The pandemic has definitely taken a toll on many. There are deaths, business closures, lay-offs, and loss of everyday living like we knew it. All of these losses can impact us. We can lose ourselves as well.

Mentor, CultureHelen PattersonFebruary 3, 2021Life Works Well, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Awareness

2020 Reflections

Yes this year was unbelievable! Not in my lifetime could I ever imagine we’d be in a lockdown. And that there would be a pandemic. And now we are in a second lockdown here in Toronto.

Culture, Mentor, Work Life IntegrationHelen PattersonDecember 31, 2020inspiration, mentor, vision, goals

Create your Mission, Vision and Values for 2021

Does your organization have a Why? A Purpose or Passion? Or Mission, Vision and Values? Having a mission, vision and values gives you the opportunity to look towards the future and the goals that you want to achieve.

Healthy Workplace, Mentoring, CultureHelen PattersonDecember 18, 2020mentoring, human resources, Culture

Are You Financially Fit?

Whether you are a leader, business owner, or employee, having your finances in order is a top priority. The month of November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada, and we’re here to help you get back to basics with your finances and your overall well-being!

We Remember: Remembrance Day 2020

Though Remembrance Day ceremonies around the world are being carried out with little to no spectators this year, we hope you still wear your poppy with pride and take the time on November 11 to observe a moment of silence.

Culture, Work Life IntegrationHelen PattersonNovember 6, 2020remembrance day

Are DeMentors sucking the soul out of your culture?

Creating a mentor culture that is for everyone takes planning. The most important component is trust. Without trust DeMentors will rule. The other steps will then be simpler. It’s all about Connection. Participants should have choice, not assignment. Some of the best mentoring relationships start out informally or "organically" but structure will make it succeed.

Are you an everyday mentor?

Many of us have been blessed to have the opportunity to learn from amazing teachers or mentors. And some of us are privileged enough to work with coaches who help us grow in other ways. I believe that the Everyday Mentor is present now if you open your eyes and open up to the possibility.

Is Your Talent Like a Bowl of Blueberries?

Organizations with cultures that are homogenous or all the same blue hue won’t succeed. As they may not be reflective of their customer. The outcome is the focus, but how you get there is important. Find the unique talent, each blueberry with different skills to offer, that get you there. Whether you are creating a blueberry pie, blueberry muffins, some jam or simply sprinkling them on yogurt.

A Mentee's Perspective, by Nicole Hunter

I know that I am not alone in having to reorient myself in the midst of this crisis, and since I suspect that many of you may also be feeling overwhelmed and unsure about the future, I want to share some knowledge and advice I received while participating in the Life Works Well Wisdom Mentor Circle Series.

People Strategy, CultureHelen PattersonJuly 15, 2020mental health, Work and Life, Healthy Workplace

Black Lives Matter: It’s time to create #realchange

I thought I was a human rights advocate then the events of recent weeks made me question that. Did I have unconscious bias and not realize it? These recent deaths made me question whether I had lost that drive for advocacy from my younger years as I got busy with life and comfortable with white privilege.

Healthy Workplace, Culture, People StrategyHelen PattersonJune 4, 2020

Is your "home-work" complete?

Now more than ever work and home have to be integrated and for many this a new way of working and living.

With the COVID-19 situation, many people who don't normally work remotely are working from home—and it can be hard to focus. Especially with young ones and spouses or adult children all at home as well.

"Normally" is out the window

As leaders in particular, you’re so busy taking care of business and making tough decisions, you forget to pause and give yourself a break.

You are human too; take care of yourself first so you can be there for others.

Culture, Healthy Workplace, People StrategyHelen PattersonMarch 25, 2020Covid-19, health, human

Laughter and a Healthy Workplace

Laughter can bring out the best in people. If you want to experience the health benefits of laughter at work, allow a little more humour in your workplace. Laughter’s physical and mental health benefits are real. Deep belly laughs can alleviate anxiety and stress and build high-performance engaged teams at work.

Healthy Workplace, Culture, People StrategyHelen PattersonFebruary 28, 2020health, workplace, culture

Creating Healthy Workplace Habits

Reading is an essential element in success — creating a growth mindset is ongoing development and continuous learning. Knowledge is power. Knowledge builds confidence. Knowledge contributes to high-performance.

Culture, People Strategy, Healthy WorkplaceHelen PattersonFebruary 15, 2020Healthy Workplace, Habits, HR, People Strategy

Did you get sidetracked in January?

Did you plan well? Are you sticking to your strategy? Did you focus on the monthly, weekly and daily goals you set? And did you work on some daily habits to get you there?

Culture, People StrategyHelen PattersonJanuary 31, 2020People Strategy, Goals, Plan

Why, How and Who for a Year of Growth!

Your organization’s growth is contingent on one thing – your culture. You can’t have enhanced business growth without rock-solid people and culture. Now is the time to check in to see how that’s working for you.

Culture, People StrategyHelen PattersonJanuary 19, 2020Culture, People Strategy