Is there a leader among you?
Michael Stern, Financial Post
Experts warn that businesses of all sizes in Canada face a succession crisis in the next few years as Baby Boomers plot their exit strategies. Most business leaders know this. But knowing it is one thing, taking action is something quite different: Sadly, it's still on the "to-do" list at many firms.
As Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, might say, "the urgent is getting in the way of the important." The many challenges of running a business preclude spending quality time preparing for succession. But the biggest rewards will accrue to the leaders who set aside day-to-day work to take steps to strengthen their business. It means taking a hard look at where it is going and what sort of skills the next generation of management will need.
If key executives are even beginning to think about leaving the company, now is the time to start managing that transition. It's a golden opportunity to determine where the company ought to be in five or 10 years and execute a plan. Most companies, rarely look more than a year ahead. But without long-term, committed effort, they are likely to be caught flat-footed when key employees decide to leave.
To focus your company on the future, first admit it's hard to do inhouse. You can't plan a major renovation when you're fighting fires. It's best to hire outside consultants or coaches who understand strategic planning and will take time to get to know your company. They not only bring expertise to bear, but also keep
you focused on the planning process despite the daily crises that pop up to distract you. With this help, start exploring the most crucial questions: How is its market changing? What will it look like in 10 years? What are the key long-term factors affecting the business? What are its principal strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats?
Then look at leadership: Focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the next level of leaders. This disconnect becomes most obvious when companies look ahead to life without the current leader and begin to recognize the gap between the needs of the business and the skills of potential successors. There may be no one internally who is leadership material. A chief executive should be a visionary, a motivator, not a "doer." Many skilled business people -- finance experts, sales directors, operations executives -- have trouble moving from managing functional teams to overseeing an entire company.
In my experience, promoting from within eliminates some of the unknowns that come with hiring externally, so companies should investigate all potential candidates. Many multi-talented people bloom slowly, like rare orchids. And those who seem to lack certain skills or experience might blossom under mentoring or coaching.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Permits proposed to curb renovation hassles
Permits proposed to curb renovation hassles
Helaine Becker came home from a trip a few years ago to find a neighbour doing a major renovation had built a construction fence down the middle of her driveway.
"They had the fence for nine months. They damaged our car, they flooded our basement and we never did receive any compensation for the damage," Becker said in an interview at City Hall.
Her family would have had to take the neighbours to court, she said; that would have been time-consuming, costly and stressful.
Toronto's licensing and standards committee decided yesterday that a permit system is needed to help homeowners like Becker who live next door to problem renovations.
Frequently, homeowners have to use their neighbours' property temporarily to put up scaffolding or move equipment when doing major excavation or construction.
A patchwork of rules across the city govern the neighbour's right to access, but most say your neighbour has the right to temporary use of your property if there's no other way to do the work.
Usually, neighbours work out an agreement. But when that doesn't happen, says the committee, the homeowner who is doing the work should have to get a permit and state how long the project will take before using the neighbour's property.
Under the proposal – which must still be approved by city council – the affected neighbour would get a chance to comment and city staff would inspect the property. The homeowner doing the work would have to promise to repair any damage done to the other property and post a deposit.
If the work isn't done by the deadline in the permit, or repairs aren't carried out in a timely way, the city could move in and do the repairs, keeping the deposit and charging any excess costs to the offending homeowner's property tax bill.
City staff said similar bylaws are already in place in Ottawa and Windsor. Only a handful of permits are issued each year because neighbours usually work things out on their own.
They estimated that no more than 100 permits a year would be needed in Toronto
Helaine Becker came home from a trip a few years ago to find a neighbour doing a major renovation had built a construction fence down the middle of her driveway.
"They had the fence for nine months. They damaged our car, they flooded our basement and we never did receive any compensation for the damage," Becker said in an interview at City Hall.
Her family would have had to take the neighbours to court, she said; that would have been time-consuming, costly and stressful.
Toronto's licensing and standards committee decided yesterday that a permit system is needed to help homeowners like Becker who live next door to problem renovations.
Frequently, homeowners have to use their neighbours' property temporarily to put up scaffolding or move equipment when doing major excavation or construction.
A patchwork of rules across the city govern the neighbour's right to access, but most say your neighbour has the right to temporary use of your property if there's no other way to do the work.
Usually, neighbours work out an agreement. But when that doesn't happen, says the committee, the homeowner who is doing the work should have to get a permit and state how long the project will take before using the neighbour's property.
Under the proposal – which must still be approved by city council – the affected neighbour would get a chance to comment and city staff would inspect the property. The homeowner doing the work would have to promise to repair any damage done to the other property and post a deposit.
If the work isn't done by the deadline in the permit, or repairs aren't carried out in a timely way, the city could move in and do the repairs, keeping the deposit and charging any excess costs to the offending homeowner's property tax bill.
City staff said similar bylaws are already in place in Ottawa and Windsor. Only a handful of permits are issued each year because neighbours usually work things out on their own.
They estimated that no more than 100 permits a year would be needed in Toronto
Renos pay off for you and Mother Nature
Renos pay off for you and Mother NatureMaking environmentally friendly decisions when you spurce up your home could bring a big return on your investment, especially if you redo the loo or carry out kitchen upgrades
Posted By JAMI MORAN, SUN MEDIA
Posted -38 sec ago
Today's home renovations aren't just about making a house more stylish and comfortable; many projects are undertaken to reduce the impact a home has on the environment.
With the increasing demand for green living environments, homeowners no longer have to choose between whether to make their space look better or perform better.
Making eco-friendly decisions during renovations could potentially pay off in the future, according to a recent survey by Royal LePage. The survey found that making ecofriendly kitchen and bathroom renovations can result in up to a 100% return on your investment.
Thinking of renovating? Here are some ways to give your kitchen or bathroom an eco-friendly facelift.
REMODELLING THE KITCHEN
While kitchen designs and redesigns are usually about fashion and function, a little green thinking can go a long way. Eco-friendly upgrades will not only benefit Mother Nature, they can bring improvements that reduce everything from waste disposal to allergens if you plan properly and choose the right materials.
Rachel Finer, a kitchen design specialist in Toronto, says the materials you use to upgrade your kitchen can greatly improve indoor air quality.
Materials such as formaldehyde, plastic and particle board can carry toxins capable of poisoning the air you breath and, in some cases, even the food you eat. Luckily, suppliers and manufacturers have taken this into consideration and now offer a variety of p ro d u c t s that can actually improve indoor air quality.
"There is definitely a trend toward all-natural components," says Finer, who points to features such as glass tiles and natural stone or butcher's block countertops. Other Earth-friendly products include exotic-looking cabinets that aren't made of endangered wood types and flooring materials such as reclaimed wood, cork and bamboo.
Finer has also noticed that people are becoming increasingly concerned about waste management and garbage disposal in their kitchens.
"Thirty years ago nobody talked about garbage," she says. "Now there are accessories everywhere" designed to make waste management easier and even more fashionable than ever before - from stainless-steel compost bins to slide-out drawers for recycle bins.
Continued After Advertisement Below
Advertisement
Planning to update your appliances? Be sure to look for Energy Star products. Appliances with this certification meet government energy-efficiency guidelines. Though the initial cost may be a little high, these appliances use less energy and water, which is not only good for the environment, it's also good for your wallet.
RENOVATING THE RESTROOM
"When it comes to bathrooms, green means thinking about water conservation," says Shane Judd, product development expert for Kohler.
Judd notes that today's bathroom fixtures are much more efficient than they were 10 years ago.
One of the simplest ways to make your bathroom more environmentally friendly is to install a high-efficiency toilet, he says. By making the switch, you'll be consuming up to 20% less water than a regular toilet uses.
Another option is to install a high-efficiency showerhead. Comparable in cost to regular showerheads, these fixtures can consume up to 30% less water.
One of the cheapest ways to conserve water in your bathroom is to install a low-flow aerator on your faucet. "You'll be consuming up to 36% less water than with a standard faucet," says Judd. "And you really can't tell the difference. It's a simple and inexpensive solution. Simply unscrew the aerator and for a just a few dollars you've made an ecofriendly decision in your bathroom."
The good news is that in order to be environmentally friendly, you don't have to sacrifice style and performance.
"You really can look at design and style choice first, it shouldn't be a tradeoff," explains Judd. "You get expert design and style and the added benefit that it's also eco-friendly."
If your budget is a little more flexible, there are many stylish ways to up the green factor of your bathroom. When shopping for vanities and cabinetry, look for products made of renewable materials. Judd recommends searching out natural materials like bamboo or others that can be grown or engineered easily.
Not only are these pieces beautiful, they'll also improve your indoor air quality. And while they may be a little pricey, they are worth the investment, says Judd.
"They're not going to wear out and you won't find yourself having to replace them in the long run."
- - -
HealthyHouse
A Healthy House is bright, open, energy efficient and welcoming. It can be new or renovated, in downtown or suburbia. Wherever you find it, the Healthy House is characterized by five key elements.
1OCCUPANT HEALTH The Healthy Housing concept promotes superior quality of indoor air, water and lighting.
2ENERGY EFFICIENCY The Healthy House reduces energy use all year long. It minimizes heat loss in winter and gain in summer. It relies on efficient heating and ventilation systems, reduces the consumption of electricity and other fuels, and encourages the use of renewable energy. It also reduces the energy used in the manufacture of building materials and in house construction.
3RESOURCE EFFICIENCY The Healthy House makes efficient use of resources. It is also affordable and adaptable to changing needs. Efficient use is made of building materials, and construction waste is well managed. Durability of building components is essential. The Healthy House conserves resources, especially water and energy.
4ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Healthy House uses alternative water and wastewater systems, encourages site planning that reduces land requirements, promotes resource-efficient landscaping and considers broader community planning issues such as transportation.
5AFFORDABILITY For the Healthy House to succeed in the marketplace, it must be good for the owner, the builder and future generations. Many features of the Healthy House make it affordable, and its design makes it easily adaptable to its occupants' changing needs.
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Posted By JAMI MORAN, SUN MEDIA
Posted -38 sec ago
Today's home renovations aren't just about making a house more stylish and comfortable; many projects are undertaken to reduce the impact a home has on the environment.
With the increasing demand for green living environments, homeowners no longer have to choose between whether to make their space look better or perform better.
Making eco-friendly decisions during renovations could potentially pay off in the future, according to a recent survey by Royal LePage. The survey found that making ecofriendly kitchen and bathroom renovations can result in up to a 100% return on your investment.
Thinking of renovating? Here are some ways to give your kitchen or bathroom an eco-friendly facelift.
REMODELLING THE KITCHEN
While kitchen designs and redesigns are usually about fashion and function, a little green thinking can go a long way. Eco-friendly upgrades will not only benefit Mother Nature, they can bring improvements that reduce everything from waste disposal to allergens if you plan properly and choose the right materials.
Rachel Finer, a kitchen design specialist in Toronto, says the materials you use to upgrade your kitchen can greatly improve indoor air quality.
Materials such as formaldehyde, plastic and particle board can carry toxins capable of poisoning the air you breath and, in some cases, even the food you eat. Luckily, suppliers and manufacturers have taken this into consideration and now offer a variety of p ro d u c t s that can actually improve indoor air quality.
"There is definitely a trend toward all-natural components," says Finer, who points to features such as glass tiles and natural stone or butcher's block countertops. Other Earth-friendly products include exotic-looking cabinets that aren't made of endangered wood types and flooring materials such as reclaimed wood, cork and bamboo.
Finer has also noticed that people are becoming increasingly concerned about waste management and garbage disposal in their kitchens.
"Thirty years ago nobody talked about garbage," she says. "Now there are accessories everywhere" designed to make waste management easier and even more fashionable than ever before - from stainless-steel compost bins to slide-out drawers for recycle bins.
Continued After Advertisement Below
Advertisement
Planning to update your appliances? Be sure to look for Energy Star products. Appliances with this certification meet government energy-efficiency guidelines. Though the initial cost may be a little high, these appliances use less energy and water, which is not only good for the environment, it's also good for your wallet.
RENOVATING THE RESTROOM
"When it comes to bathrooms, green means thinking about water conservation," says Shane Judd, product development expert for Kohler.
Judd notes that today's bathroom fixtures are much more efficient than they were 10 years ago.
One of the simplest ways to make your bathroom more environmentally friendly is to install a high-efficiency toilet, he says. By making the switch, you'll be consuming up to 20% less water than a regular toilet uses.
Another option is to install a high-efficiency showerhead. Comparable in cost to regular showerheads, these fixtures can consume up to 30% less water.
One of the cheapest ways to conserve water in your bathroom is to install a low-flow aerator on your faucet. "You'll be consuming up to 36% less water than with a standard faucet," says Judd. "And you really can't tell the difference. It's a simple and inexpensive solution. Simply unscrew the aerator and for a just a few dollars you've made an ecofriendly decision in your bathroom."
The good news is that in order to be environmentally friendly, you don't have to sacrifice style and performance.
"You really can look at design and style choice first, it shouldn't be a tradeoff," explains Judd. "You get expert design and style and the added benefit that it's also eco-friendly."
If your budget is a little more flexible, there are many stylish ways to up the green factor of your bathroom. When shopping for vanities and cabinetry, look for products made of renewable materials. Judd recommends searching out natural materials like bamboo or others that can be grown or engineered easily.
Not only are these pieces beautiful, they'll also improve your indoor air quality. And while they may be a little pricey, they are worth the investment, says Judd.
"They're not going to wear out and you won't find yourself having to replace them in the long run."
- - -
HealthyHouse
A Healthy House is bright, open, energy efficient and welcoming. It can be new or renovated, in downtown or suburbia. Wherever you find it, the Healthy House is characterized by five key elements.
1OCCUPANT HEALTH The Healthy Housing concept promotes superior quality of indoor air, water and lighting.
2ENERGY EFFICIENCY The Healthy House reduces energy use all year long. It minimizes heat loss in winter and gain in summer. It relies on efficient heating and ventilation systems, reduces the consumption of electricity and other fuels, and encourages the use of renewable energy. It also reduces the energy used in the manufacture of building materials and in house construction.
3RESOURCE EFFICIENCY The Healthy House makes efficient use of resources. It is also affordable and adaptable to changing needs. Efficient use is made of building materials, and construction waste is well managed. Durability of building components is essential. The Healthy House conserves resources, especially water and energy.
4ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Healthy House uses alternative water and wastewater systems, encourages site planning that reduces land requirements, promotes resource-efficient landscaping and considers broader community planning issues such as transportation.
5AFFORDABILITY For the Healthy House to succeed in the marketplace, it must be good for the owner, the builder and future generations. Many features of the Healthy House make it affordable, and its design makes it easily adaptable to its occupants' changing needs.
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)