Maple Leaf Anniversary

Maple Leaf Anniversary

By Paul Bertrand

February 12, 2015

 

Our Canadian flag celebrates its 50^th birthday on February 15^th.

If there is any example of how people can be set in their ways and divided through the early stages of change, this story could be one of the best.

We may not know which individual deserves the credit in the creation, just like changes being implemented in your organization, odds are some will be wondering who did it 50 years from now.  Some say Dr. George Stanley, inspired by the commandant’s flag at Kingston’s Royal Military College and others say an MP from Brockville named John Ross Matheson.Nevertheless, we owe it to the committee and government at the time to persevere and introduce a unique country identity.

The story to be learnt is that although many were against it, just like many changes, getting through the storm is part of becoming a norm.   At the time the Globe and Mail wrote of the new flag in an editorial in December 1964: "Flags that have been torn in battle with a foreign enemy can still fly with pride. This will surely be the first flag in history that was shredded by its sons."
The Opposition leader had nothing good to say about it. Diefenbaker fought bitterly against Lester Pearson's plans to adopt a new flag, even losing a party member in the process. Leon Balcer from Trois-Rivières became an Independent over the flag. 
Even the Liberal MP Pierre Trudeau at the time, suggested much of Quebec was apathetic about the flag. "Quebec does not give a tinker's damn about the new flag," he said. "It's a matter of complete indifference."

Today our flag is something that represents a country that is viewed as one of the wealthiest in the world and it ranks high in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.  Our flag, the once uncertainty of many, is something to be proud of. 
May the storm you are experiencing today, be the success of tomorrow.

 

Contact Canadian People Management to learn more on how you can be leading your industry, your organization, your team, to greater results. 

Paul Bertrand is the Founder of Canadian People Management Inc. which is based out of Pickering, Ontario. His company specializes in organizational effectiveness development through solutions tailored to strengthen his client’s cultures, leadership and teams.     www.cpeoplemi.com

 

 

 

Self-centered or People-rounded Leaders

Self-centered or People-rounded Leadership

By Paul Bertrand

February 2, 2015

 In a world that we are often faced with options, as leaders we are constantly making decisions.  Leaders decide and are accountable in ensuring the best changes and or actions are taken.  This type of authority in taking responsibility can be done in a manner that reflects a leader that is self-centered or people-rounded.

Self-centered leaders are most often focused on what is sought, and have no care of how and who will be impacted by their decisions.  Where as a people-rounded leader will ensure that the problem analysis always involves the individuals, especially the key stakeholders.  Important to note is how your subordinates can perceive you as one of the two. 

Although the details are important for any problem at hand, the leader who does not take into account the basic principles of working with individuals becomes self-centered.  People around you are individuals who may be your customers, peers, prospects, direct and impact reports or your own leaders.

We all know that some of us are more detailed oriented and can be easily swayed in thoughts and actions that are not people focused.  But what I’m referring to is a necessity to not only meet the immediate needs and desires of the challenges, but ongoing and long-term success as a leader in leading strategies, goals, and empowering people.  As a good leader you must realize that it is not you who make it happen, but your success is determined in having every individual around you and impacted by you, to deliver to the right task and decisions you authorize.

I’ve seen all kinds of leaders in my work and life experiences, and I assure you that good wins.  I have been empowered by leaders that have shown a genuine care in me as an individual, valued my input and expertise in whatever was relevant. I respected their decisions and actions because of it.  For example, a CEO who would leave a personal weekly voicemail message to all thousands of employees, although a group message, felt personal because of the genuine sincerity.  When people are asked about their best boss or manager, the list is too often built with the ones who respected you and took some steps to know you as a person.  In these positive relationships that built commitment, all who were working under such leaders were more driven and eager to deliver. 

I’ve also seen work environments so badly poisoned by self-centered leaders, that a third party, organized unions of people, need to be in place just to get the basic details done.  A fool, who somehow believes just because of their role or title, deserves a “god like” treatment.  An environment built where self-centered ills are brewed within both sides, only causing negative advancement, let alone sustainability. 

Nevertheless, any culture can be positively changed through people-rounded leaders, the spirit of achievement.  Anyone can become the heir to success when leading with the three “airs” - Cares, shares and is fair.

Contact Canadian People Management to learn more on how you can be leading your industry, your organization, your team, to greater results. 

Paul Bertrand is the Founder of Canadian People Management Inc. which is based out of Pickering, Ontario. His company specializes in organizational effectiveness development through solutions tailored to strengthen his client’s cultures, leadership and teams.

www.cpeoplemi.com