Colin Ellis, The Agenda with Steve Paikin Journalist Profile

Articles

Expectations of us and me

3 days ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

We work at our best when we understand what’s expected of the team that we’re part of and what’s expected of us as individuals. Too often, managers will provide one and leave the other open to interpretation. This creates uncertainty or sometimes, in the case of teams, conflict as members struggle to understand who is doing what, and when. When we understand what’s expected of us and of me, it not only generates greater collaboration and it also makes personal contribution easier to understand.
Is nostalgia holding you back?

5 days ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

Nostalgia is an affection for the past and when it comes to work many people yearn for a time long gone. If nostalgia is put to good use it can provide fuel for a vibrant culture.
Canadian Public Accountability Board eases enforcement action against Smythe LLP

6 days ago | canadian-accountant.com | Colin Ellis

TORONTO, June 1, 2025 – Two years after prohibiting Smythe LLP from accepting new publicly traded audit clients, the Canadian Public Accountability Board is easing its restrictions on the Vancouver-based accounting firm.
There’s nothing constructive about criticism

1 week ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

Throughout my career I worked for managers who were great at giving criticism, but who were light on the ways to address what they perceived my flaws to be. I fully recognised (more so as I matured!) that I wasn’t the perfect employee, however — like most people — I wanted to do well and please those around me, whilst maintaining my sense of individualism. Yet, being on the end of their ‘tough love’ never generated feelings of motivation. In fact it did the opposite.
Young people today

1 week ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

Before you bemoan the actions, communication styles or habits of ‘young people today’, it’s worth remembering that you were young once. When you first came into the workforce — regardless of what you did — you had been raised differently than your parents had been raised. You had access to more information than they had.
Meetings are killing your culture

1 week ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

Meetings are killing your cultureIn this video I talk about the problem that meetings are causing and provide strategies for things you can do to stop them killing your culture. It’s also available as a podcast too. Simply search for ‘Colin on Culture’ on your app of choice.
10 leadership biases that prevent culture change

2 weeks ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

One of the questions that I’m regularly asked either by senior leaders at the start of a culture initiative or by delegates at conferences is ‘What have you seen at other organisations that we can learn from?’I have many stories and case studies that I share. I always start with the positive ones (there are some good examples here), but it’s the negative ones that they are often most interested in.
The Outlook rule that saved my inbox

2 weeks ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

Email started to become a ‘problem’ for me as a manager in 2008. Prior to that, it was a bit of a novelty, however, we didn’t establish any rules around how it should be used, and so it was no surprise that it soon became the (lazy) way that all information was communicated. It wasn’t long before I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of messages in my inbox and if the statistics are to be believed then things have become significantly worse in the years since.
The only thing you’re in control of at work

2 weeks ago | colindellis.medium.com | Colin Ellis

You bringing your most self-aware, emotionally intelligent self to your place of work is the only thing you’re in control of. This control is likely to be severely tested as you go through your day by:People not in control of their emotionsUnclear prioritiesVolume of workComplexityWork that lacks stimulusBureaucracyTechnology fails; andOther outside factorsHowever, if you can stay in control throughout these events then it’ll be a good day.
Canadian Public Accountability Board eases enforcement action against PKF Antares

2 weeks ago | canadian-accountant.com | Colin Ellis

TORONTO, May 18, 2025 – The Canadian Public Accountability Board has permitted allowing PKF Antares Professional Corporation, Chartered Professional Accountants, to accept new medium-risk reporting issuer audit clients, including those resulting from initial public offerings, reverse takeovers, or other transactions.