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VOCL Main Feature Manitou Springs Incline Redux – More Leadership Thoughts On 3 November 2015, I took the opportunity to once again climb the Manitou Springs Incline.  If you haven’t heard / read about my first time making this climb and the leadership lessons that came to me, please go to the podcast / show notes available at http://vocl.ca/49.  That article focused on vision, preparation, psyching up, the initial rush of excitement, the reality of a hard journey, communication, making difficult decisions, gutting it out, maintaining your focus, and congratulating your team when you achieve success.  This time, I’ll provide you with thoughts on how achieving a major goal can provide the team with confidence and the ability to increase speed of implementation, increase performance, and that you need to consider / shape the conditions for success. You gain confidence and speed with experience You will recall that I was somewhat nervous the first time that I climbed the Incline; regardless of the research that I had conducted I wasn’t fully certain of what I was getting myself into.  This time, I had first-hand knowledge of what to expect at the start, the bail-out point, the false summit, and what the end of the incline looked like.  That doesn’t mean that I didn’t have a few butterflies in my stomach, though – it’s still a formidable undertaking! I was much more confident that I was going to succeed that day.   I didn’t spend as much time contemplating the climb as I was driving up and then standing at the bottom; I simply started to climb.  I felt that I had started out a little too fast during my first climb, so I resolved to start slower with the ultimate aim of finishing faster since I would need fewer breaks near the top.  My strategy worked – I was able to shave over 15 minutes off of my previous best time.  What’s interesting is that I didn’t believe that that much of a performance increase was possible.  It makes me think about what other limiting beliefs that I have in my life, and whether they are real or perceived. As a le

Episode Focus: In this episode, I want to share some leadership thoughts that I had while climbing the Manitou Springs Incline.  It’s a physically demanding endeavour that nevertheless also exercises the mind!  I’ve also included lots of pictures to accompany this article – you can find them at http://vocl.ca/49. The view from the gate just after the porta potties I’ve decided to make it a little easier for people to contact VOCL or to leave a message.  A Google Voice account has been established – the phone number is (719) 888-9236.  It is a Colorado, USA number so you may (depending on your long distance plan) incur a phone charge.  I tried to get something memorable – the best I could do was 888-9CDN…  If you want to leave a comment, please feel free to add this to the others (commenting on the post, using the Speakpipe app on the website and on Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.)  That number once again - (719) 888-9236. VOCL Main Feature Leadership Thoughts While Climbing 2,000 Feet in Under a Mile On the 5th of September 2015, I decided to try my hand (and feet, legs, and lungs) at climbing the Manitou Springs Incline (or simply, the Incline).

Episode Focus: In this episode, we ask the question “Why do you lead?”  Your answer may include that you have no choice, that you do so for personal reasons, that you do it for external reasons, or perhaps for a combination thereof. It’s been a while since the last VOCL episode – I will provide some highlights of what has been keeping me away from the microphone. -- VOCL Main Feature Why do you lead? What is your motivation to be a leader?  Do you lead for yourself or do you lead for others?  Do you lead for a combination of both?  While you ponder these questions, allow me to set the stage for you. I tend to be a voracious reader of leadership articles – some I agree with, others that I disagree with, and others that simply don’t have an impact on me.  What I truly enjoy is when I come across incongruence between two articles that I read back to back.  I try to contemplate which one is a better “match” for my values and beliefs, leading me to find one more acceptable than the other.  Occasionally, these two articles actually create a third article in my mind – today is one o

Episode Focus: In this episode, we look at, given the choice, whether we would go through the ‘average leader’ door or the ‘great leader’ door. There has been a change to the iOS app for Voices of Canadian Leadership podcast – details will be given after the main article. Don’t forget about the iTunes contest – listen to the end of podcast for details! VOCL Main Feature  

Episode Focus: Looking at breaking down communication into the various components: Your thoughts Your message Timeliness / relevance of the message How your message is sent (the medium) The recipient The recipient’s processing of the message Feedback Some homework! I’m also extending the iTunes contest – listen to the end of podcast for details! VOCL Main Feature Communication - The ability to make yourself understood AND understand others in the exchange of ideas. Picture a crewmember named John in a large ship that has just had a collision at sea.  John sees water coming in and yells out to the room “Stop the flood or we’ll sink.” John knows that shutting XY

Episode Focus: An interview with Roy Osing, a Vancouver leader and author of the "BE DiFFERENT or Be Dead" book series. The interview is just under 43 minutes in length. I’m also hosting a contest – listen to the end of podcast for details! VOCL Main Interview Guest Bio (Margaret Narration):  "Roy Osing is the former Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of TELUS Corp.  Over his 30-plus year career he successfully built and led many businesses ranging from start-ups to intensively competitive internet enterprises to mature regulated monopolies. He is the Author of the "BE DiFFERENT or be dead" Book Series, which presents his career learning’s on how to create organizations that stand-out from their competition and are cherished by their customers.

Episode Focus Looking at several leadership articles from around the world including topics such as: Why successful people love bad news How to give your boss bad news and keep your credibility Old school leadership is out How to make your new employee’s first day a huge success Is your leadership falling short? How abusive leadership infects the entire team Defining vision Reasons for delegating tasks that you might actually like I’m also hosting a contest – listen / read to the end of podcast for details! -- VOCL Resources and Articles This week – a random review of 6 articles on different aspects of leadership, plus two of my own articles.

Episode Focus: An interview with James Harvey – a dedicated author and coach in Ontario with over 30 years of experience as a licensed Tradesman. The interview is just over 18 minutes in length. I’ve been speaking with several business-oriented folks, and that has been amazing.  I’m expanding the scope to include government and non-profit organizations – James is the first of these.  If you or someone you know wants to discuss leadership, let me know! -- VOCL Main Interview Guest Bio (Margaret Narration):  James Sidney Harvey is a dedicated Author and Coach with over 30 years of experience as a licensed Tradesman. James uses his experience and expertise to help guide and support Tradespeople and Managers to create a more open and safe work environment while encouraging the importance of establishing leadership in the workplace. In addition to leading individual Skilled Trades People as a career coach, motivating them to learn and perform - James has also assisted corporations in training managers and CEOs on how to better lead their employees and achieve their desired productivity and outcomes. James is passionate about helping others take their skills from a job they do to a career they love – which has inspired his book “7 Success Skills for Apprentices & Skilled Trades Persons.” After reading this book and applying James’ 7 skills, you will not only gain a new understanding of your respective talents, but learn how to apply them in order to grow your success at work.

The interview is just under 24 minutes in length, and make sure that you stick around until the end – Mary has a great offer for you! I’m continuing website tweaking to make it easier to access all of the content. I’ve been speaking with several business-oriented folks, and that has been amazing.  I’m expanding the scope to include government and non-profit organizations – I have several of these interviews in the works.  If you or someone you know wants to discuss leadership, let me know! -- VOCL Main Interview Guest Bio (Margaret Narration):  Mary Engel is the coach that businesses and individuals go to for personal, private and powerful performance transformation.  Mary has spent the last 10 years speaking, writing, consulting and coaching on organizational management and how to achieve personal, professional and organizational results faster. She delivers high-impact coaching, training and management strategies that amplify profits and speed up results. Mary's coaching clients call her "insightful", "inspiring", and "a source of constant motivation!" She uses an advanced personality, style and situational assessment to diagnose strengths and opportunities for rapid adv

Episode Focus: Looking at several leadership articles from around the world including topics such as: Finding your leadership voice Do we need to switch our focus to instrumental leadership Leadership role models for our children Leadership focus – process versus results Three critical leadership traits that you may be overlooking Some comments that have been generated in response to various articles – keep the discussion going Continuing to tweak the VOCL website to make it more relevant and easily accessible for you.  Let me know if you have suggestions for improvements. Interviews – several of them! Today’s episode will be a shorter one – I have to go to the airport later today! -- VOCL Resources and Articles

The interview is approximately 26 minutes in length, and make sure that you stick around until the end – Julian has an exciting offer for you! I’m doing some website tweaking to make it easier to access all of the content. Finally, I’ve ceased my Amazon affiliate store – don’t worry, though – I’ll still create links to all of the resources that are mentioned in VOCL. I’ve been speaking with several business-oriented folks, and that has been amazing.  I’m going to start expanding the scope to include government and non-profit organizations.  If you or someone you know wants to discuss leadership, let me know! -- VOCL Main Interview Guest Bio (Margaret Narration):  "After a life changing accident at age 18 – which forced Julian to relearn the previous nine years of his schooling, and took away chances of scholarships, sports teams and other accomplishments – Julian made a decision while sitting in his wheelchair in Toronto Ontario.  With one single thought: ‘I get to choose the direction of my life!,’ he hasn’t looked back since. 20 years and five successful start ups later, Julian has made it his mission to share his knowledge and motivate others to achieve measurable and meaningful success in both their personal and professional lives.

Episode Focus: An interview with Tanveer Naseer – a Canadian leadership speaker, blogger, and now, published author. The interview is almost 43 minutes in length, so this is going to be a long show.  Tanveer and I had such a great conversation about leadership that we continued talking for almost an hour after the interview was complete!  I love his perspectives on leadership, and I think that you will, too. Due to the length of the podcast, I won’t be featuring articles this week. -- VOCL Main Interview Guest Bio (Margaret Narration):  Tanveer Naseer is an award-winning and internationally-acclaimed leadership writer and keynote speaker.  He is also the Principal and Founder of Ta

Episode Focus: Looking at several leadership articles from around the world including topics such as: Seven mistakes that new managers make How successful people stay calm An interesting statistic on how leadership can help keep employees happy Leadership from a distance Excuses on behaving badly? Leadership mistakes that women make (these apply to men as well) Defining leadership How leaders manage their composure during difficult times Every once in a while I put out a “tweetable” definition of leadership attributes for discussion – the latest one on “character” generated several different viewpoints. VOCL has been generated as a free resource, and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.  It is my way of giving back for all of the fantastic opportunities I have been given in my life.  Some people and small teams may, however, may want something more focussed on their issues and needs.  If VOCL resonates with you, you may wish to check out Bluenose Leadership Solutions.  This is a new company that I have started to help people develop and communicate their leadership vision.  You can get more information at http://bluenoseleadershipsolutions.com.  This podcast (that is, VOCL) will not become a selling platform, however.  Unless there is a really pertinent point, the only mention of BLS will be in the credits. -- VOCL Resources and Articles

The interview is just over 26 minutes, so I’ll be skipping the articles this week.  Having said that, I already have next week all lined up – all I need to do is record it! VOCL Main Interview Guest Bio (Margaret Narration):  Daniel Fay is Managing Director with BrenDaniel Productions Corp, a project management and leadership facilitation organization based in Halifax, with business activities throughout the world. Dan has had the opportunity to develop over 6,000 managers in management and leadership techniques, many throughout China, Singapore and Africa. Through his Leadership by Examples initiative, a monthly facilitation program, Dan helps organizations develop their leadership capability, consistent with their core values and vision. Dan's core vision is built around his family - his wife Brenda and 5 amazing children from whom he learns every day. -- What is a leadership-related quote that motives or inspires you? Seek and accept responsibility.” Why does that motivate you? How do you use that quote in your work and everyday life? 

Episode Focus: Looking at several leadership articles from around the world including topics such as: A TED talk from Roselinde Torres about three questions you should ask yourself if someone is a great leader Managing your leadership agenda through the agendas of others The “how” and “why” of incorporating fantastic customer service within your organization Knowing about yourself before leading others Two articles on the need for ‘servant leadership’ in all walks of life, but especially in the public sector Leadership as a life skill Cultural differences in leadership The challenges of C-Suite responsibilities Content that leaders choose to put into their heads VOCL is designed with YOU in mind, yet I am not you.  I want to get to know you better so I can give you what you need.  Let me know if there is something that you want more of or less of.  Are there people you want me to reach out to for an interview? 

Episode Focus Looking at several leadership articles from around the world including topics such as: Communication tips for millennial leaders What to watch out for when getting advice Leadership tips from a CEO The problem with TOO much talent? Leadership differences between Undercover Boss and The Apprentice Enabling potential in others Urgency in leadership 5 tips on being a more authentic leader The promises we make as a leader The difference between a boss and a leader Slight change to the file format if you’re downloading the show.  I used to include links to each of the articles in the Lyrics section of the podcast, but I don’t believe that this is required anymore.  All of the links (and text) show up in the Apple’s podcast app and the Podcast Box app (which also has the show notes in PDF form

Episode Focus: Looking at several leadership articles from around the world including topics such as: Identifying and developing leadership potential Leadership branding, training and myths Vision through storytelling Military leadership lessons Leadership in the moment of decision The importance of listening to your followers It’s been over a month since the last episode, but I’ve been looking forward to putting out another episode that puts you a little further down the path of fulfilling your potential as a leader.  More details available after the Articles section. -- VOCL Resources and Arti

Episode Focus: In this episode, we feature an interview with Mike Kennedy, an entrepreneur and “serial volunteer” currently living in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  We discuss his experiences and what he learned in Southern Ontario as part of the 2012 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC for short).  We also cover his background, some leadership quotes that motivate him, as well as some exciting stuff that he is working on right now.  If you are contemplating applying for the GGCLC (nominations close 30 September 2014), you’ll really love this interview. The interview is 30 minutes in length, so I’m skipping the articles section this week.  You can always go to the website to see the latest posts.  Better yet, sign up for the newsletter and you’ll get them automatically every week! There were a few glitches in Skype, so I had to do a little more editing than I normally would – at one stage, I had to re-record one of my pieces after the fact so it sounds a little different.  Can you pick out where it happened? I try to i

Episode Focus: Looking at several leadership articles from around the world including topics such as: First impression biases Various aspects of leadership Micromanagement Leadership in the military and professional cheerleading Leadership burnout at work and leadership observations during vacations The need to take action when something is going wrong The victim mentality surrounding a broken iPod Last episode was very quiet – lesson learned – don’t record early in the morning in a hotel room – you try to be too quiet! Lining up more interviews Helping out a fellow podcaster coming up with a solution on effectively podcasting and post writing.  I hadn’t realized how much I’ve learned over the past year until I saw how quickly I had been able to help him solve his pain poin