Recently, the National Capital YMCA launched a Capital Campaign to revitalize the Metro Central YMCA on Argyle St., to expand the Orleans branch, and to redevelop the Y Camps.  The “Strengthening the Heart of the Community” initiative aims to raise $35 million in total, and is the single most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the Y, with a target of $15 million to come through community events and personal donations.

I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the National Capital YMCA, which is to “build strong kids, strong families and strong communities”, and I have more than a passing interest in its sustainable well-being.   I am a Y parent, you see, so I have an up-close-and- personal understanding of how critically important it is to rebuild the bricks and mortar at the Metro Central Y, in particular.   This is a vital focal point for community service at the centre of the city, and it is badly in need of repair. 

Each and every workday for almost three years, I have proudly left my little girlaboutOtown under the careful supervision of the extraordinary Metro Central Y childcare staff.  With patience and sensitivity, this incredible team has provided an open, inclusive, and nurturing environment in which all children – regardless of circumstances – are encouraged to grow, to learn and to develop to their fullest potential.  This is a place where diversity is celebrated, where self-esteem is built strong, and where values are witnessed in action simply as a matter of course.

I feel a strong connection to this place and its people.  Not only are the childcare programs shaping brighter futures, the Metro Central YMCA also helps more than 14,000 immigrants to settle and adapt to life in Ottawa, and provides essential emergency and second-stage housing for nearly 1,000 people in need each year.   All of this while over 40, 000 fitness facility members are maintaining their good health and wellness at the gym, and many more are participating in sports, recreation and learning activities!  These programs and services are making a meaningful contribution to city life here in Ottawa, and have undoubtedly been of enormous benefit us all.

The Metro Central YMCA is place that has helped our community immeasurably.  Now our community can help this place!

To find out more about the campaign, to volunteer or to donate, visit the Strengthening the Heart of Our Community.

To make an online donation right now, click here.

Many more than I will be grateful…

If you have ever harboured cubicle escape fantasies, wondered if you might be destined for something different, or hoped your secret hidden talent might actually support be able to you, then you need to know about Cherry Pie.

More than just your average women’s business network, Ottawa’s Cherry Pie events are some of hottest tickets in town.  Started back in 2004 by local mover and shaker Catherine Landry, Cherry Pie is more of a phenomenon than a function, and attracts women entrepreneurs of all kinds.   From development to execution, Cherry Pie is about women helping women do business better.   It’s an opportunity start smart and learn from the experts, to make connections with potential collaborators, to source unique new products or services, or even to market an existing enterprise.  All of this, and a swank, sophisticated atmosphere as well!

So why not consider it?  See and be seen next Tuesday at the Lago Bar & Grill among some very savvy women who also know how to have fun.  Indulge in a few tasty treats by Executive Chef Robin Bowen, who will be preparing flavourful fare exclusively for the Cherry Pie event, and enjoy an entirely different kind of girls night out.  

Kick-off is 7PM next Tuesday, March 31st at the Lago Bar & Grill, Dow’s Lake Pavilion.  Tickets are available at the door for  $15.00 each or 2 for $22  (students $8).

RSVP to Catherine at Catherineknows@videotron.ca or call 819-776-5161.

And, speaking of seriously savvy women… Catherine Landry, the brains behind Cherry Pie sets a strong example for us all.  “My very great friend Sandra and I were talking one day about all our talented friends and how they should combine forces”, Landry explains, “so I organized the first Pie 4 years ago”.  Since then, it’s been growing like crazy, and what started as a hobby has now turned into almost a full time production. 

Landry, a former nightclub manager, has decided to focus her time and energy on bringing people together through new ideas, concepts and events.  Not prepared to sit back, she wants to do what it takes to address issues, build momentum and make a real difference.  In addition to Cherry Pie, Landry is also planning projects to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in Africa, and raise funds to help those suffering right here in Ottawa.  This is a woman who is not afraid to face a challenge head on, and who is on a mission to kill complacency with creativity, with community and with courage. 

Lucky for me, and for girlaboutOtown readers, Landry was kind enough to take some time away from her busy planning to answer a few questions… 

You are making a big contribution to the Ottawa community.  How would you describe your contribution?  I – me myself personally – am not making a contribution rather, I am working super-hard motivating others to get together, work together, support each other,  and to share tips, techniques, and contacts. Welcome your competition in the workforce as it encourages customer attention.

Who do you partner with to make Cherry Pie happen?  I reach out to businesswomen in this city who “get it”.  They don’t ask a million questions, they just understand that putting 400 businesswomen under one roof in a cool sophisticated environment is a valuable networking tool.

How did you come up with the name Cherry Pie?  When Sandra (who has been a Cherry Pie supporter ever since) and I were having that initial conversation, we were listening to rock music. The Warrant song “Cherry Pie” came on, we started air-banding to the music, and I had a eureka moment.  Good thing we weren’t listening to Barry Manilow or these events might have been called “Mandy-Minglers”! 

How often are Cherry Pie events held?  How many have there been?  In 4 years we have held 11 events.  This will be number 12.

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of advertising or lot of PR fanfare about Cherry Pie.  How do you get the word out?  We get the word out like that old Pantene Shampoo commercial…I told two friends…who told two friends..and so on..and so on. 

Despite the low-key approach, Cherry Pie seems to be very popular.  Why do you suppose that is?  Sometimes things that are driven by organic momentum last longer.  I am not a gangster and not out to hustle these women for their money.  It is a sweet thing to see people become successful and do well.  This encourages a feeling of being safe and secure, which in turn creates a feeling of independence.

How many women typically attend?  Up to 400 women are expected at this event on March 31.

What kind of entrepreneurs do the Cherry Pie events attract?  Is there a particular demographic or type of business person that attend in larger proportion than most? I   think there is a new wave of women who are empowered.  With this economy women really are taking the reins, directing strong business growth and becoming successful.   A Cherry Pie lady “gets it” and really wants others to do well.  In return, she will do well.  There is nothing so sad as people who don’t support good things.

How strong is the Cherry Pie network between events?  Is there a way for participants to keep in touch in between events?  I tend to be ground control and manage to network everyone’s requests.  I always say “TELL THEM CHERRY PIE SENT YOU!” and it works.

Can you give any examples of Cherry Pie success stories?  I think everyone is a success due to the fact that they mustered up their strength and their experience and DID IT.  If they came to the Pie with no business sense or tons of business sense,  it doesn’t matter at least they made the effort to try.  That has to be rewarded as many of these women have super-busy lives so to take on the additional stress of starting a business—everyone’s a winner.

What is your favorite part about organizing Cherry Pie? I LOVE hooking people up so they can get stuff done and make things happen.  Walk the Walk.

What are your plans for Cherry Pie?  A website…CHERRY SODA , a youth mentorship program… a summer wild cherry event…a Montreal Tarte aux Cerises event,  and then a Toronto Hogtown Cherry Pie…! 

What was your childhood ambition? Helicopter pilot.

What is your greatest indulgence?  Sleep.

What has been the hardest thing for you to learn? Effective communication.

What is your secret hidden talent?   I can see the future through tarot card readings.

What are you passionate about?   Youth.  They really need to be respected and listened to.  They have great ideas.

What would be your perfect day? Lenny Kravitz bringing me breakfast in Bali!

What are you doing when you lose track of time? Thinking up ideas – my brain is like NASCAR at Disneyland!

Given a choice, would you pick a cupcake or a tart? Tarts..hello…the pre-cursor to the pie.

How would you describe your personal style?  Like that of a 12 year old..sneakers, hoodies and t-shirts.

What impresses you?  The truth.

What do you like to talk about most?  I am a listener.

Favourite music?  Hip hop, classical & old school house.

And what about life in O-town?  What are your favourite restaurants?  The Brig Pub on York Street has amazing food.  The tuna salad is 5 stars!

Favourite stores to shop at? Wallacks, NORML Clothing, Mrs. Tiggywinkles, and the marker and pen aisle at  Staples.

Good ol’ Ottawa fun? A Ginette Bobo drag show.

Collage image credits – Lago Bar & Grill and Real Simple.

Keeping it simple, this girlaboutOtown can whip out the small box of baubles and sparkles that stays buried in the basement during the rest of the year, and with help, can have them all hung in less than an hour.  No “matchy matchy” on my tree, and nothing too fancy.  Instead, a very small collection of treasured objects – each with its own story – is embellished by only a few store bought balls.  This means it is the lights that shine, the tree that is seen, and the memories of year’s past that feature most prominently.   

Sunday brunch at Von’s Bistro in the Glebe seemed to be a good place to kick start a cold day.  Once my favourite hangout for dessert and high school gossip, I had not returned since.  To my surprise and satisfaction, this low key but sophisticated bistro has grown up, just like me.  Tall ceilings, dark floors and sizeable windows convey a sense of openness, while subtle lighting, colourful original art and simple decor evoke a relaxed warmth.

With jazz in the background, my mate, my little girlaboutOtown and I indulged in scrambled eggs, crepes with apples and cinnamon, and eggs benedict Florentine, respectively.  Then, we sat back, sipped on rich coffee and surveyed the surroundings, pleased to have discovered a new and different breakfast destination.  No doubt, we will return.

Following this fabulous brunch, we were off to find a fir tree…

Heading straight into town, we made our pick at the lot right outside of Ottawa’s Metro Central YMCA at 180 Argyle St.  In addition to the excellent recreational programs, exercise facilities, childcare, and newcomer services offered at the Metro Y, this important organization is helping to build our community by providing temporary and emergency housing to those in need.  Run by the wonderfully cheerful volunteers at Ottawa Y Focus, a service club dedicated to supporting the work of local YMCA centres, this Christmas tree lot offers more than a great selection of very reasonably priced freshly cut trees in a wide variety of species.  It also offers an opportunity to give back in the spirit of the season, if even in a small way. 

So, having done just wee bit of good to help in our community, we found ourselves back in a comfortable home, with full stomachs, and a lovely tree.  We three have most definitely caught the true spirit of the season once again, and will do our best to remember when and where it is most needed. 

Photos by me

A hairstyle – or lack of one – speaks volumes about the person wearing it. 

More than any other physical feature, hair is an ever present visible manifestation of a woman’s sense of personal style. 

A hairstyle can say we’re serious.  Or sporty.  Or sexy.  Or sloppy.  It can say we’re young – or young at heart.  It can be beautiful.  Or bold.  Or it can just scream boring.

Recently, I felt the need for a change.  Not only was I ready to “break up” with my stylist after a few years too many, I wanted to convey something new.  Something different.   Something somehow more accurate, and  I wanted to shout out “I’m me, and I like it!”.  I wanted my hair to better reflect how I feel about myself at this point in my life, and I wanted to appear as authentic as I am finally beginning to feel.

I am young, but not that young, and I am both smart and sexy.  I guess I would describe my style as 80% /20% classic/boho, with a penchant for vintage clothing, a weakness for high heeled boots and an addiction to big bags.  I am medium maintenance woman who wishes to live  gracefully, and who is serious about expressing personality without being short on substance. The more self-aware I become, the the easier it is to communicate who I am through my aesthetic choices.

Unfortunately, my hair no longer fit this picture.  It was way overdue, and as is the case with hair – it was out of my hands.  I needed to find someone who would understand, and who I could trust to help me make the kind of change I was looking for.

So after doing some homework, and reading about their hair philosophy, I ventured over to the Tinted Edge Artistic Hair Studio on Cumberland Street.  This tiny little salon had been recommended to me by a like minded friend who raved about Christina, the owner and chief stylist.  I was reassured that Christina would know exactly what to do , so I had high hopes and huge expectations.

Well – let me tell you – I have never had a better hair experience!   I don’t think it would be overstating to say that Christina is a genius. 

Walking into the Tinted Edge I felt immediately at ease.  This was a place where everybody was happy.  Really happy.  Customers were happy, the team (stylists Zac and Allison ) was happy and Christina was downright pumped.  It was almost 6pm, and they had been there all day having fun!  What a relief it was for me to find myself among experts who were genuinely in love with their work, and who were so clearly serving their clients well. 

From our very first exchange, Christina wanted to know all about me.  Not just about my hair, but about who I am and how I live.  She asked me what kind of style I wanted, which I couldn’t really say, and seemed to understand intuitively when I instead began to try and described how I see myself.  She had definite ideas, but was careful to listen first to mine.  Then she spun my chair around to face her with my back to the mirror, looked me square in the eye, and said “what colour are they?”.  I was instantly and irreversibly impressed. 

Not only was she going to apply her knowledge of shape and texture,  Christina would also demonstrate her sophisticated understanding of colour.  Here was an artist who  was actually taking the colour of my eyes and the tone of my skin into account!  So far in my life, I had only ever seen this happen on TV.

Over the course of the next while, we  chatted comfortably about everything from our Moms and men to food and fashion, and I watched while she busily tinted and snipped.  In the end, the change was subtle but significant.  Having not really understood what I wanted, this new “do” was exactly what I needed. 

Interestingly, we talked about our passions.  While I confessed to my difficulty  passing abandoned furniture on the side of the road, Christina “sees heads” everywhere she goes!  Kudos to her for living her passion, and for bravely stepping up to share her talents through her business.  She sets a fine example for women who wonder whether they can make a go doing what they love…

So, I left the Tinted Edge with a new friend, a fabulous hairdo and a renewed sense of myself.  Upon returning home, I was met with a WOW.  What more could a girlaboutotown  ask for?!

Images from The Tinted Edge Hair Studio.

However, there is some evidence this may be changing.  While utterly unscientific, promising signs have been observed that this uncommon population may be on the rise.

On the street, an increasing number of grown up men appear to be emerging unafraid to express a bit of personality through their sartorial selections. Starched shirts, sharp ties and smart shoes have also been spotted.

This trend might be attributed to a more “conservative” context here in town, or it could be the result of some kind of generational or demographic shift. 

Regardless of its cause, the effect is downright positive!    

Lets face it – grown up men walk a fine line. Those who walk it well stand out. 

For most women, there is nothing less attractive in a man than obsessive vanity, but slovenly nonchalance is equally unacceptable. 

Stuck somewhere between a deep fear of  fashion and the everyday necessity of getting dressed to go to work in a town where its casual Friday every day, too many men fall back on their chinos.  The golf shirts demand no thought or foresight and the sport coats are an effortless accompaniment.  In some locations, white socks and baseball hats are de rigueur, and suits are reserved for “the suits”.  Unfortunately, once these unspoken dress codes are established by a group of men, their patterns are difficult to break – especially if left to their own devices. 

(Hint: The girlaboutotown style council reports that typically, it is at the early stages of mating that these behaviours can be most successfully influenced.  Later on in a partnership may be too late!) 

Anyway, I count myself fortunate to call a few of Ottawa’s best dressed men my friends (you know who you are!). 

These are not business heroes, movie stars or famous politicians, and they’re not made of money.  Instead, these are great guys who take care with their appearance without taking themselves too seriously, and who make sure their outside look matches what they’re feeling inside.

I congratulate these men for raising the bar… and encourage the rest of Ottawa’s male population to follow their fine example!

For more details on “how to”, check out these basic men’s style rules from a trusted source on the subject: Holt Renfrew.

Images from from The Sartorialist, selected as one of Time Magazines’s Top 100 Design Influencers. 

Image credit:  Ottawa Sun Photo Gallery

For those who find themselves more than a few years into cubicle based careers, it is at the very least encouraging – if  not inspiring – to see a generation of young and energetic creatives refuse to fit into the box.  Instead, these driven few have turned their passion into real life work right here in O-town,  and they have taken the initiative to just get started, in spite of the skeptics.

No doubt there will be growing to do and some very real kinks to iron out, but these aspiring designers, stylists, photographers and models should be congratulated  for their courage.  Far from being foolhardy, this  savvy crowd understands that fashion and design can offer creative types the opportunity to develop legitimate – even lucrative – careers while all the while contributing to the economic, social and  cultural fabric of a community. 

This recent interactive photo essay from the New York Times takes viewers on a tour of Fashion Weeks from around the world, and suggests very clearly that any effort to put Ottawa on the style map will ultimately benefit us all.  From Buenos Aires to Berlin and from Singapore to Sao Paulo, cool cities are building their brands by supporting their creative economies.  We in O-town should do the same!

For more on Ottawa’s fashion scene, check out:

OTTAWA FASHION WEEK
CAPITAL FASHION WEEK
OTTAWA START FASHION GUIDE

THE DINNER JACKET

And of course, read up regularly on Ottawa’s fashion blogs, listed right here on the girlaboutOtown blogroll!

Local businessman Steve Martin has attracted a considerable amount of curiosity and attention since The Gladstone’s opening earlier this fall, and the shows have been getting rave reviews.  It seems that all of O-town is fascinated by this latest audacious addition to the city’s theatre scene, astonished by Martin’s intrepid renovation of the deserted former home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, and dazzled by the glamourous design.  Like a rush of wind on a crisp fall day, Steve Martin and the Gladstone theatre have shaken things up here in Ottawa, and are offering up something seriously fresh.

Inspired as always by stories of courage, creativity and commerce, I too wanted to know more about the man in the canary yellow jacket.  So a few weeks back, I set out to track this Mr. Steve Martin down, and see if he might be willing to dish in more detail about himself, his motivation, and his new venture.  As things turned out, he was utterly accessible and totally keen.  Early on a Monday morning, I met him outside the front doors of the theatre.  His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he and his crew were already working hard.  Between productions, they were feverishly switching sets in time for their next opening night.  “We all need to get paid” Martin said, ” we don’t have a lot of time between shows!”.  He did however, make time to sit down and talk, to offer some insight, and to share some stories.

Having been to see The Gladstone’s hit opening production “How the Other Half Loves”, I had kept the show program.  To me, Martin’s passion and warmth was evident even in written form, and the program contained some good clues worthy of further exploration.  Particularly intrigued by his repeated invitation for show- goers to “Experience Theatre”, I began our conversation by asking him what he meant.  More than just a catchy tag line, it was soon clear this is a meaningful mantra for Martin, and it wasn’t long before I found myself nodding in agreement as he elaborated with enthusiasm.

Martin’s dedication to the theatre was instantly obvious.  He expanded on the notion of a live medium with no artificial barriers between players and an audience, and he talked about the skill required by actors who must remain in character for extended periods.  Revealingly, he also lamented that all too often, one’s theatre experience is limited to the darkness surrounding a lit stage, and that many other aspects – from ticket purchase and arrival to coat check and intermission – can leave people cold.

To him, a great night out shouldn’t be contingent solely on the success of a production. Instead, an evening of theatre should be all encompassing, and should generate genuine excitement, anticipation and inspiration.  Because of this fundamental belief, real people answer the phone when you call The Gladstone for seats, there is no glass in the box office window, and smartly uniformed ushers greet you in person with a smile to check you off their guest list.  No anonymous ticket transactions at The Gladstone!  Martin wants people to feel like they’re important from before they arrive until long after the show is over, and he hopes each and every individual remembers their evening out as special event.  Here, he and I see eye to eye.

This “Experience Theatre” philosophy extends to the carefully conceived exterior architecture and interior decor, as well as a consistently high caliber approach to marketing and graphic design.  Even the clever and irreverent show programs, chock full of interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, reflect Martin’s desire to create a lasting memory.

With not much more than a gut feeling and a clear vision of what he perceived was missing in Ottawa, Martin set out to build something different, trusting in his ability to achieve it.  Searching the Internet for inspiration, he collaborated with local experts to customize The Gladstone’s distinctive marquee, refurbish the exterior and to redecorate with his “Experience Theatre” mantra in mind.  With design-builder Gordon Weima,  Judith Wightman a talented hobby decorator (executive headhunter by profession), and Ottawa based marketing firm Sum Inc. among others on the job, a remarkable physical transformation has occurred, and The Gladstone’s uniquely appealing brand has been thoroughly established.  From red curtain to cast, soap dispenser to show program and from wallpaper to website, The Gladstone does not disappoint. 

Characterizing himself as a dreamer in his youth, Martin claims he always had a vivid imagination.  Born in Montreal and raised in the Niagara region, he says whenever he watched TV, he would identify with the protagonist.  “I would imagine myself as Perry Mason” he says, “and I would always be solving mysteries or coming to the rescue.”

Never a huge fan of school, playing pretend evolved into work for Martin very early on.  His first job was sweeping up at the now defunct Maple Leaf Village Amusement Park in Niagara Falls.  It didn’t take him long to move up to master of the midway though, refining his performance skills by attracting scores players to the carnival games with the biggest and best prizes.  While facilitating frivolity and fun, he also discovered his love for acting. This led him to straight to drama class in high school, where he confirmed his passion for the theatre.  Martin still credits his favourite teacher Judy Kirland with igniting this passion, and for nurturing his dreams.

Following high school, Martin continued doing what he loved, acting in various summer theatre productions and filling in with whatever jobs were required for him to survive.  After awhile, his circumstances changed, and he decided it was time for a ’serious’ job with the federal government.  “It was a lot like acting”, he recalls with a smile, “although I’m sure that wasn’t why they hired me!”.  While working at his desk job, and still longing for the stage, Martin came upon ballroom dancing by accident.  Walking in to a studio one day, he inquired what kind of experience was necessary to become an instructor, and was delighted to be hired and then trained.  Martin began his career in professional ballroom dancing right then and there, and hasn’t looked back.

After a couple of moves, Martin eventually ended up in Ottawa with his wife Marilisa Granzotto, also a talented ballroom dancer.  They came to open the Arthur Murray Dance Studio now just up the street from The Gladstone, and the two have worked side by side raising a family and running a business ever since.   In addition to their strong and successful partnership, Martin and his wife are also committed to their family.  For Martin, the kids are a priority, and he is comfortable knowing that by doing what he loves to do and by trying his best to do it well, he is setting a good example.   Now, with his better half running the show at the Dance Studio, Martin is finally starring in the real life role of his lifetime – as hero in his own dream scene.

As much as he loves a good show, opening The Gladstone is all about business for Martin.  Convinced that there is room for a commercial theatre here in Ottawa, he is serious about the success of his endeavour.  Not wanting to rely on philanthropy or public funding, Martin knows that to compete in an “arts & culture town”, he has to provide outstanding customer service in addition top notch performances, and he knows that he needs bodies in the seats. 

It seems Martin’s midway days may have left a lasting impression.  Almost instinctively, he understands that its not just the big prize that brings customers back, it is the sum of their theatre experience.  He also knows the way he deals with people makes or breaks that experience – so he does everything he can to ensure its a good one – even if it means stepping out in a canary yellow jacket.  For Martin, that’s just show business.

Here are some more interesting insights from the man behind the marquee…

♣  What constitutes a perfect day?  Mont Tremblant with my kids.

♣ What is your greatest indulgence?  More than anything, I savour time with my kids.

♣ What are your most treasured belongings?  Photographs.  It may sound cliche, but it is true. 

♣ What impresses you?  Integrity and good service.

♣ Favourite movies?  Ooo.  That’s easy.  I’ve got five, and I never get tired of them.  The original Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, The Sandlot, The Princess Bride and A Christmas Story.  They’re all feel good stories that are funny without being stupid, and I can watch them with my kids.

♣ Favourite Ottawa spots for eating out?  Dominic over at the Trattoria Caffe Italia on Preston offers fabulous food and great service.  I’m a regular over there, and Dominic looks after me.  Oh, and Moe Attallah’s Newport Restaurant on Richmond Rd. is a local legend for good reason.  His reputation is well earned.  If its not right, he fixes it.  Simple.

“There will be setbacks and false starts. There many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.”

grid·lock n. 1. A traffic jam in which no vehicular movement is possible, especially one caused by the blockage of key intersections within a grid of streets. 2. A complete lack of movement or progress resulting in a backup or stagnation.

Some might lament the residual effect of old scandals, or successive minority parliaments, or even the emergence regionalized political parties.  Others might blame voter apathy, a lacklustre civil service, or a profound breakdown in trust that is impossible to attribute to any single cause.  But most would probably agree that we’ve arrived here as a result of a combination of these factors. 

Somehow, I don’t think it needs to be this complicated, and I wonder whether we may all be missing the point entirely… 

Ask yourself what kind of Canada you want.  Are you confident you have the knowledge and expertise to state without hesitation precisely what is best for us all?  Are you sure you really know how to achieve peace, prosperity and justice at home and abroad?  Do you understand the complex traditions of parliamentary procedure and the intricacies of Canada’s machinery of government?  Could you articulate in detail exactly what changes are necessary and would you be equipped to make the right decisions at every step of the way – without the benefit of a diversity of perspectives or careful and thoughtful analysis? 

Probably not. 

And yet this is exactly what we have come to expect from our leaders.  We have become too easily impressed by a show of knowledge, dazzled by a flash of feigned expertise and even distracted by seemingly authoritative policy platforms.  It’s all about the issues we think, and about making sure we align ourselves behind an agenda we can relate to or support the representative who shares our view of the world.   We’ve been very busy dutifully considering pros and cons, studying up on complex questions of science, economics or culture, and furiously speculating about the possible impact of a strategic vote.   We have come to accept the premise that we too must know it all, and that if we take our citizenship seriously, an election should be a rational, rigorous intellectual process.  To vote on instinct, without all of the relevant information, has become antithetical to how we operate as a society – and places too much emphasis on personality. 

I disagree.  I think too narrow a focus on the correctness of any given idea leaves us blind to the critical question of leadership.  

Leaders Who Behave!

Leadership isn’t about how sharp or quick a person is.  It shouldn’t be about subject matter expertise or the precise details of a plan.   Instead, we voters should place our trust in leaders who we believe will do the right thing, regardless of circumstance or rhetoric. Our judgements should be made on the quality and character of an individual’s behaviour rather than the breadth or depth of their knowledge, and our evaluation of their performance should be based on how well the behavioural attributes of leadership have been demonstrated. 

How open is their mind?  How well do they listen? How would they act in the face of a difficult challenge? How well is conflict understood, and how is it managed? How are interests balanced when making a decision?  Once a decision is made, how transparent are the reasons for it, and how well are they communicated?  Most of all, how well are suggestions treated and what exactly will a leader do with them?

An emphasis on behaviour over knowledge is by no means a new idea.  The notion of behavioural competency assessment is about as established as it gets in the world of human resources management, and anyone who has been through a “behavioural interview” can attest to their revealing nature. 

When filling a job, managers who want to distinguish between equally qualified candidates will pose the same hypothetical “what did/would you do?” question to each individual.  In doing so, the manager can much better gauge a candidate’s capacity to problem solve through analysis, judgement and flexibility.  At the end of the interview process, a manager makes a subjective decision about “fit”, based on instinct and informed by personal and organizational values.

Change the Questions We Ask:

If this approach can apply to each other, then why not to our leaders – especially at election time?  Next time around, whether it be the national televised debate or a chance encounter at a coffee shop, here are a few questions to ask.  Maybe you’ve heard them before… 

♦ Give an example of a time when you could not participate in a discussion or could not finish a task because you did not have enough information.  

♦ Tell me about a specific occasion when you conformed to a policy even though you did not agree with it. 

♦ Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to gain information needed to solve a problem; then tell me how you analyzed the information and came to a decision. 

♦ Describe a situation in which you were able to read another person effectively and guide your actions by your understanding of his/her individual needs or values.

♦ Describe the most creative work-related project you have completed.

♦ Give me an example of a time when you had to analyze another person carefully or a situation in order to be effective in guiding your action or decision.

♦ What did you do in your last job to contribute toward a teamwork environment? Be specific.

♦ Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job, and tell me how you solved it.

♦ Describe a situation in which you were able to positively influence the actions of others in a desired direction.

♦ Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.

So What Kind of Canada Do I Want?

My Canada is a place where we don’t simply respect our differences, we try to understand them.   It is a place where we recognize that a diversity of experiences and perspectives, combined through genuine collaboration, can fuel innovation and drive change.   It is a place where our hearts and minds are receptive to new possibilities, where ideas are welcomed and nurtured, and where bold actions are celebrated. 

My Canada is also a place where kind and constructive honesty between people is more valued than perceived politeness, where we dig deep to uncover the source of our disagreements and where our efforts to come to real and lasting resolution are sincere.  Most of all, in my Canada we have the courage to do things differently, the integrity to confront our mistakes and the sensitivity to learn from them. 

This is the kind of behaviour I expect of leaders in the face of very real challenges, regardless of where I might stand on the issues. 

In my kind of Canada, this is kind of leadership that will earn my trust.

So was it fate?  Perhaps. 

Today, I happened on this for the first time, and…well…it did the trick!

You too can think different.  

Even in Ottawa. 

Especially in Ottawa.

I dare you!

Think Different

Here’s to the crazy ones.

  The misfits.
    The rebels.
      The troublemakers.
        The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules.
     And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them,
     disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
      Because they change things.
 
They invent.    They imagine.    They heal.
  They explore.    They create.    They inspire.
    They push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.
 
While some see them as the crazy ones,
   we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world, are the ones who do.

(From the Apple “Think Different” ad campaign, 2007)