Lead by example
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

Lead by example

When you're in charge, it's easy to get wrapped up in everyone else's needs. But taking the time to understand your strengths and how to make the most of them can be a game-changer, and it's not just for your benefit as a leader; it's for the whole team's wellbeing.

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Do you know your strengths?
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

Do you know your strengths?

I am super excited to share that I have just become accredited in Strengths Profile - a strengths tool that is just awesome.

When I found the Emotional Culture Deck I wanted to shout it from the roof tops because I knew the impact it could have on teams. I am feeling just as great about this tool!!

I run a lot of solution based workshops, and no matter what team I am working with, some variation of “matching people to their strengths” comes up as a solution. I did some research, had some (MANY!) conversations, and determined that the Cappfinity Strengths Profile assessment is the tool I wanted to learn.

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The power of checking in
leadership, teams Deanne Gagnon leadership, teams Deanne Gagnon

The power of checking in

Imagine this: You hire a personal trainer. They take your information, develop a plan, and show you the ropes. You're feeling motivated and ready to crush your fitness goals. But then, after a few weeks, your trainer drops off the face of the earth. No more check-ins, no more guidance, just crickets.

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How are YOU showing up at work?
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

How are YOU showing up at work?

I want to tell you a story.

Once upon a time in a land not so far away, I worked in an office.

And I was MISERABLE.

I hate to admit that, but I was. And I know I was. And everyone who worked there knew it too.

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New to a leadership role?
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

New to a leadership role?

Today I’m going to share a process with you to help with the transition!

Pencil in some time to run this kind of meeting and it will set you up for success with your team.

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What’s the cost NOT to?
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

What’s the cost NOT to?

t’s been an interesting couple of weeks. I’ve teamed up with a friend and fellow facilitator to help leaders navigate the rocky waters of mental health in the workplace with our leadership summit called Managing Employee Mental Health & Wellness Post Pandemic.

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Let’s have some dang fun already.
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

Let’s have some dang fun already.

“I don’t remember the last time we had this much fun!” shared one participant with a smile at the end of a recent workshop.

That is music to my ears my friends, because not only did we have fun, we also got some serious work accomplished.

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An architect, a contractor and a building official walk into a bar…
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

An architect, a contractor and a building official walk into a bar…

There’s a funny dynamic between an architectural firm, a general contractor, and the building office.

It goes something like this: architects complain about general contractors being pushy, general contractors complain about architects missing details, and architect and general contractors both complain about how terrible the building office is.

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Why is it so hard to speak up?
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

Why is it so hard to speak up?

Some people have absolutely no problem saying whatever it is that comes to mind. For others, they would rather eat eggshells.

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Surviving summer.
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

Surviving summer.

The sun is peeking in through the blinds.  I slowly open one eye.  Where did I end up this time?

I peer through my one opened eye. A mountain of stuffies.  Unicorn pajamas on the floor.  Robert Munsch books strewn about.   Ah yes.  My daughter’s room.

I’m not sure if any other families are struggling with the zero routine of summer holidays?

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Sam Roberts wants to know.
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

Sam Roberts wants to know.

Where have all the good people gone?

Almost everywhere I go these days I see ‘We’re hiring!’ and ‘Help Wanted’ Signs in windows and on billboards. Stories of delayed and canceled flights due to lack of staff. My kids’ school bus was cancelled multiple times last year due to school bus shortages. Restaurants closing early because they just don’t have any staff to keep them open.

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Remember when it was what you wanted?
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

Remember when it was what you wanted?

Coming to you from the road today!

We are en route to our first camping trip in our new travel trailer! So am going to hit publish on this post and then unplug for the next five days.

In the meantime, some food for thought.

Every job you have or have had in the past is something you wanted.  That you applied for or chose to accept.

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The honest post I might regret.
Deanne Gagnon Deanne Gagnon

The honest post I might regret.

Last September I left my corporate job. (We can talk Great Resignation on another day)

I learned some amazing facilitation skills that I was ready to take out on my own and help teams improve their communication, connection and collaboration. But if you’ve spent any time on my website, you already know this, so what am I getting at here?

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