Blog

Do You Need an Attitude Adjustment?

By Edwina | 4 December 2023

“A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You won’t get anywhere until you change it.” -author unknown Creating a positive attitude is one of … Read more

Building Trust

By Edwina | 27 November 2023

Nothing undermines productivity and morale in a workplace like a lack of trust. If people don’t trust you, they find it hard to work with … Read more

Marching Into the Future

By Edwina | 20 November 2023

With thousands of graduates entering the workforce soon, job hunting is at its peak. One of the most popular narratives in the HR world is … Read more

There’s No Tiptoeing Around It

By Edwina | 13 November 2023

It’s not surprising to hear many of my leadership training participants say they avoid or delay giving constructive feedback. There are several reasons given but, … Read more

Family Gets It Done

By Edwina | 3 November 2023

It doesn’t matter what you are facing, if you have your strong team facing the same direction, walls will come down. The secret to good … Read more

Understanding Self-Confidence in Leadership

By Edwina | 30 October 2023

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” ― Theodore Roosevelt The single greatest thing you can do for your success is to build and learn to … Read more

Are you Adaptable?

By Edwina | 23 October 2023

Leaders need to be adaptable and flexible. Charles Darwin says it best, “It’s not the strongest or the most intelligent who survive but those who … Read more

We Need to Talk

By Edwina | 15 October 2023

The Value of Networking Networking is more than just a buzzword. Taking the time to network and build relationships is a key soft skill. It’s … Read more

You’re Running Out of Time!

By Edwina | 6 October 2023

The Multitasking Myth Multitasking is exactly what it sounds like – trying to do more than one thing at a time. Many of us multitask … Read more

New Partnership in Leadership Development

By Edwina | 2 October 2023

Avail HR Training Solutions is thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership with HR Project Partners dedicated to connecting businesses from the West to East Coast, … Read more

How to be a Better Listener

By Edwina | 2 October 2023

Remember these three little guys who represent an instruction to avoid bad behaviour? There are various meanings to these ascribed monkeys “See no evil, hear … Read more

Leadership is in Crisis

By Edwina | 25 September 2023

For many years it became evident to Human Resource (HR) professionals that there is a leadership development crisis. No doubt there is a whole bundle … Read more

Signs of the Times

By Edwina | 17 September 2023

Signs, signs, everywhere a-signs? When did it get to the point where businesses became littered with despairing ‘help wanted’ billboards and advertisements? With all the … Read more

Are You a Curious Person?

By Edwina | 10 September 2023

Do you ask your team a lot of questions? As a former journalist, one traditional tool still comes in handy today for leaders. Applying the … Read more

Connections Leadership Training starts November 2, 2023

By Edwina | 2 September 2023

To register, complete this form and return it to edwina@availhr.com OR book a call to find out more.

Refuelling

By Edwina | 16 June 2023

I love helping people and providing them with counsel from my business perspective. I am continuously struck by the feedback I receive from my work. … Read more

diverse business team

Read Them Like a Book (Part 3)

By Edwina | 12 June 2023

One of the strongest traits of a great leader is the ability to understand different behaviours. Analyzing behaviours helps you understand your people, how they … Read more

Read Them Like a Book (Part 2)

By Edwina | 5 June 2023

As we already established, knowing how to read people is an important leadership skill. Reading is one of the most efficient ways to acquire knowledge. … Read more

Read Them Like a Book (Part 1)

By Edwina | 28 May 2023

You’ve likely heard, or even been told, “I can read you like a book.”  The meaning behind this phrase implies you are able to understand … Read more

A-I A-I No

By Edwina | 20 May 2023

When I hear A.I., I’m drawn to the classic nursery rhyme ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’ that teaches children the names of animals and their … Read more

Oops!

By Edwina | 15 May 2023

A Recipe for Kneading Through Mistakes How do you handle mistakes at work when it feels like it’s the end of the world? “Mistakes have … Read more

Do You Need a Kick?

By Edwina | 8 May 2023

Four Strategies to Avoid Procrastination (Part 2) “Why do today what you can do tomorrow?” How many of us have heard that comment? As leaders, … Read more

Eat the Frog

By Edwina | 1 May 2023

Four Strategies to Overcome Procrastination (Part 1) When you procrastinate, the people you lead will lose confidence in you. My accountant will tell you I’m … Read more

The Power of Body Language

By Edwina | 22 April 2023

“Watch” how I feel and think. Understanding body language does more than improve relationships – you can gain insight into others’ thoughts and feelings. Because … Read more

Read My Body Language – Facial Expressions

By Edwina | 16 April 2023

“Don’t read my lips.” Most of us have likely heard, or even used, the famous expression, “read my lips” when we what someone to understand … Read more

Read My Body Language – The Eyes Have It

By Edwina | 9 April 2023

Have you ever gotten or given “le look”? We often use these French-English words as a cue from the eyes to be mindful of what … Read more

Read My Body Language – Hands Speak

By Edwina | 2 April 2023

To paraphrase my mother, “It’s not what you say, but what you do,” has a great deal of truth to it. As I referenced in … Read more

Read My Body Language – Head Position

By Edwina | 26 March 2023

Having a deaf-mute brother gives me a personal appreciation for the value of body language in communication. I recall him handing me a card at … Read more

3 Ways to Keep Your Team Motivated

By Edwina | 19 March 2023

It can be hard to keep your team motivated day after day. Motivation isn’t just an intrinsic drive, nor is it the application of an … Read more

Why Me

By Edwina | 12 March 2023

This photo represents the most obvious me.  I often look serious, I like to dress for success, and I love a good mug of tea. … Read more

Are you a Desk-Bomber?

By Edwina | 4 March 2023

There’s been a lot of HR buzzwords since the pandemic. To name a few, there’s the Big Quit (also known as The Great Resignation), hot-desking, … Read more

Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall

By Edwina | 26 February 2023

Do you have employees who are not focused, lack enthusiasm, and show no interest in their work? Have you wondered why they’re feeling this way? … Read more

Give the Gift of Feedback

By Edwina | 19 February 2023

In the early days of my journalism career (the late 1980s), during which I worked hard to prove my worthiness to fill this male-dominated occupation, … Read more

Before-and-After Questions to Ask Your Employees

By Edwina | 12 February 2023

After you’ve successfully implemented your new employee plan, it’s time to sit back and relax. Wrong! Not following up with your employees is like driving … Read more

happy woman at desk

11 Ways to Empower Yourself at Work

By Edwina | 5 February 2023

Anyone can attain personal empowerment. It depends more on your actions than on the size of your bank account or the title on your business … Read more

The Link Between Well-Being and Success (Self-Leadership Part 4)

By Edwina | 30 January 2023

We cannot take care of others unless we take care of ourselves first. This holds true professionally, personally and physically. Being in a healthy state … Read more

Embrace Constructive Thinking (Self-Leadership Part 3)

By Edwina | 21 January 2023

To be a happy person, you have to think constructively. You have to look at things in a positive way and determine how they will … Read more

Tools to Build Character (Self-Leadership Part 2)

By Edwina | 16 January 2023

Behaviour is something that comes naturally in intense situations. But we can learn to control our reactions and, as a leader, you are definitely going … Read more

Time to do a “Selfie” (Self-Leadership Part 1)

By Edwina | 8 January 2023

It’s time to look at leadership from the inside out. I have been privileged to train many leaders at various levels, from CEOs to aspiring … Read more

Reflections and Resolutions

By Edwina | 2 January 2023

Although I hesitate to use the hackneyed expression “Times have changed,” it ‌does fit with this picture I captured recently just minutes from my home.  … Read more

Ending the Year on a Positive Note

By Edwina | 11 December 2022

Holiday Thoughts While many people in the area have lost everything, there’s no denying we have all been impacted by the September hurricane. Whether you’ve … Read more

2 workers disagreeing

How to React to Criticism without Feeling Defensive

By Edwina | 5 December 2022

Have you ever gone into defensive mode after someone criticized you? You’ll remember your walls going up, and all you wanted to do is shift … Read more

woman serving front desk

Creating a Culture of Recognition

By Edwina | 29 November 2022

Being appreciated is a basic human desire. And praise and recognition are essential to an outstanding workplace and its employees. A friend recently introduced me … Read more

Everything DiSC® Virtual Train the Trainer

By Edwina | 28 November 2022

January 17-19, 2023 Presented by Avail HR Training Solutions in Partnership with The Learning Edge. Experience DiSC®: Experience the DiSC® assessment process Receive personalized profiles … Read more

manager talking with 2 employees

What’s Your Body Saying?

By Edwina | 21 November 2022

“Actions speak louder than words.” How many of us have heard this proverb? It’s true. According to Albert Mehrabian’s Communication Model, 55% of communication consists … Read more

puzzle pieces

Are You a Piece of the Puzzle at Work?

By Edwina | 14 November 2022

The key to successful leadership in today’s working world is influence, not authority. This is a different mindset for those of us who are Baby … Read more

carrot dangling from string

Carrot vs. Stick: The Secret of Intrinsic Motivation

By Edwina | 2 November 2022

We all need a little motivation from time to time, and it’s important to know we are not all inspired the same way. What’s your … Read more

Weathering the Storm

By Edwina | 1 November 2022

What Fiona Has Shown Me It has been a tough month for so many people. Empathy is a word that is often confused with sympathy. … Read more

Tips on How to Say “No”

By Edwina | 24 October 2022

Do you have time anxiety? Time is moving too fast.  There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get through the to-do … Read more

Are You for Real?

By Edwina | 17 October 2022

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or a small act of … Read more

Still Standing

By Edwina | 9 October 2022

It’s been over two weeks since the southwest coast of Newfoundland was shattered by Hurricane Fiona, destroying our shores and breaking our hearts. Houses were … Read more

dialing on phone

Connecting With Your Voice

By Edwina | 2 October 2022

For those of us old enough to remember Bell’s campaign from the 1970s, “Reach out and touch someone,” it encouraged people to pick up the … Read more

Siri, What is Emotional Intelligence at Work?

By Edwina | 18 September 2022

Creating the right intelligence system is critical to developing workplace resilience. Employee well-being expands beyond the importance of cognitive intelligence (IQ). The pandemic has brought … Read more

Edwina by car

Hitting the Road Post-Covid

By Edwina | 12 September 2022

Gosh, it feels good to be doing in-person training again! It ‘almost’ feels like things are back to normal. They’re not. Each time I hit … Read more

How Do You Create Constructive Conflict?

By Edwina | 25 August 2022

Conflict is a normal part of any relationship; thus, it’s an unavoidable part of the workplace. When conflict is not handled appropriately it can impact … Read more

What’s Mine is Yours

By Edwina | 5 August 2022

“Find a job you love.” This age-old advice has been longstanding from inspirational names like Confucius, Marc Anthony, Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, and many more. … Read more

woman manager listening to staff member

Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

By Edwina | 1 August 2022

Begin with the end in mind. The role of an authentic leader is not understanding how to move an organization forward. The journey towards authentic … Read more

networking at business reception

Communicating Your Why

By Edwina | 28 July 2022

Effective leadership starts with skillful communication. Marathon Gold understands why both external and internal communications are compelling for business growth and performance. I recently attended … Read more

Me-Time

By Edwina | 5 July 2022

Me-time is essential to a person’s health and well-being. Often, people think that me-time is a day at the spa or something else extravagant that … Read more

It’s Lobster Season

By Edwina | 14 June 2022

It’s lobster season in my neck of the woods. Atlantic lobster is a favoured dish that has been fished from these seas for centuries. Area … Read more

Mini but Mighty

By Edwina | 7 June 2022

I always enjoy providing training at Deer Lake Airport. This mini but mighty airport has grown so much in recent times, modernizing travel efficiencies, offering … Read more

handbook

How to Manage Your Workforce

By Edwina | 24 May 2022

A business is only as good as its team. Whether your business team is 2 people or 20, you are responsible for managing their effectiveness … Read more

team meeting

More Thoughtful Perks That Won’t Break the Bank

By Edwina | 19 May 2022

A look at other ways to reward your staff. When recruiting and retaining staff in a competitive market, you need to think beyond the financial … Read more

My Cover

By Edwina | 10 May 2022

“I don’t get the image choice. I’m not getting this idea of peaceful coexistence.” These were a couple of comments I received from market experts … Read more

business team enjoying pizza together

Thoughtful Perks That Won’t Break the Bank

By Edwina | 3 May 2022

Never underestimate the power of appreciation. The undeniable secret to the success of all good businesses is the relationship between their supervisors and employees. Sometimes … Read more

Leverage Their Strengths

By Edwina | 3 May 2022

Einstein said everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life thinking … Read more

Do You Know Your People?

By Edwina | 27 April 2022

Strengthen your relationships by leading from within… within yourself and your team. What type of leader are you? Are you an independent or an interdependent … Read more

Learned vs Inborn Traits

By Edwina | 20 April 2022

Because soft skills are talked about as traits of a person’s personality, it may seem as though you have to be born with them. While … Read more

How to Assess Your Business or Department (Part 3)

By Edwina | 15 April 2022

This article continues from How to Assess Your Business or Department (Part 2) and is the final installment in this series. Step 9: Review Your … Read more

How to Assess Your Business or Department (Part 2)

By Edwina | 31 March 2022

Continuing on from How to Assess Your Business or Department (Part 1), this article covers the next steps in the assessment process. Step 5: Review … Read more

business leader with team in meeting

How to Assess Your Business or Department (Part 1)

By Edwina | 16 March 2022

If you’re a business owner or CEO, either two years into a new business, or before the first investor is contacted, it is important to … Read more

What’s Your Job Description?

By Edwina | 13 March 2022

Crafting a job description for a leadership role is not an easy task. There are so many responsibilities that are not often seen in the … Read more

Knit One, Purl One

By Edwina | 2 March 2022

Just like the art of interlocking two loops of yarn to create something cohesive and valuable, employers need to weave both hard skills and soft … Read more

Avail Releases Online HR Catalog

By Edwina | 21 December 2021

We are happy to release our new online HR Catalog that includes further details on all our exciting products and services. Click Here for full … Read more

Connections Leadership Journey Program – Open Enrollment

By Edwina | 22 November 2021

Our Connections Leadership Journey Program has an Open Enrollment for 2022 – see details below:

Avail Takes Another Leap & Re-focuses Direction

By Edwina | 30 June 2021

Amidst all the Covid-19 chaos, Avail has been busy pivoting, reinventing and learning new training material. Included in Avail’s new model is a partnership with … Read more