The Power of Cooperation

A number of years ago, I read a book called The World is Flat, an international bestselling book by Thomas Friedman that analyzed the impact of globalization and what it was going to mean for individuals, businesses, and countries.

Although I’m not sure I totally understood it at the time, it has become clearer that our world is one where borders and physical location are becoming less and less important.

Globalization also means that if businesses and organizations are going to remain meaningful and competitive, ongoing shifts in thinking will be essential.

By way of example, when my husband and… More Posted on 05-27-12

A Politician Who Apologizes??!?!

Like a lot of Canadians, I haven’t always paid a lot of attention to what’s happening politically – either in Niagara or Edmonton where I now live.

In large part, it has been the result of my being unable to relate to “old boy” thinking and an emphasis placed on economic metrics. Politics too often seemed removed from my grassroots focus and passion for delivering social impact in our communities. 

But, Alison Redford, the first woman to be Premier in Alberta, has definitely ramped up my interest in politics these days, as well as garnered the attention of many… More Posted on 05-21-12

The Importance of a Cocoon of Warmth

I think my husband must have wondered where I had spent my day because when I arrived home I was bubbling with energy.

It didn’t help matters that when he asked me about my day I explained that I had spent most of it in a very long meeting that involved the challenge of selecting pilot communities for an innovative initiative focused on encouraging residents to invest locally.

When my husband continued to look at me with a quizzical and somewhat skeptical look, I struggled to explain, ultimately realizing that it was the group itself that was so special.… More Posted on 05-13-12

Playing by the Old Rules Means Losing at a New Game

As I sat down to write this piece, I didn’t have a starting point. Heck, I didn’t even have a topic.

Being good at procrastinating as well as being ready to be distracted, I checked my email.

And, wouldn’t you know, I found a message from a colleague in North Carolina who had sent an intriguing news video based on an article published by the National Journal entitled “In Nothing We Trust”.

The article presented evidence demonstrating that a trust deficit is building and eating away at the social fabric of American communities. Trusted icons like Walter Cronkite no… More Posted on 05-06-12