We’re looking for a Jr. Copywriter / Content Manager. If you’re interested, working for an advertising & marketing agency in Mississauga (Toronto), please see this job description. Applications for this position close on July 10, 2012.

I’m looking out my window at a snowy day in Mississauga. It would have been a reasonably good weather day for March in small town New Brunswick where I grew up. But here and now, a little snow can shut this city down. Twenty minute drives can end up being 2 hours.

Hard to believe I had my motorcycle out for a spin on the first day of spring just two days ago. Life is like that, you can never predict what will come your way. Just two weeks ago, on a similar day as today, I had my SUV stolen right in front our business condo. I had just finished loading it up, went upstairs to send an e-mail…came back and it was gone. Yep, keys were in the car and engine was running…an east coast thing I’ve never been able to shake.

I waited two hours for the police to show. No CSI stuff. No pictures, fingerprints or measuring tire impressions. No pretty gals with low cut sweaters either. I answered a few questions, finished the police report and was about to leave when I realized the key to the office is with the thief who took my truck. So another 2 hours to wait for the locksmith. He had quoted $60 on the phone but somehow managed to justify a $220 bill on completing the 10 minute project. Oh yes, and the music gear I assembled, customized and perfected over the last 6 months was in the truck too.

Like many people, I like to think things happen for a reason. What goes around comes around and all that. Over the years I’ve learned to duck and weave and think on my feet. This kind of thing doesn’t really faze me at all. I’m pretty good at keeping my perspective.

My best friend from small town New Brunswick teaches English in Japan… just found out last night that he’s safe and sound. I’ll trade tsunamis and earthquakes for snow storms, stolen cars and unethical vendors (the key guy) any day.

Lee’s quote for the day

“Like my Uncle Fred used to say, everything is relative…just don’t marry one.”

Last week we had an important appointment at our office and took the afternoon to do a long overdo clean-up and used that same opportunity to reorganize the office to make better use of our space. As I looked on, I must admit I felt a great deal of pride in seeing everyone working together towards a common goal. In this case the goal was simple and achievable. No one doubted the outcome. Everybody contributed and felt part of the change.

How do we (meaning everyone managing a department or business) translate that type of co-operative spirit into meeting the daily change and challenge we face in our day to day business? My thoughts follow and hopefully some of you will share yours as well.

Don’t compromise on talent.  There just isn’t room for weak links or rotten apples. The recession gave this weeding out process a kick start and we all need to be careful as we add new members back to our team.

A common goal. This is a big one. Even at the highest levels of management we see a disconnect and lack of clarity when it comes to long term objectives and vision. This is multiplied by 10 as it goes down through the ranks.

Share the victories. It is never what “I” did; it is what “we” accomplished. Remember to check “ego” at the door and genuinely share the glory.

Switch from fire fighters to wedding planners. There is bound to be some fire fighting with business but if it’s all you’re doing there are some fundamental processes that need addressing. It’s a much better feeling planning your day vs. chasing your tail…less stressful and much more productive.

Rewards. Money is great and appreciated but kind words have power too.

Lee’s quote for the day

“What’s better than feeling like a valued part of a winning team? Absolutely nothing!”