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Inside Leadership Training with GridSmartCity (GSC)
GridSmartCity is a collaborative consortium of Ontario electricity distributors (LDCs) and industry partners, formed in 2009, that pools resources, shares innovations, and conducts industry research.
High Customization and Flexibility
Jenny McGeachy, GSC, notes that MCE made it possible to customize the content extensively.
MCE Facilitator, Bob Jones, reinforces this, stating that "customized content is critical" for connecting with the audience.Gap-Filling and Industry Relevance
Art Skidmore of GSC, mentions that while standard industry training exists, "there's little gaps," and the goal of the HR committee was to fill those specific voids.
This ensures the training isn't just theoretical but solves actual operational problems.Immediate Practical Application
A successful leadership program must bridge the gap between classroom theory and daily routine.
Jenny McGeachy shares feedback that participants "couldn't wait to get back into the everyday routine and be able to put that into practice," with many confirming they actually applied what they learned.Facilitation of Career Progression
MCE training is a vital tool for employees transitioning from technical roles to management roles, a common challenge in engineering and technical fields.
Shevan Mustafa transitioned from a Design Engineer to a Supervisor, and eventually to a Manager. Shevan credits the training with giving him the tools to manage his team and succeed in his new, elevated role.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
GridSmartCity: A Case Study
With common goals and service standards, GridSmartCity was looking for an organization to develop a customized, and targeted leadership training program for their cooperative.
Inside Exceptional Customer Service with Terra Greenhouses
TERRA Greenhouses is a family-run Ontario-based garden centre chain known for its locally grown plants, modern retail experience, and lifestyle products.
Strategic Vision and Business Integration
The video highlights the unique partnership between MCE and Terra. Developing and executing a strategic vision that goes beyond traditional business models.
By integrating leadership training with commercial retail, leaders demonstrate foresight in creating mutually beneficial ecosystems for learning, innovation, and real-world application.Employee Empowerment and Development
Nicole Roynon of TERRA speaks about the company culture and the focus on the "Terra team" that indicates a leadership commitment to employee development.
A core tenet of effective leadership is investing in people, fostering a positive work environment, and empowering staff to grow and contribute meaningfully to the organization's success.Customer-Centric Innovation
This video reflects a leadership trait of understanding and anticipating customer needs and desires.
Leaders drive innovation not just in products but in the entire customer experience, transforming a TERRA into a destination for lifestyle inspiration and exceptional customer service.Adaptability and Market Responsiveness
Effective leaders must be responsive to changing market trends and consumer interests.
By diversifying product offerings and embracing new markets, the leadership at Terra shows a willingness to evolve through training and stay relevant in a competitive retail landscape.Future Ready Leadership Perspective: FRL Graduate Jamie Rychard
Aspiring Fire Service Leader | Consultant | Workplace Wellness Specialist | Fire Service Executive Management graduate
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Effective leadership training breaks down silos by bringing together individuals from diverse departments.
Jamie notes that the "best thing about FRL" was the "cross-functional ability to actually work with different individuals from across the corporation and all the different departments."This exposure allowed him to better understand different leadership styles and frames of reference.High-Quality, Engaging Facilitation
MCE training thrives on our facilitators' ability to blend content with engagement.
Rychard specifically praises the facilitation, noting that content was delivered with "creativity and innovation as well as with a little bit of humor," which made the progressive curriculum more effective.Spaced Learning for Long-Term Retention
Spreading training out over a longer period allows for the transfer of knowledge from short-term to long-term memory.
Jamie emphasizes that spacing the learning out is superior to a "crash course of just four days."This structure allows participants to take techniques back to the job, apply them, and turn them into long-term habits.Prioritization of "Soft Skills"
MCE training places equal weight on interpersonal skills as it does on technical ability, which is critical for moving into officer roles.
Rychard states that the program demonstrates that "soft skills are just as important as the hard skills." MCE leadership training prepares you for the "non-emergency times" where personal relationships and stakeholder partnering are key.Facilitating MCE: A Chat with Sandra Summerhayes
Dynamic & very popular amongst our participants, MCE facilitator Sandra Summerhayes shares a long history with MCE and why it continues to succeed.
Deep Relational Experience and Trust
One vital aspect of MCE's success is built on the long-term, trusting relationship between the facilitator and the client organization.
The collaborative relationship is not just transactional; it’s a partnership where both MCE and the client are "working together", crucial for consistent program quality and adoption by participants.Mastery of Flexible, Engaging Facilitation
Our facilitators' success is due to their ability to adapt their style to fit the diverse needs of the audience, ensuring maximum engagement and connection.
MCE testimonials often point out "dynamic, skilled facilitation" with praise for injecting "joy, laughter and comfort" within our diverse participants.Integrated Client Partnership
Facilitators with a long history with MCE and our client organizations allow them to become an integrated consultant, rather than an external vendor.
The facilitator gains a "sound understanding of client needs, challenges, principles and constraints," allowing for hyper-customization over time.Cultivating Workplace Happiness and Positivity
MCE training uses a positive psychology approach, viewing happiness and optimism as fundamental skills for effective leadership.
With a focus on soft, yet critical, competencies like optimism, flexibility, play, and passion, MCE facilitators work to build high morale, reduce stress, and improve team collaboration.