ENCOURAGEMENTS Blog

There are some people who picture their work like being on a cruise ship. Cruise ship people believe they are entitled to a vast array of comforts and conveniences. They expect the food to be exceptional, their needs to be catered to and the overall experience to very pleasant. When things aren’t the way they expect it to be they …

I sat there on the stage in my borrowed dress shoes, dress socks, dress pants, dress belt, dress shirt and tie.  I was not prepared for this.  I had no idea I would be doing this – it was a total surprise.  I was feverishly trying to get my thoughts together while the Premier gave his speech.  It was no …

Recently a trade deal was announced by Canada’s Minister of Agriculture that would see the doors open up for British Columbia cherries to be shipped to China.  Long anticipated, this deal was 7 years in the making.  China obviously represents a huge market for cherry growers, so this was good news indeed. As many people across North America and around …

A number of years ago I served as the President of our local Chamber of Commerce.  I found when I was President of the Chamber that I felt a certain degree of pressure to determine what the legacy of my leadership would be. How would things be different because of how I led? As best I could I endeavored to …

Do you remember that old Rolaids commercial? “How do you spell ‘relief’?” “R-O-L-A-I-D-S” What a great campaign. “When you want relief from heart burn and acid indigestion – Rolaids.” I still remember it after all these years. Recently I was out for a coffee with a friend of mine I hadn’t seen in quite some time. We both started businesses …

Have you noticed anything lately about leaders in the news? It’s probably nothing new, but in this age of instant access to information through social media we are being inundated with the unsavory details of leader’s private and public lives. I am noticing how often we hear about flaws, foibles and failings. Moral failings, financial mismanagement and a general lack …

So, I want to ask you a simple question, “What do you make?” Don’t be shy. You can tell me… I know it’s not a question that we typically ask, or that we may even feel comfortable asking people – it’s a little bit rude isn’t it? Well I think it’s time to change all of that. I think it’s …

I have a very good friend who went through a powerful process a number of years ago in regard to his self-worth.  He and his father owned a very successful agricultural business – a massive farm.  They were approached by a buyer and offered a ridiculous amount of money to sell.  After some degree of consideration they decided to cash …

I sat there in the restaurant an arm’s length from their breakfast table watching the entire encounter transpire. I was encouraged. I was appalled. One got it. One didn’t. Randy Carlyle got it. The other former Winnipeg Jet – who shall remain nameless – didn’t get it. The Jets were catching an early morning flight out to their next game. …

“Hey man, that song sounds great, but you need some boogie woogie piano for it to really work.” “Maybe, but we don’t have a piano player in the band, so who’s gonna play?” “Me!” And with that the pizza delivery guy, who looked remarkably like Fidel Castro, began to talk himself into playing some piano riffs for Takin’ Care of …