Three Reasons Why the Future of Work is Cooperative
Workers around the world are in search of a better deal. The ability to work from anywhere has arrived. According to Lisa Taylor, President of Challenge Factory, “one in three Canadians would rather quit than go back to an office.” Where and when we work is just one...
The Usual
Being asked "the usual?" in your favourite coffee shop or restaurant, I think, represents an achievement unlocked. The barista (and a co-owner) of a café near my office used this phrase yesterday and my response was "we did it!" Earning "the usual" combines knowing...
Seven Reasons Why the ‘John Wick’ Universe is Probably Co-operative
It’s Co-operatives Week in Canada and I wanted to share a theory that’s been on my mind for a few years. I think that the hit action movie franchise John Wick is a story about an assassins’ co-operative. From unique currency exchanged by members to serious rules about...
7 Professional Lessons from The Greatest Generation Podcast
Kurt and I are two guys who like Star Trek, but we’re kind of embarrassed that we listen to “The Greatest Generation”, a Star Trek podcast hosted by two guys who are kind of embarrassed to host a Star Trek podcast. Not only is our consumption of thoughtful...
Five Change Management Lessons from Midwives
Kurt and I recently had babies. Well, technically our hero-partners did – and it was incredible and they are as strong as they are beautiful. As parents know and as everyone else can imagine, welcoming a tiny human being into the world is an awesome and, at times,...
Four Ways to Manage Over-Commitment
I’ve have commitment problems. I have the habit of biting off more than I can chew and have a hard time saying “no”. Burnout is common for helpful, engaged folks like me who want to do right by our community, but stretch ourselves too thin and end up being pretty...
How to Compromise
Meaningful dialogue is an elusive thing in our communities. Having a respectful conversation with someone about something on which we do not agree isn’t common. Yelling opinions over someone else or building a newsfeed that reinforces your worldview are common in a...
How to be a Good Listener
THE POTENTIAL OF DIALOGUE Meaningful dialogue is an elusive thing in our communities. Having a respectful conversation with someone about something on which we do not agree isn’t common. Yelling opinions over someone else or building a newsfeed that reinforces your...
Three Professional Tips I Learned from Cooking in the Backcountry
This September, John, Godfrey and I along with a gaggle of other fellows headed north of Vancouver to hike Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. That day we had a lot of fun climbing to the top of an ancient volcano setting up our alpine camp and recalling...
Three professional lessons from your favourite college films
This week millions of students all over the world will be heading back to school. Most peoples’ experiences at university bear little resemblance to the Hollywood hijinks in films like Old School. But there are pearls of truth in plenty that’s popular these days. Here...
Four Professional Lessons We Can Learn from Gawker (RIP)
This week, Gawker posted its last story. The snarky, gossipy website was the scourge of the New York media establishment, Hollywood and Silicon Valley (among other communities). Plenty has been written already about who killed Gawker and whether we should mourn its...
What I am Learning from Dinner Conversations about Gratitude
Having dinner together as a family is one of the simplest things that you can do to build a healthy community at home. Whether you share a meal with one person or twenty, taking time together to reflect on our experiences enhances everything from happiness to...
How to Show Up for a Grieving Colleague
It might be a death in the family, a miscarriage or a new life situation that hugely alters their life trajectory. Whatever is the event, it plummets your colleague into grief. While many workplaces offer short term bereavement leave, it’s never enough time. Sooner or...