Last week, I wrote a brief piece on one’s intention for dance being “sufficient for success.” That is, considering what success might look like for you in that next dance with that next partner. Then, considering what you might do that is sufficient for success as you define it, without necessarily having to be perfect…
I sometimes work with clients who are meticulous about their standards for performance in their business. Such an attitude is often described as “perfectionist” and that often leads to problems. Nothing is ever good enough. Everything that anyone does in the business has to be critiqued (read: criticized). Further, it is my job as the…
I’ve been invited once again to teach my Business Communication and Team Dynamics course at Schulich Business School (York University). This time, it’s for incoming Master of Management students. (As an aside, I offer customized versions of this course in-house for a variety of organizations if, say, your organization might be able to benefit from…
The August long weekend marks the zenith of the summer for me. It’s still nice weather-wise and there is still a month before back-to-reality. And at the same time, you just know that we are in the waning days of the summer season. Days are definitely getting shorter, and the back-to-school ads are appearing throughout…
I recently had a great session with a client who has been struggling with procrastination, perfectionism, and not achieving what he thinks he SHOULD be achieving. We had a long conversation about the toxicity of the word, SHOULD. I did something I rarely do – I gave direct instruction to a client. I directed that…
This week, I had the good fortune to be invited to the Globe and Mail’s Canada Future Forward Summit, the event that ends their 175th anniversary of the founding of the paper. It was a series of panels and discussions about a wide array of topics, from the opening keynote on the future of democracy…
Some of you may know that my father-in-law passed away two weeks ago in Vancouver. Although he was ill for some months prior and we expected an imminent end, the moment of passing is never precisely expected. It’s been hard for Marina and her mother and siblings, each feeling the loss in their own way….
…was once a beginner, so the saying goes. And, it’s so self-evident as to be almost ridiculous to state (which is what makes it a great aphorism, I suppose). The idea that we all were beginners at some point gives hope and encouragement to everyone who is just starting out at an endeavour like dancing…
There is a tradition to begin 40 days of gratitude at this time of year – this year it will begin on Monday, February 25 and run until April 6. All you have to do is offer (at least) one acknowledgement of gratitude each day for the 40 days. It could be giving appreciation to…
In some of the work I do, I facilitate workplace seminars on how to create great team and organizational cultures. In fact, I’m scheduled to be teaching a degree course at Schulich Business School on Business Communications and Team Dynamics later this year. One of the simple communication ideas that goes a long way towards…