Category: Project Management

Building Culture is Building Success

Paul Wagenaar

Culture isn’t built in meetings. It is built in moments – every minute of every day and in every action – culture can be nurtured, strengthened, and lived. The way we treat people when no one’s watching determines the strength of every business. Start small, stay kind, and keep building. It isn’t easy, it can be hard work, frustrating, fraught with setbacks; however, it is worth the time, and it is worth the investment … every time.

Consider this post to be an introduction, a starting point for building your team through one of the areas that is entirely within your ability to influence.

… things managers do that leaders don’t

Paul Wagenaar

You might think I have something against managers … I am less “anti-manager” than I am more “pro-leader.” Our interactions with people matter and anyone aspiring to be a good manager should set their sights higher and pursue being a good leader. As a retail store manager, a consultant, a project manager, a board member, and now as a career advisor and coordinator I have seen the difference a manager who aspires to be a leader can make and I invite you to see how many of these tools you can use.

The best choice is the right one; the next best is the wrong one.

Paul Wagenaar

Decision paralysis is something all of us have or will face … making decisions is hard. What if you don’t make the right choice? What if you only have one shot it? Will my decision change my life forever? All good questions and you are going to make good decisions and bad decisions … its part of life and know that whatever happens you will learn and get better.

Starting your Journey to becoming a Servant Leader

Paul Wagenaar

Becoming a manager of any type of organization is a big accomplishment for anyone. My challenge for anyone in this position is to strive to be more than a manager … become a leader … and most importantly become a servant leader. The road ahead for a new manager is full of danger and chances for failure; however, as an aspiring servant leader, your chances for success increase dramatically when you put serving your team ahead of your own aspirations.

Building Teams by Developing People

Paul Wagenaar

High performing teams are often desired by most organizations; however, it is remarkable how few of these organizations take the time to put all of the building blocks for success in place. Effective organizational dynamics and “how” teams function doesn’t happen by accident. Creating an inclusive and evolving “team charter” should be one of the first “building blocks” all organizations have on their “to do” list.

Being a Servant Leader without being a Manager or Supervisor

Paul Wagenaar

What is leadership? Does it come automatically when you are a supervisor or a manager? Or is it the cumulative effect of dozens of small actions that sometimes seem invisible unless you are looking for them? Someone who is a manager or supervisor doesn’t automatically become a leader, especially not a servant leader; although anyone who is a servant leader would always make a great supervisor or manager.

Work pressure and sick time.

Paul Wagenaar

In the past and even today, work has stressed and made me feel overwhelmed … and I know that I am not alone. There are ways to mitigate these feelings and even to “get ahead of them;” consider this post to be a guide with “Tools Everyone Can Use” to help you stop being affected as much.

Suggestions for Small/Medium-Sized Organizations

Paul Wagenaar

The United States is no longer the shining beacon of trade, hope, and freedom it was only a few months ago. Countries like Canada seem to be its new enemy and are subject to uncertainty, economic blackmail, and threats to its sovereignty. At a micro-level, many small and medium-sized organizations are facing decisions that were unthinkable previously … how to survive in a hostile trading environment.

In 1500 words or less, I can only suggest the beginnings of a new path, a way written expressly for a friend who operates her own business. My advice though, could help both “for profit” and “not-for-profit” organizations chart a new path, not by denying our new reality, but by “turning into the US-lead economic skid,” and begin working towards a future not based on US reliance.

MORE TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Paul Wagenaar

I work assisting people who are experiencing barriers to employment overcome them and find jobs that either accomplish their goals or take them to the next step on their individual journeys.

My role as a coach and mentor constantly reminds me of the lessons shared with me during my career, this post is the next chapter on “lessons learned” from my November 24th post.