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Why the ‘Glass Cliff’ May Not Be Real (and What We Should Focus on Instead)

The “glass cliff” has been back in the media as of late, with both Forbes and Fast Company recently publishing articles on the subject. This may have been triggered by the appointment of Jane Fraser as the new CEO of Citigroup—a move that led some commentators to express concerns that Fraser was being put on […]

You can’t lead if others aren’t willing to follow

by Dan Oswald What makes a great leader? That question has spurned endless debate and discussion for centuries. In business, we strive to identify those with strong leadership skills and put them in positions where they can lead others. I was a having a conversation about leadership with a business colleague the other day. At […]

‘CEO’ Simplifies Dress Code; Wins Best Dressed Award

While CEOs are often known to wear expensive attire to project the correct power image, one international “CEO” decided not to dress like his predecessors but to continue on with his own simple personal style. In the process, he won the 2013 Best Dressed Man of the Year award from Esquire magazine—and sent a message […]

Canadian Employers May Be Obligated to Provide References

by Stephen Acker and Christopher Ferguson Letters of reference are understandably important to employees. For many employees, they are considered essential rather than a hopeful add-on to an application. A glowing letter of reference from a trusted source can sometimes tip the balance and lead to a hire. A bad or withheld letter, or one […]

Massachusetts

Earned Sick Time Law: Do Unions in Massachusetts Have to Comply?

After Massachusetts voters approved the Earned Sick Time Law (ESTL) referendum in 2014, a group of construction industry employers filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to declare that the new law couldn’t be enforced against them because they are parties to collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with unions. So far, the courts have replied that […]

DOL Takes Critical View of Santa’s Workshop

After a long day, an employment lawyer has just settled his brain for a brief winter’s nap. Suddenly, he hears from his waiting room such a clatter that he rose from his adjustable ergonomic office chair to see what was the matter. As he throws open the door, he sees a plump old elf, who […]

Managers Must Manage

The other day, a colleague told me about one of his first tests as a new executive. He had recently been promoted when one of his direct reports — who had been a peer — recommended to him that an employee be put on a performance plan. When the newly promoted executive explored the situation […]

flourishing

Eudaimonia: There’s No Flourishing Without Struggle

In 2015, I changed my job title from Chief Executive Officer to Chief Eudaimonia Officer. I hypothesized that cultivating eudaimonia—the ancient Greek word indicating “human flourishing”—would make Widen one of the world’s best places to work.