January is mentoring month. What a great time to devote some extra attention to the idea of mentoring and the mentors in our life. We’re at the beginning of the year when we are making our plans and setting goals for ourselves. Typically once these activities are complete we pat ourselves on the back for taking the time to set our course for the year. But wait! There’s one more step! Have you thought about who is going to provide support and guidance for you along the way? Who will be mentoring, coaching and sponsoring you as you move forward? Consciously designing our developmental network is a critical step in the process.

What is a developmental network?

According to David A. Thomas, a developmental network is “a set of relationships an individual has with people who take an active interest in and action to advance the individual’s career by assisting with his or her personal and professional development.” The key word here is relationships. More »

Today I finished 1^st in my age group in a 5k running race. Today I beat the woman who was holding 1^st place by 37 seconds. Today I got a red 1^st place ribbon – my first ever!! Today I am a winner!! Yay for me!!

And yay to all the other runners who were out there today from age 10  to 80+. They are all winners because they showed up and did their best.

The Snowflake running series is a regular winter event in the town of Orillia which is about a 90 minute drive north of Toronto. The series includes three 5k events and a 10k on New Year’s Day. To place in the series you have to complete all four races. Today I also got a medal for finishing 2^nd overall in my age group based on my combined times in the four races. A double winning day for me! That’s because I kept showing up. More »

Part 1: Social Media in Bystander Action – A Help or Hindrance?

Part 2: Positive Bystander Action: What’s at stake?

Positive bystander action is as varied and diverse as we are. There is no best way to be as a bystander. It begins by being yourself and ‘noticing’ in a way that is comfortable for you.

Words that describe a bystander include:

A bystander is not a…

Bystanders do not speak for or ‘over the person’ on the receiving end of the uncomfortable comment or action. Being a good bystander comes more from humanistic empathy than having a good theory or methodology. And like most things, we get better with practice. Start by simply noticing. Pay attention to uncomfortable moments. This raises your awareness and your sensitivity. More »