As we gathered for our second Connect&Lead workshop, a profound sense of discovery and growth filled the room. Each participant brought their unique experiences and perspectives to an exercise called coaching circles, where they shared challenges and provided mutual feedback. This created a rich tapestry of insights and reflections. Through our conversations, a profound truth emerged: embracing vulnerability can profoundly transform how we lead. This realization opened the door to deeper connections and revealed the power of authentic leadership within our teams.
At the heart of Connect&Lead, our leadership development program, lies the principle of Authentic Leadership. This is the art of guiding others while being true and transparent. An authentic leader leverages their strengths and acknowledges their weaknesses, fostering trust and respect within their teams. They are seen as human and approachable, which enhances their ability to connect deeply with others.
Equally important is fostering a Culture of Healthy and Sustainable Performance. This means creating a work environment that values both short-term results and long-term employee well-being. It promotes personal and professional growth, encourages collaboration, and maintains a balance to prevent burnout. The ultimate goal is a workplace where people feel continuously motivated and supported, enabling the company to thrive sustainably.
Our first cohort of this program launched in early spring this year. The participants include both managers who directly support their team members and emerging leaders. At Connect&GO, an emerging leader is someone who stands out through their achievements and their ability to effectively guide their peers. They naturally become a reference in their field and a crucial pillar of support within their professional environment.
Through the exchanges we had as a team, the importance of investing in our people and leadership became increasingly clear. These interactions highlighted that nurturing our leaders is fundamental to our success and culture. Personally, I experienced numerous beautiful moments of vulnerability that pierced through our usual defenses, creating genuine connections and deep understanding. This process underscored the immense value of taking a step back, allowing ourselves the time to reflect and truly acknowledge our progress.
In our fast-paced world, carving out moments for introspection is crucial. It was in these quiet moments of reflection that we found the strength to accept the discomfort that often accompanies growth, viewing it not as a setback but as a natural and essential part of our journey. These moments of vulnerability and reflection have underscored that embracing our humanity is not only powerful but necessary for authentic leadership and a thriving, sustainable culture.
This collective insight reinforced our belief that the essence of true leadership lies in the courage to be vulnerable, the wisdom to reflect, and the commitment to support each other’s growth. By fostering an environment where these values are cherished, we are not just building better leaders but also a stronger, more resilient organization.
Ariane Desrosiers
Co-Creator of Connect&Lead
VP, People & Culture
Ariane Desrosiers is a results-driven HR leader known for her expertise in cultivating high-performance cultures. With a strong business focus, she currently serves as the VP, People & Culture at Connect&GO, where she spearheads impactful programs that drive excellence. She holds a Master's degree in HR Industrial Relations and is a Certified Prosci Change Practitioner with the coveted CHRP designation. Her passion lies in transforming workplaces to empower individuals and foster growth and innovation.
Jean-Paul Richard
Co-Creator of Connect&Lead
Founder, Tangible Coaching
Former freestyle ski coach, Jean-Paul Richard, operated in the highest echelons of elite sports before dedicating himself to management coaching. His approach, focused on creating environments of well-being and performance, enabled the Dufour-Lapointe sisters to win gold and silver at the Sochi Olympics in 2014. He also held various leadership positions at Cirque du Soleil. A certified integral development coach, he teaches executives the principles of emotional intelligence and engaged leadership.
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