Canadian HR Strategy

Spring/Summer 2014

Human Resources Issues for Senior Management

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12 Executive Series Digest hrreporter.com leadership Leader isn't a titLE P ositions of power or a seat in the C-suite do not a leader make — leadership is an ongoing role that has little to do with your job title. at was the message John Cassaday, president and CEO of Corus Entertainment, shared at a Strategic Capability Network (SCNetwork) event in Toronto earlier this year. Being a leader isn't just about getting that promotion or landing the corner office — for Cassaday, leadership is about collaboration, shared values and actively engaging your team. "I have a little acrylic message on my desk… that says that great leaders see greatness in others. It's hard to be a great leader if all you see is yourself. at really, I think for me, epitomizes what it's all about," he said. "It's a role — it's not a position. Every one of us and every person in your organization has a role in leadership." And taking on a leadership role encompasses many different things — most importantly common values, team- work and collaboration, and a strong focus on recognition. Shared vision, values For Cassaday, values aren't just limited to your personal life — they're the building blocks of a successful organization. "Earlier in my career, I thought values were really more about how you led your life personally — I didn't think they had much relevance to corporations," he said. "(But) I believe the modest success that I've enjoyed in my career is really and truly attributed in large part to my personal values — more so than any particular technical skills that I have or any insights that I can bring." And values are a big part of what makes Corus, which has about 2,000 employees, an employer of choice, he said. "Early on, we developed a set of core values and a vision statement for Corus, which I talk about on every single occasion that I have to meet with employees. Much to my surprise and delight, I found out that our core values are the single most important thing that give people pride in working for our company." ose values — which include accountability, knowledge, initiative, innovation and teamwork — are also the founda- tion of Corus' employee engagement surveys, to ensure they are practising what they preach, said Cassaday. "We survey our employees on a bi-annual basis and over 90 per cent of our employees participate. And every year, our satisfaction rates have gone up — despite the fact that we've had to do many, many difficult things including as recently as yesterday with a number of layoffs," he said. Gathering employee feedback is one of the best ways to ensure company values are being upheld throughout the management structure, said Cassaday. "is is the value of looking at data and making sure you really understand what you're doing. Because you talk about core values and then (if) the people you put in charge to steward those values are not good stewards, you're wasting your breath entirely." Leadership is a role that isn't granted by a promotion or getting the corner office: CEO By Liz Bernier John Cassaday, president and CEO, Corus Entertainment

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