Legacy Bowes Group Articles

Perception of a company key to success

Fall is the time to say goodbye to golf and hello to hockey and (American) football. But, did you realize these sports are actually "cultural icons" with their own rules that dictate the way both players and observers must act? For instance, the often-vigorous cheering we find at a closely fought hockey or football game just wouldn’t be accepted by an audience trying to enjoy the symphony orchestra or a ballet. In fact, I am sure you would be escorted out of the building.

As we move into mid-August, the fruits of local gardens are beginning to show up on the various roadside vendor stands. Strawberries, cucumbers, peas, beans, and corn — all fruits of our labour that bring a special enjoyment at this time of year. And then, before you know it, fall harvest time will soon be here.

However, just reflecting on these splendid days made me think about a statement by author Robert Louis Stevenson. He said, "Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

I’ll be honest, I am very much enjoying the beautiful summer we are experiencing. Long, sunny days that stretch right out to relaxing evenings without too many of our typical Manitoba mosquitoes. As well, I see much less traffic on my drive to work, because so many people are on vacation. Aaaah, summer is so much more relaxing.

Yet, the word "relaxing" can also be a problem in a summer workplace. There are often issues that can arise from employees who take the summer dress code a bit too far — in other words, they are simply too "relaxed" and that is negatively impacting their colleagues as well as the corporate professional image.

Absence does not make the heart grow fonder.

There are no two ways about it, but most of us are great fans of summer… sunny days, barbecues, long evenings, and opportunities for rest and relaxation. Yet, at the same time, it can be a difficult time for small businesses to juggle all the employee vacation schedules.

Barbara Bowes has been appointed the chair of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council (MWAC), Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, the minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.