An interesting read that illustrates a need for education and professional development opportunities that will contribute to leaders who are deep generalists able to practice a way of thinking that connects multiple fields and cross-disciplinary thinking. This article explains that innovation needs "deep generalists or modern-day polymaths, whose knowledge is deeper than that of generalists and broader than that of specialists.” If you are a polymath, you probably already know it but this quick, fun quiz about yourself can help you learn more.

Many of us working at the grassroots levels of our communities have been saying for years that networks are more powerful than hierarchies. However, it may have taken a pandemic to make it clearer to those like Malcolm Gladwell who share his thoughts in this article for INC. Community builders, this is your time to shine. 

"I think that, whereas in the past we used to think a lot about just-in-time management, now we have to start thinking about just-in-case - preparing for events that are generally certain but specifically remain ambiguous but give us limitless capacity for adaptation, variation, and invention. And, the less we know about the future, the more we're going to need these tremendous sources of human, messy, unpredictable skills." --Margaret Herffernan

The above is an excerpt from a wonderful Ted Talk from Margaret Heffernan.  Watch it at this link.

Working remotely is hard. Or, is it? The reality is that some people are really enjoying the opportunity to work from home, others perhaps not so much.

A lot of the difference can be explained by individual personality types. This article via Fast Company provides A practical guide to working remotely with all 16 personalities types.  If you're not aware of your own Myers-Briggs personality type already, start with better understanding your own by using this free test at 16personalities.com. Feedback suggests that virtually everyone who has used it has found it to be uncannily accurate. 

It used to be that the boundaries between organizations and sectors were pretty clear. Today, that no longer appears to be the case. It is in part because of the complexity of such issues as poverty, racism, global warming, affordable housing, violence etc. that have made it necessary for sectors to come together to respond.  Additionally, services that have typically been provided by traditional organizations are in some cases being outsourced to the private sector or are being delivered by businesses.

Today's complex health, social, economic, and environmental challenges require future-ready community leaders at all levels able to drive collective impact and large scale, transformative change.  Unless leaders are working across sectors to ensure systemic change, It will become 

Not a new concept to many but good to see that systems leadership is being championed at a global level. Of course that won't happen unless those in positions of authority prioritize "eco" systems rather than "ego" systems....here's hoping. In the meantime, what is systems leadership, and how can it change the world? Read more at this link from the World Economic Forum.

Interesting read via @SmartBrief that explores the relationship between curiosity and innovation.  As the author Dave Coffaro suggests curiosity leads to questions, and questions are how we bring the Art of Inquiry to life.

Financial accounting is at the heart of the “operating system” on which the global economy runs. So why aren't the environmental and social effects of that economic activity part of that system?  Companies, investors, and consumers need an expanded set of metrics that more broadly and accurately measure risk, return, and value. In addition, they need practices that support relevant data collection, management, and integration into strategy and decision making.

Read the thought provoking artlcle at Stanford Social Innovation Review 

Many cities, regions and towns are in the process of developing music strategies. The best examples are those focusing on music as a holistic, community benefit, across economic development, tourism and inclusive growth. This thought-provoking article via the World Economic Forum suggests music is a vital urban resource that requires attention. How do we plan for it? Read more at this link.

Great article from Fast Company magazine that provides insights on the idea of a 'soft city' and how urban design can facilitate a neighborhood built on relationships! Good cities are ones that make these connections possible. They can look different and exist in different contexts, but they share an overarching and essential quality,  which the author calls “softness”—a stark contrast to the rhetoric of “grind” and “harshness” that’s often applied to urban life . 

Read the full article at Fast Company.  

The Toronto HomeShare Pilot Project is a provincially funded partnership between the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly – housed at U of T – and the City of Toronto, that  matches post-secondary students with older adults willing to rent their unused space for the academic year. 

The Ontario Ford government is cutting $15M in the current budget (13%). Read more in this CBC article to better understand the significance of this cut. Read Brenda Herchmer's response here.  

77% of Canadians agree or strongly agree that arts experiences help them feel part of their local community. Article from Municipal World: 5 Ways to Build a Culture of Belonging Through Arts and Culture. Read more at this link.

The small towns that refuse to die: Schemes to woo new blood about more than just staying alive. Read more.  

This blog by Seth Godin is brilliant, succinct and should really make you think about why work is or isn't going well. It will make you think not only about the future of work but where you personally want to be working. Read more at this link. 

Can we resdesign cities to fight loneliness?  Simple and smart ideas to create more connections in city life.

Read more at this link.

Kindness means good business so make kindness a part of your brand vision.  

Read more at this link

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Doctor's Orders: The Montreal Museum of Fine Art (MMFA) partnered with the Médecins francophones du Canada doctors’ organization to let doctors write prescriptions for museum visits. 

Read More at this Link

When British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed a minister of loneliness in January, it made news all over the world. Was a ministry devoted to something as intangible as a feeling seriously a thing? The jokes comparing the position to Monty Python’s “Ministry of Silly Walks” almost wrote themselves.

Read more at this link.

Some people become leaders no matter what their chosen path because their positive energy is so uplifting.

Even in tough times, they always find a way. They seem to live life on their own terms even when having to comply with someone else’s requirements. When they walk into a room, they make it come alive.

Read more from Rosabeth Moss Kanter at this link. 

Benches, trees, multi-modal transportation, and local food are a few of the suggestions in the Center for Active Design’s new Civic Design Guidelines. 

Read More At This Link. 

This excellent thought-provoking article by Rosabeth Moss Kanter takes a look at innovation and what it really means. 

Read More At This Link 

The rapid pace of change – and what it means for municipal leaders via Municipal World.

"In a poll, most Canadians thought that we were a top-five country for kids. We’re far from being a leading country.

Interesting trend. Bored retirees are turning to entrepreneurship.

Stuck? Looking to jumpstart new ways of thinking and fresh ideas? 

One would think that focusing on your leadership strengths, authentic leadership, and taking a stance were tried and true leadership trends.  Research may suggest otherwise.

 A recent set of partnerships between Uber Canada and various car-

Great article from Baltimore about a program called Thread that is mobilizing the community to ensure kids have hope and success. Interesting to see how they are using an app called Tapestry. .

The Windsor City Council Compensation Review Committee was disappointed that not a single member of the public showed up at a meeting this week to say whether the mayor and city councillors deserve pay raises.