Our systems are breaking down.

This is especially evident when it comes to public spending.

As the government financial year-end of March 31st approaches, there is often a flurry of activity as employees scurry to spend everything within their budgets to avoid having to return the dollars to their central treasury and risk being criticized for inaccurate estimates, or, in a worst case scenario, having next year’s allocations reduced.

Additionally, elected officials and staff are faced with growing demands and budget woes leading to painful cuts in public services and infrastructure that too often impact our most vulnerable.… More Posted on 01-20-13

The Legacy of Andrew Carnegie

I was born and raised in a relatively large family of seven.

While we never went hungry, there wasn’t a lot of money left over for recreation and social activities.

As a result, one of my most important activities became a weekly trip to the downtown public library.

While I can’t imagine kids doing it in this day and age, beginning at the age of eight, each Friday after school I would clamber aboard the city bus and ride to the downtown St. Catharines Public Library.

Built in 1901, it was one of the 125 libraries… More Posted on 01-14-13

5 Strategies for Being a Better Boss in 2013

I can’t believe the number of people I’ve talked to recently who are desperately unhappy in their jobs.

With rare exception, the core cause of their complaints is their boss.

While I realize not everyone is a boss, most everyone has a boss. As a result, I thought I’d share my list of five strategies for being a better boss in 2013.

First of all, in the event you haven’t noticed, the workplace is changing. A good boss knows the future is about collaboration and meshwork.

To collaborate, you have to get over the idea that your… More Posted on 01-06-13