Archives for Leadership

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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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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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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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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The “Toyota Way” to Success

Incorporating Lean Leadership Into Your Business Model Developing a successful business is no easy task. It takes long hours, dedication, and a skilled team to provide the level of professional support that will get you to where you strive to be. However, even with the time, passion, and man power, in order for your business to stand the test of time it requires a good foundation built with solid leaders. One of the most inspiring models of business development is the Lean Leadership model, created and implemented by Toyota. This model focuses on achieving and sustaining success through leadership development,
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Retention is the New Acquisition

To many, the New Year is a time of reflection and change that brings forth anticipation for new beginnings. While there is no doubt that “new” does sound luminous, when it comes to your team members, the grass is not always greener on the other side. In fact, many workplaces are now showing that retention is the new acquisition. As leaders, we are tasked with “watering our own grass” and building off of the excitement that the new year brings to make our team stronger and more motivated in a time of change. Working to retain our people is the
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Getting Charitable With Your Team This Holiday Season.

The holiday season is among us, and with it comes feelings of joy, excitement, and goodwill. Particularly relevant today, many people are feeling eager to get out and enjoy the festive season to the fullest, after many holidays being sidelined while our country searched for ways to cope with a global pandemic. This year, with parades returning to the streets, gatherings allowed, and employees heading back to work, many people are feeling connected and engaged during the holidays once again.  For businesses, however, the excitement may be short-lived if their leaders don’t get proactive. Many employees experience heavier workloads, distractions,
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Attraction and Retention: The Importance of Day 1 Onboarding

Retaining employees is arguably one of the most important parts of leading a successful team and business. Sifting through resumes to interview viable candidates and find the employee that fits in best is one thing, but getting a new employee to stick around takes ongoing dedication to your team.    When retention is low, it comes with many costs and consequences. Our team members hold specific knowledge, and often create a groove working with one another; When turnover is high, we experience a knowledge loss and effective teamwork suffers. However, higher employee retention leads to greater productivity, increased revenue, quality
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Leading From A Distance: Co-working during the time of COVID-19

Being a leader in today’s climate certainly has its challenges. Ever since we began our working lives, we associate what we do with where we do it. Now, even in the most field-present jobs, structures have changed and many business owners, managers, and employees need to find new, innovative ways to be at the forefront of their business, paving the way and empowering new and experienced employees.  We have spent decades using a system that involved both direction and presence for the training and development of staff. While that has since been the norm, we are now tasked as leaders
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The Power of Podcasts, Leadership Is All About Communication

Mark Nesbitt spent 30 years in the aggregate, mining, trucking and construction industries before becoming a certified trainer. Mark’s leadership training is based on his own experience, and his straight-talking style is appreciated by the many groups he has worked with.  Mark has provided the full range of training and leadership events from small board room presentations, multi-day large conference coaching and training seminars, and on the job site while wearing safety gear. Mark has always embraced the most effective way to communicate with these various groups. Mark enjoys sharing his passion and helping others.   The Power of Podcasts 
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