Fail Fast, Fail Forward: Why Leaders Should Be Quick to Acknowledge Failure
One of the most challenging behaviours to overcome as a leader is a compulsion to “be right” or “save face.” Acknowledging failure is one of the most humbling acts for a leader and teammate, but it’s crucial for genuine leadership and performance. The instinct to avoid being seen as failing can undermine the very growth […]
Working in a Multinational Setting in a Diverse Setting
Multinational teams are a unique tapestry of cultural learning, innovation, and collaboration. They offer a rich environment where diverse perspectives can thrive, leading to creative solutions and personal growth. Yet, as beautiful as these teams can be, they are not without challenges. Language barriers, cultural differences, and misunderstandings can create friction and frustration. Throughout my […]
Remote Working
Remote work presents an array of challenges, and it requires strong communication and high levels of trust. Oftentimes group messaging can become overwhelming for individuals. There can be dominant players in the chatroom, distracted conversations, and miscommunication. 1. The Acknowledgment Function When sending emails or chat messages, encourage team members to acknowledge messages even if […]
Seeing the Forest for the Trees
As a kid I grew up in Nova Scotia and I was very lucky that my playground was the Atlantic Ocean. I grew up boating and fishing and even skating on the Ocean in the winter (yes, we had enough ice back then!) I loved nature, I loved being near the water and playing in […]
The Military Planning Process and COVID-19 Vaccines
Is a military approach the solution to current crisis management? In their updates and press releases, political leaders regularly apply military metaphors, using terms such as “wartime posture”, “waging war”, “mobilize”, “join the battle”, and “losing ground”. Applying militaristic metaphors and concepts in business, politics, and industry is not unique to current affairs. In the […]
What I Learned Getting Blown Up
During my six-month tour in Kandahar, I lost 6 of my 9 lives. Some brushes with death were closer than others—the closest was being blown up. In the immediate aftermath of major combat with the Taliban, my squadron was tasked to build a road linking two coalition forward operating bases in what was just an […]
Drinking the Good Coffee
I believe in drinking the good coffee. In 2015 I spent a month travelling through Vietnam, I was amazed by the country’s beauty and rich heritage. I particularly loved Hoi An, a town that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At sunset paper lamps light up the cobblestone streets, illuminating the bright coloured […]
Nurturing Your First Team: How Teamwork Builds a Resilient Home
When you think about teamwork, the first thing that may come to mind is your office or the sports field. But have you ever thought of your family as your first team? Patrick Lencioni, known for his groundbreaking work on the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, proposes a powerful question: “What is your first team?” […]
Habits and Goals- Part Two
For almost half a year, I grounded myself in working towards a fitness goal. I found a great sense of purpose when I was making progress and consistently improving. In my life, goals have acted as a roadmap and helped me understand myself better. When I reflect on the stages of my life, many of […]
From Habits and Goals to Team Success
In the fall of 2019, I embarked on a transformative journey to reassess my habits and set meaningful goals for myself. One of those goals was to improve my fitness. Over 18 weeks, I participated in a fitness challenge that taught me about health and strength and revealed the incredible power of habits, goal-setting, and […]