Nine Ways that I use my Grad Degree Every Day
The 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War was on Sunday, November 11, 2018. My major research paper in graduate school focused on the cultural history of the Great War, specifically how a satirical British magazine…
Seven Ways to Embed Co-operative Principles in Your Organization
Co-operatives are an underutilized model for running an enterprise. October 16-20 is International Co-operatives Week and I work for one of Canada’s pre-eminent co-ops, Vancity Credit Union. I am quite biased in my thinking that the world needs more co-operatives….
Six Collaboration Tips from PAW Patrol
As a father of a toddler with a reasonable social network, I am becoming immersed in the world of the hit (I think) children’s animated series and consumer products juggernaut, PAW Patrol. The show’s premise is simple enough. Ryder, a…
Why the 9-5 Work Day Must Change
It snowed in Vancouver last week, which means two things: first, my wellbeing suffers a little because I can’t commute on my bike; second, everything is an emergency and we’re all going to die! Because of the snowy weather I…
Six Organizational Development Lessons from the San Antonio Spurs
It’s the first round of the NBA Playoffs and the San Antonio Spurs are a title contender. This seems to happen every year. The franchise has become a model of success in the sports entertainment business, as the Spurs have…
Five Community Building Lessons From Football Supporters
As a partner in a Vancouver Whitecaps FC movement called Curva Collective, I know a thing or two about creating a positive atmosphere through collaboration. Whether you call it “football” or “soccer” (I will call it the F-word), being a…
How to Learn from Summer Interns
Interns are adding value to companies, non-profits and the public sector around the world this summer. At Vancity, one of the things that we want from this experience is an exchange of ideas – put another way, we want “reverse…
Three Workplace Lessons from Canada Day Celebrations
All across the country, people are celebrating our nation’s birth today. Eclectic parades are rolling down streets from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Sidney, British Columbia. Folks are firing up their barbecues and grilling premium Alberta beef. Kids are screaming around…
When Employees Win, Organizations Win
Career development within organizations is at its best when corporate culture, learning experiences and peoples’ individual growth align to serve the organization’s vision and values. Simply put, when employees win, organizations win. Vancity is one of Canada’s largest financial co-operatives…
How the Whitecaps FC Fan Experience Models Great Workplace Culture
This Saturday is the home opener – or first kick – for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The club has been promoting season and single-match tickets by encouraging people to “experience the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver.” There are several examples of how…