We used to visualize our company-wide roadmap according to strategic priority and squad over quarters. It worked initially but created a series of challenges. Pivoting to a “Now, Next, Consider” approach delivered some immediate benefits.
Being open about career goals and aspirations
When I talk to team members about career goals and aspirations, I make it clear that I’m here to support them in achieving their goals. I’m also up front in acknowledging that this may mean growing into a new role on the team, moving to a new role in the company, or even finding a new opportunity outside of the company. This last one usually gets me a raised eyebrow or a question along the lines of, “are you trying to get rid of me?” 🤔
You Bring the Agenda
Who sets the agenda for your regular one-on-one meetings, the leader or the team member? I very much believe it should be the team member; by extension, part of the leader’s job then is to be fiercely protective of that time and its purpose. It may feel awkward to adopt this format but, with time and practice, you’ll discover more about the people you work with.
Canada in the 2020s
Canada is a country that touts itself as one of the greatest countries on Earth. If our country is going to live up to that claim, there are a number of items we need to take care of here in the 2020s. I’ve come across the sentiment that we are ancestors to future generations. I like this way of thinking because it asks us to fulfill a responsibility greater than ourselves. To dream into the future and then have the courage and conviction to bring it to life.
Reflections from Mother’s Day 2021
This past weekend many of us celebrated the incredible women in our lives for Mother’s Day. As the day unfolded I began thinking that, if we’re truly committed to honouring and celebrating women as we proclaim on Mother’s Day, we should also commit to several other things.
Change comes to all things
Without pushing aggressively for change, change will never come. When it comes to social change, the words, “Look how far we’ve come,” could mean a person doesn’t see meaningful change in their lifetime. For the institutions of the EPS and UCP, change can’t come soon enough.
International Women’s Day 2021
This International Women’s Day, I’ve spent time reflecting on the devastating impact COVID has had on the progress of women. Women have been the ones to care for and educate our children, look after our aging parents, and work remotely to meet job expectations that largely ignore these new burdens. For many, trying to shoulder all of that has meant stepping back from the workforce. It is from this lens that I renew my commitment to continue to forge change in our world.