiences in a certain role, or with a certain company. While this is a straightforward way to get an honest review of a former employee’s experience, if the employee is leaving on anything but good terms, this leaves the employer open to potentially widespread criticisms. A tactic that some companies have adopted is to hire their competitors’ former employees to get feedback that they can then use to leverage
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Making Your Company Attractive

Making Your Company Attractive: 4 Steps to Becoming the Employer of Choice. Making your company attractive to potential workers is essential, particularly in response to the shortage of skilled trades workers we are experiencing today. It is no secret that employees talk, amongst themselves inside the company, and to friends and family on the outside. In terms of recruiting, word of mouth and employee reviews are effective and can sway potential employees either way. This is what makes it all the more important to be filling the tanks of our people consistently. It not only does it help to create
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