Strategic planning in business is only as good as the decisions that shape it. Unfortunately, human judgment is often clouded by decision-making noise and cognitive biases, which can

Dreams are powerful. They inspire, excite, and pull us toward the future we envision. But dreams alone are not enough. To make them real, you

When people feel they are in negative situations and those negative situations are outside of their control they become stressed. When under stress people tend

Strategic planning is meant to bring clarity and direction, helping organizations align resources with their goals. Enhanced SWOT analysis – assessing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Interruptions create several problems, disrupting both thought processes and emotional equilibrium. Here are the main challenges people face when interrupted: Loss of Flow and Focus:

Many entrepreneurs are optimistic to a fault. This is a common side-effect of an entrepreneurial spirit and it is encouraged by expert advice that goes

Data is often called “the new oil.” But what if your data is more like a neglected engine, drowsy and dormant, not yet driving your

Over 100 years ago, there was a wave of new theory about thought. In summary, the new theory of thought could be described as ‘Thoughts

With political tensions, economic uncertainty, and the risks of war dominating global discussions, decision-making has never been more critical…or more challenging.  Whether you’re a business

So many Biases Psychologists have identified over 180 cognitive biases, with new ones emerging as research deepens into how we perceive, remember, and make decisions.

The accuracy of emotional intelligence (EI) assessments can be influenced by several factors, ranging from the design of the assessment itself to the characteristics of

It seems some people choose to be indecisive. However, it would be dangerous to jump to the conclusion that decision-avoidance is a ‘happily made’ choice.

Aligning our being, thinking, and doing empowers us and enhances our relationships and decision-making processes. This blog explores the profound impact of living in alignment

In business, agility is about: reacting quickly, making the most of the resources at hand, thinking strategically under pressure, and maintaining momentum even when circumstances

The ALERT framework is a structured approach to risk management, ensuring that risks are not only identified but also effectively mitigated and continuously monitored. This five-step process…

Hello everyone,   Let’s talk about Artificial Intelligence. It’s everywhere these days—embedded in practically every business tool and communication device we use. AI’s doing everything

Software development can display creativity and innovation.   Yet, if we’re honest, the journey from idea to execution is rarely smooth. In fact, I hold

Decision-making can no longer rely on linear or siloed approaches. Businesses, governments, and even individuals are faced with scenarios requiring both expansive creativity and focused

Getting people to truly listen can be a daunting challenge. A good way to start is to lead by example…illustrating that you truly listen to

Cognitive effort is a finite resource. Whether we’re solving complex problems, making decisions, or learning new skills, our brains are constantly allocating our energy. While

When we make decisions, three distinct but interconnected concepts often shape our choices: intuition, good decisions, and [the elusive quest for] the best decision. Each

The Big Five personality assessment is a simple tool that can be used to improve self-awareness, opening the door for improving character. Implicit here –

Balancing emergency response with attention to detail requires a structured approach that distinguishes urgency from perfectionism, allowing decisions to be made promptly without sacrificing critical

Seven reputational risks faced by Insurance Companies The top reputational risks Ontario insurance companies may face related to couple policies often revolve around ethical, financial,

While scanning the news yesterday, I noticed that some messages seemed polarized and biased. If psychologists have it right and humans exhibit about 200 different

Turning Constraints into Opportunities Operating in a regulated environment can feel like walking a tightrope. Businesses face stringent laws, compliance requirements, and industry standards that

When we think about data, many of us groan as we picture spreadsheets, databases, or even the complex language of algorithms and machine learning models.

I was listening to an audio book and the topic being discussed was ego. In summary, I understood the author viewed ego as a good

How to Build and Sustain It Personal momentum is the driving force that keeps you moving forward, allowing you to stay focused, motivated, and energized

Seven reputational risks faced by Canadian Family Businesses Ethical Lapses and Compliance Failures: Any ethical or compliance issue can lead to severe reputational damage, loss

Seven reputational risks faced by corporate directors in Ontario Regulatory Non-Compliance: Directors are responsible for ensuring the company complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) have steadily transformed industries, driving incredible efficiency and innovation across sectors. However, as AI continues to advance exponentially, these changes

Data plays a crucial role in shaping the ways we manage energy use and achieve our energy and environment goals. Industrial, commercial, residential, and MUSH

Trust holds relationships, communities, and organizations together. Trust is the magnet of human interaction, underpinning everything from personal bonds to professional partnerships. However, trust is

There are times when it feels like we’re constantly putting out fires—reacting to problems, managing crises, and addressing urgent issues. In these moments, it’s hard

The energy-consciousness bar is about to rise quickly in Ontario! Businesses need to increase their focus on how they can leverage data to optimize energy

When making major decisions in uncertain environments, risk reduction is crucial for mitigating potential downsides and improving your chances of success. Below is a step-by-step

In Ontario, many municipalities own electric utilities, known as Local Distribution Companies (LDCs), regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. These LDCs manage energy data to

The perfectionism paradox arises because the pursuit of perfection often undermines the very goals it seeks to achieve, particularly in communication and influence. Delays and

Anything is Possible When It’s Digital Digital means data. And anything is possible when useful data is available, properly analysed, and intelligently put to work.

Since early childhood, we have been conditioned to be serious…about crossing streets, listening to parents’ advice, doing schoolwork, completing our chores, and many other obligations.

Discomfort and discontent are two mood states that are often confused but have distinct meanings. While both can signal that something is wrong, their root

Micromanagement This is a term that evokes images of a boss who hovers over their team, scrutinizing every minor task, offering unsolicited advice, and never

General Problems of Prioritizing Urgent Work Over Important Work When business people focus too much on urgent work and neglect important work, they often find

We have found Patrick Lencioni’s “Six Types of Working Genius” personality assessment to be an extremely useful tool. 6 Working Geniuses Patrick Lencioni’s “Six Types

The traditional metrics for hiring – competence and technical skills – are no longer sufficient on their own. While these elements remain essential, focusing solely

The expansion of electrification as a strategy for carbon reduction is crucial in the shift toward sustainable energy systems. This transition impacts not just energy

We are inundated with a barrage of facts, data, and statistics. While these elements are fundamental in shaping our understanding of the world, discerning the

The Trust Scale Trust is the linchpin of business…gaining and maintaining trust is a complex human experience. How this Fragile Scale Tips Trust isn’t just

Decision-making and delegation are crucial for successful leadership. Effective management hinges on the understanding that decisions should be avoided when one is stressed or under

Some people naturally repulse criticism. “Some people” may be a gross understatement. These people may show outward signs of their repulsion. These people may not

You Don’t Always Need to Talk When we are doing our work, communication is often emphasized as the key to success. However, there are times

Engineers in business can excel in both the technical and interpersonal aspects by leveraging their analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities while also

To assess the morale of employees affordably and accurately in an engineering business, the owner can take the following steps: Anonymous Surveys: Use online survey

Patrick Lencioni’s framework for identifying ideal team players revolves around three key attributes: humble, hungry, and smart. Understanding how these attributes interplay with the Big

Engineers in business can excel in both the technical and interpersonal aspects by leveraging their analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities while also

Consensus is often seen as the gold standard for team decision-making in organizations. The idea is simple and appealing: if everyone agrees, the decision must

Initiating relationships with large enterprises that have ESG initiatives can be a valuable opportunity for SMEs. Here are 9 effective strategies to get started: Research

It is silly to waste time complaining about not having enough time! We all have the same amount of time. We know the past is

Affixing Labels of Blame When problems arise in business and in community, as they inevitably do, some of us instinctively look to assign blame. For

The ABC Model by Albert Ellis from the 1950s is a key part of Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), which helped start cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). The

Problems are a constant in life and business. But so are opportunities. Often, they are two sides of the same coin. When we collaborate, we

As we face a constant barrage of stimuli, improving our attention, concentration, focus, and comprehension is more important than ever. But how do you do

The worth of work in creating value cannot be overstated. Whether in personal life or business, anything of value needs work. It’s the toil, the

We often hear sayings such as “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” and stories about people screaming into pillows to relieve their

We all encounter problems. Sometimes, they’re just small speed bumps. But at other times, they can be big, sticky messes that seem impossible to solve.

Bias and groupthink significantly impact the effectiveness of team decisions. These limitations lead to poor choices and reduce creativity and innovation. That’s why finding ways

To advance business, having a strong network of trusted advisors, colleagues, and partners is essential. This network or ‘master mind’ can provide valuable insights, sound

Business success lies in mastering the subtle, yet potent power of reciprocation. At its core sits the principle of the ‘Agreement on Exchange of Value’,

Resilience, an attribute that shapes and strengthens who we are, represents a universal quality not attached to any particular nationality, group, or individual. It’s a

In physics, Hooke’s Law illustrates the proportional relationship between the force needed to extend or compress a spring and the distance it stretches or compresses.

Ohm’s Law states, V=IR, where ‘V’ represents voltage or potential difference, ‘I’ denotes current or rate of flow of charges, and ‘R’ signifies resistance. In

Albert Einstein’s iconic formula, E=mc², revolutionized our understanding of energy and mass, illustrating that even a small amount of mass can produce an enormous amount

At a recent Centre for Family Business event, Larry Smith, a renowned thought leader and educator, presented a compelling message for enhancing business productivity and

2022 was a year marked by continued uncertainties: a lingering pandemic, escalating international strife, and economic challenges. Businesses pivoted or watched others pivoting. Some larger

The concept of activation in physics, specifically referring to the amount of energy required for a collision between particles to be successful in breaking bonds

In physics, the understanding of electric current underwent a significant shift when it was discovered that electrons actually flow from the negative to the positive,

In physics, heat transfer describes how heat moves from a hotter to a cooler object. This concept mirrors the need to manage our negative thoughts.

Personal motivation serves as the catalyst to overcome the inertia of stalled thinking, akin to Newton’s First Law of Motion, which states that an object

Friction, in both the physical and metaphorical sense, plays a crucial role in our lives. Physically, friction is the resistance that one surface or object

The process of transforming ideas into actions mirrors the principles of thermodynamics, where energy conversion is key. Just as energy cannot be created or destroyed,

Attention and focus on goals can be likened to the principles of optics in physics, where directed focus is analogous to a lens concentrating light

Angular momentum, a fundamental concept in physics, describes the rotational momentum of an object in motion around a central point or axis. It’s governed by

Engaging in productive activities can be compared with applying a force to overcome the inertia of procrastination, much like in physics where an object at

The concept of “consideration” is multifaceted and plays a crucial role in various aspects of human interaction, in both personal and business relationships. The following

The Problem: Untapped Potential in Existing Relationships Despite significant time and effort invested in expanding business networks, there’s often a neglect of the latent value

The Essence of Innovation: Innate or Learned? Is innovation a natural gift or a learned skill? This question often sparks intriguing debates. On one hand,

Often labeled as a negative habit, procrastination is a more complex phenomenon than it appears. Dr. Joseph Ferrari, a leading researcher in this field, offers

Interactions between people can be fleeting yet impactful. Influencing others positively is a skill that benefits not just those around us, but ourselves as well.

Good habits serve as crucial steps that guide us toward our long-term aspirations. However, the path to cultivating these habits is often obstructed by our

For leaders of small to mid-size businesses, our strategic planning services revolve around an iterative, practical approach, distinct from conventional methods. Traditional strategic planning is

Enhance Communication and Understanding: Increase time spent with positive, energetic people; decrease time with complainers. Focus on delivering value that is genuinely desired by others.

To be successful, strategic planning must be open-minded and iterative, performed continuously rather than as a static snapshot. This ongoing process allows businesses to adapt

This tool is based on Piers Steel’s Procrastination Equation, which identifies four key factors that influence motivation and procrastination: Expectancy, Value, Impulsiveness, and Delay. Piers

Definitions Strategic Planning: Strategic planning is a systematic, formally documented process for deciding the handful of key decisions that an organization, viewed as a corporate

Most people wander through the decision-making process without a proper toolkit, often relying on instinct or fragmented strategies. If you are reading this, then you

Extracting New Levels of Value from two Powerful Productivity Tools Well-planned task prioritization can dramatically enhance your productivity and reduce your stress. This guide aims

The McKinsey 9-Box Matrix (9-Box Matrix), is a tool commonly used in strategic planning to assess the performance of different business units or product lines

PESTEL is an analytical tool used for strategic business planning. It’s an acronym that stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors. It