The Human Side of Leadership: Challenges No One Prepares You For
Leadership isn’t just about strategy or performance metrics. After a recent keynote, the questions leaders asked revealed something deeper — how to rebuild trust, navigate resentment, and handle difficult team dynamics. These are the moments that reveal the human side of leadership.
Team Building, Schmemebuilding: Why Most Team Building Fails (and What Actually Works)
Let’s be honest — when some teams hear the words “team building,” the reaction is closer to “team building schmeme building.” But here’s the thing: team building activities that aren’t cheesy can dramatically improve collaboration, trust, and workplace culture — when they’re done right.
Don’t Wait for the Ceiling to Collapse
A reflective look at why workplace culture is often ignored until teams burn out, disengage, or leave — and what paying attention earlier can change.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I do my little turn on the catwalk.
On the catwalk.
Yeah.
(Right Said Fred anyone? Or did I just age myself?)
Oh wait, wrong kind of modelling.
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.
Do any of us actually know how to “do life”?
It has been a particularly challenging couple of weeks. In all honesty, I feel like I am limping toward the finish line of summer holidays with the kids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
What the Mighty Ducks can teach us about running a solid team.
No, not the NHL’s Anaheim Mighty Ducks. I’m talking the quack-quack-quacking, flying V-ing, knuckle puck shooting, coached by Gordon Bombay original Mighty Ducks.