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The New Social Contract

Thirty years ago, employees sought jobs that would offer stability, a competitive salary and good benefits. These life careers would allow the employee to identify with their employers and establish a great sense of trust between the two. Thirty years later, the typical worker has seen over nine jobs. The promise of lifetime employment has been replaced with the opportunity for professional growth, the recognition of accomplishments, and open and honest communication. This change represents an evolution of expectations between employee and employer described as the New Social Contract. This contract is characterized by individualistic motives that place more responsibility on employees for their own success and prosperity in the employment relationship.

 

The question asks itself, why has this change occurred? Studies have been done that indicate factors like global competition, technological advances and deregulation are the primary drivers. I would like to point to an underlying issue that is often ignored, but is perhaps the most important factor in business and arguably the most important in life: TRUST.  Trust in employers has eroded considerably in the past 30 years. In 2003, a survey conducted by the Centre for Ethical Orientation (CEO) indicated that “nine out of ten Canadians view trust as declining worldwide, and most feel that they are losing trust in private businesses and government institutions.” The director of CEO, Mr. Jim Allen, commented “Generally, in today’s society it takes more to earn people’s trust than it used to. The thing that is most troubling is Canada appears to be moving from a high-trust society to a low-trust society.” He also speculated that much of this lowered sense of trust is do to a feeling of being mistreated and ignored by their employer. This is nothing new, in fact, about three years ago in an Entrepreneurial Culture competition at the Telfer School of Management, Dr. Bruce Firestone spoke to myself and fellow classmates in a workshop about this very issue. The following quote from his website (www.dramatispersonae.org) accurately reflects those words spoken that day, “I believe that the number one thing in life is not love but trust. If you can’t trust the people you love, you have to wonder if they deserve it. Certainly in business and the professions, trust is everything. Did you ever buy anything from someone you didn’t like or trust? Probably not. Do you think you would ever want to hire an architect or an engineer or a doctor that you don’t trust? I don’t think so.”

 

I have a great example of how this relates to the new social contract, and what it means for employees and employers today. Two weeks ago, I quit my job. I had been working for nearly seven years in the public service. I was making a very competitive salary, I had some of the best benefits in the nation, and my pension was gaining some ground. My management was doing their job, and some of my co-workers were the kindest people I had ever met. So why did I leave? The main reason of course, lies in the new social contract, and what happens when it is not honoured. In my situation, the people were not the problem, the issue however; lied between myself and the institution. The enticements of old no longer appealed to me, and how could they? A lifelong position at the early age of 27, or competitive pay in a world of opportunity seem to lose their appeal very easily. The deal breaker lies in the underpinnings of the new social contract, and to the extent that each side has met their obligations. Were the pay and benefits proportionate to contribution to company success, or was security tied to my ability to perform? Were respect, recognition, and participation complimented with opportunities for growth and development? Perhaps not as much as I would have liked.

 

Enter potential employer number two. This employer builds a trust based relationship years before the very mention of possible employment. This employer extends themselves to provide opportunity, education and mentoring, all during the course of their work, which ironically enough, coincides with their true passion in life and hardly seems like work at times. This employer places the ball in my court, and places me in an environment in which I can make something for myself, and though hard work, diligence, team work, and TRUST, success will become an inevitable by-product. This employer does have a new set of expectations however, and they are perfectly in line with the new social contract. These expectations include: performance to the best of one’s ability, commitment to the objectives of the firm, participation, a willingness to constantly improve, and a strict adherence to ethical and honest behaviour. Such is the makeup of Partners Advantage GMAC Real Estate, and the opportunity provided for me by Dr. Bruce Firestone.

 

I have traded in my job security, my cash-for-life government pay and pension, my paid holidays, four weeks vacation time, and all the little perks of being pampered in the public service for a chance to see what I can do in the private sector (not to mention in a time of ‘economic crisis’). Concerns of holiday and compressed day scheduling have been replaced with a concern for whether or not any income will be made in the future, or whether or not I will be sharp enough to make the most out of opportunities all around me. I have chosen a career in an industry that I love, and want nothing more than to perform in it to the best of my abilities. I have surrounded myself with people that are doing what they love to do as well, people that respect each other and the industry in which they operate, and most importantly, good people that I can TRUST. This is where I want to be, and this is what I want to be doing.

 

What are your thoughts on the New Social Contract? Is it playing a role in your life as well?

Uncategorized

Sustainable Community Design

A GREEN initiative that I would like to explore is one that is still catching on around the world and may show the most potential to help improve the quality of the environment, the quality of human health, and the enjoyment of individual and family life. Sustainable community design is a concept that re-organizes life according to a concepts that are often overlooked all too often in society: family, community and environment. An environmentally friendly and sustainable community is one that permits mixed use developments, maximizes the use of the natural surroundings and environmental conditions, and is designed in a way that doesn’t require outside sources of energy to get local processes done.

 

 One of the best examples that comes to mind is a community design that Douglas Paterson and Kevin Connery created and published in Landscape and Urban Planning, issue 36 (1997). The “master plan for Jericho Hill Village is a product of applying ecological design parameters as determinants of the community’s form and function”. Some of the highlights of this community are VERY interesting, have a look:

 

  1. Energy Systems
    1. 80% Heat-Energy Savings through exploiting the solar aspects of the site through orientation, thermal masses, high efficiency windows, and location and arrangement of the housing (maximizing day lighting and heat gain to each room). Efficient electrical and mechanical systems, ground source heat recovery systems and roof mounted hot water panels.
    2. 50% savings in transportation energy from creating mixed use development areas. Corner stores and workplaces are located within a 500m walk of all residents. Centralized transit stop to serve as commuting hub.
  2. Water Systems
    1. 60% water savings through open spaces through the communities that channel surface runoff, distribute it, filter it and treat it – thus purifying the water before it is released into the head waters of existing creeks.
    2. Ground water recharge zone under streets, surface runoff into drainage swales, biofiltration beds and green roofs help maintain the hydrologic cycle.
  3. Waste Flows
    1. All of the waste water is processed in solar aquatic greenhouses located at each neighbourhood’s lowest point of elevation, as well as within certain housing developments.
    2. Solar aquatics and adjacent grey water reservoirs are associated with community orchards and gardens where compost and nutrient rich water can be utilized. Solid wasted and composting facilities are also associated with community gardens.
  4. Vegetation
    1. Centralized design permits 60% of the village to remain forested, which would otherwise by consumed by roads, paths and buildings.
    2. The 45% of land within the village that is not consumed by roads and buildings is developed into an urban forest, community agriculture, or recreational open space.
    3. Forests are mixed canopy forests that support complexity and movement for wildlife and provide for viable nesting habitats. These also moderate microclimate changes  by providing shade and wind protection.
    4. Within the village, 60% of the villages food demands are provided for by numerous agricultural operations and numerous allotment gardens.

5. Housing

 

The housing is designed with two, three and four storey generic massing. Such a design will allow for optimal solar energy use, and will provide sufficient population densities to justify local commerce and hubs for local transit. The height restrictions also allow for optimal use of collected and recycled grey water, for anything higher would require larger footprint.

 

6. Spatial Form

 

The village has a civic ‘spine’ that runs from north to south, that will be a pedestrian corridor containing a church/meeting hall, transit hub, commercial core, post office, library, recreation centre and even a school. This spine is never more than 350 meters away from any home, and in most cases is less than 200 meters. Population density will of course be regulated, and pedestrian-only paths and streets will account for most of the streets.

 

The idea of designing a community that is built for the automobile is, and has been the trend ever since the end of the second world war, when the concept of suburbia was popularized to give the booming population their own piece of the country lifestyle (medium sized frontyards and backyards), while not actually removing themselves from the mass of the community, as the common rural lifestyle does. What has happened, is that this form of community design has become an unbreakable pattern that is upheld and enforced through the city of Ottawa, and as a result many developers are finding it impossible to bring any of these unique ideas to life. Recently, in my City Planning course with the City of Ottawa, we were analyzing a proposed development, and how the city had made objections due, in short, to a design that was impractical for the everyday use of the automobile. We had one gentleman raise his voice when he proclaimed, “Since when do we design communities for the automobile?” He then went on to explain that he was member of a development committee for his particular area in which he lived, and he has become disgusted with how many thoughtful and innovative designs get turned down from the City do to a conflict with archaic regulations that do not reflect the true needs of communities, the environment or even the evolution of everyday lifestyle.

 

Another great example of such a struggle is exemplified by Dr. Bruce Firestone (Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Broker, Partners Advantage GMAC Real Estate, Bokerage; Founder of the Ottawa Senators, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa). As he explains, “When we were planning a 600 hundred acre development which we called West Terrace, around what was then called the Palladium (now the Corel Centre where the NHL’s Ottawa Senators play), I had many meetings with local planners about our concept design. Along Palladium Drive, we showed nightclubs, caf’s, shops and other services fronting on the street. But where are the six meter buffer strip, the double loaded parking aisle, the side yard requirements? they cried. I tried to explain that we wanted to develop a mixed use place somewhere that people could shop, work, live and play a walk about place. But it wasn’t in their zoning codes so it couldn’t be allowed”.

 

We are left with a history of regulations that appear to be out of date, and a changing set of needs that demand some sort of reform. What, you may ask, is being done about this? This past weekend I took a trip to City Hall to find some information on just that.  The best information I could find was summarized in the Directory of Environmental Initiatives, entitled “Getting Greener: On the Path of Sustainability. In the development section, their identified targets only speak of a) requiring subwatershed plans or environmental management plans prior to consideration of development, and b) meeting a target of 36% new dwellings within the Greenbelt by 2011. Digging into the specific paragraph about Design Guidelines for Development, much mention is made about ‘supporting’ and ‘promoting environmental sustainability in development’. When it comes to the details about HOW they support these objectives however, (get a load of this): “by specifying design guidelines for Greenfield neighbourhoods, arterial main streets, large-format retail, drive through facilities and collector roads”. UNBELIEVABLE! While they go through the trouble of printing these books on 100% recycled paper, make use of green lettering within the text for effect, and make mention of somewhat progressive environmental initiatives, the very specific guidelines they are employing are directly catered to the use of the automobile! Four out of five of their tools involve automobile accommodation, and the single one that doesn’t make specific mention of the automobile is vague enough to interpret either way.

 

While I acknowledge the effort, and commend the City on making environmental sustainability an apparent priority, there is still more I would like to see. Perhaps a little more open-mindedness from the City in terms of innovative community design. They could hold competitions that would encourage sustainable design, they could offer grants to pursue more the research and development of environmental initiatives, or perhaps create a specific branch devoted to new environmental concepts and give them some authority. There is a great deal of room for improvement, and it is imperative that we get our ideas out there.

 

What kinds of ideas can you think of that would support GOING GREEN?

Uncategorized

Line 219 – Moving Expenses

Did you know that GOING GREEN is not only friendly on the environment, but can also be friendly on your wallet? By moving closer to where you work, not only would you spend less money and time on transportation, but the move itself could qualify you for a number of tax return deductions, thus keeping more of your hard earned money in YOUR pocket. These deductions apply to those who are employees, self employed and even full time students (in the event that, say, you moved closer to school). Many of the eligible moving expenses include transportation and storage costs for household effects, traveling expenses, meals, and temporary accommodation. You may even qualify for deductions relating to the cost of canceling a lease, legal fees, transfer taxes and even the cost of selling the home! With all the benefits to GOING GREEN (help the environment, save more time for you and your family, save wear and tear on your vehicle, reduce probability of a collision, improve your productivity and enjoy greater flexibility in your schedule, and now tax incentives – to name a few), the move has never made more sense.

 

Do more for the Earth, your family, your job, your health and now your wallet – GO GREEN!

 

Determine the moving expenses you can claim by going here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns206-236/219/menu-eng.html .  

 

What other ways do you think we can improve our lives by going GREEN?

 

 

 

Go Green! Live Closer to Where You Work!
Download the free spreadsheet to calculate the approximate amount of CO(2)
you generate per annum by driving to and from work.

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Visit www.ottawarealestatenews.com today!

 

Real Estate - ANALYSIS

To Flip or Not to Flip?

We are well aware of the flipping craze that is taking both our nation and TLC by storm, and we have all certainly heard the perks and the drawbacks to pursuing these types of projects. We have heard many stories about impressive sums of money being both made and lost, and even our fair share of horror stories when it comes to the actual work that is done on the property. There is however, one aspect of a flip that I seldom hear anyone speak of : the COORDINATION efforts involved in making a flip a success. A word of warning for those contemplating a flip – this can become a full-time job! If you have a busy lifestyle as is – you may want to reconsider.

Not only does one person have to have done their homework in finding the right opportunity (a daunting task in itself), but the actual execution of the flip can require over a dozen different parties! Between architects, general contractors, bankers, mortgage specialists, realtors, and a half dozen subcontractors (minimum) – the amount of meetings and volume of correspondence is mind boggling. This doesn’t include the due diligence phase of hand picking the team members from a long and detailed list of potential candidates.

When you add up all the projected revenues and expenses from the project, do not forget to factor in the value of your time! When you figure out your initial projected timeline, factor in how valuable that time is to you, and subtract it from your profits to get a better idea of the true profit. Don’t forget to pay yourself!

 

Thoughts?

Real Estate - ANALYSIS

Lowest and Best Use?

Those familiar with Real Estate certainly know about the Highest and Best Use Principle. It states that the highest and best use of a property is one that produces the highest property value. Now while `highest` here doesn’t necessarily mean to build up, when I say LOWEST, I do however mean to build downwards – a little play on words. Now I have worked in buildings that had office space, workshops and gyms atleast 60 to 80- feet underground. If one watches the beginning phases of the construction of office towers, they will see what I am talking about. Now what if this principle was applied to other types of buildings? What if industrial buildings were to keep their warehouses underground? What if residential buildings had basements with 12 foot ceilings? Grocery stores and their stock, retailers and their clothes etc. With current technology, architecture and design, underground space need not be limited to boiler rooms or parking garages anymore – and it isn`t. If one spends about 5 minutes on GOOGLE, they can find magnificient examples of how the ground below us is being developed in certain parts of the world. What I am suggesting is thinking about how everyday development projects may make use of this concept. If landowners are looking to maximize the use of their land and make use of its potential – they should not only consider building up to maximize the surface area, but also those aspects of the development that may be just as well suited below ground.

What are your opinions on building underground?

Real Estate - ANALYSIS

Agricultural Innovation out of Necessity?

I have a Global Environmental Challenges class at the University of Ottawa, and we are currently focusing on population dynamics and the strain it is causing on the earth. It got me thinking… what may need to occur, or what would `save` the world if you will, is another agricultural revolution. With the whole `green movement` as of late, there has been a tremendous focus on innovation in Real Estate development. What is missing (in my opinion), is architectural innovation with respect to agricultural land development – building UP instead of OUT for example. I know there are already people working on these types of ideas – I have seen a picture or two. My question is… what do you think will happen to the value of agricultural land if (or maybe WHEN) there is another agricultural revolution, and new and innovative development is ALLOWED on agricultural land?

 

Is this something that you think could ever happen?

 

Global trends would have me believe that such an event may happen out of necessity (main driver of innovation), and when it does – the currently low valued AG land may skyrocket.

 

 

Thought Process - THOUGHT PROVOKING

The Power of Positive Role Models

From the early age of one or two years old, young children begin to copy other peoples’ behaviour.  Over the next few years, these children will begin to take on behaviours and gain a sense of self and follow through on their own ideas.  It is during this impressionable time that a positive role model will be able to influence a child’s life and create a foundation for positive and constructive behaviour.  Many children become inspired to aim for goals and achieve ambitions which they think are beyond themselves.  Here, qualities that are highly valued by business, such as perseverance, strong work ethic, determination and pride begin to grow.

In a recent survey, 100% of respondents explained that they have adopted more than one positive or constructive trait from a positive role model. Qualities that were said to be inherited directly from a positive influence included confidence, courage, self-control, sense of responsibility and the ability to prioritize and self-manage. These qualities are extremely valuable to employers because they are qualities that one can only teach to a certain extent. These qualities maximize their potential only when they are adopted by inspiration. Such deeply rooted qualities make up the content of ones character and are strong and constructive traits. Since employees are a company’s most valuable resource, the quality of this resource will play a dominant factor in how successful a business can become.

 

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of positive role models is that they are able to reproduce themselves in the sense that the defining qualities of the role models transfer themselves into new hosts via adopted behaviours. Since these traits cause one to act or behave in a certain manner, positive role models could be interpreted as a source of renewable energy. This process becomes a pattern, where the new host refines and displays the inherited qualities that in turn inspire others, further spreading the influence. This process is recognized as being so significant and vital to society in general that many organizations’ sole purpose is to bring forth and refine these qualities. The University of Ottawa is a great example of such an organization.

 

 

If a business is able to fully comprehend how positive role models are created and how they can reproduce themselves, it can, if carefully managed, harness this power for their own purpose. The beginning of the positive role model cycle explains that certain behaviours arise from specific needs. The key here is to create an environment where a need can become satisfied if certain behaviour is presented. Once the behaviour is presented, it is to be glorified and rewarded accordingly. This will in effect inspire others to adopt similar behaviours; the cycle of the positive role model begins. If this environment is properly managed, it can be used as a system that creates positive role models that demonstrate values, ways of thinking and acting that are in accordance with a business’s vision and purpose.  

 

The influence of positive role models on business is one that is invaluable. Positive role models are a unique form of energy for businesses because they are able to motivate and inspire workers to perform at a level would otherwise seem beyond themselves. Most notably, this source of energy is able to reproduce itself in the sense that the traits that make up a positive role model are contagious, and pass along from person to person in the right environment. Using this knowledge, a business should be able to create this environment and use the concept of positive influence to guide the direction of its employees in the direction its vision and purpose dictates. The central theme of this blog will hopefully inspire original thought in the reader about how positive role models not only affect themselves and those around them, but how business models and certain situations can benefit from the concept of positive influence.

 

Thought Process - THOUGHT PROVOKING

Momentum – an Exercise in Human Potential

Ever feel like you are in a rut? There is just not an ounce of motivation left in your body? Sometimes it lasts for hours, or even a few days – and it happens to the best of us.

 

What about the other side of the coin? Ever feel on a roll? There is just nothing in your way that could slow you down? You feel as if you are on top of the world and the stars are aligning for you? This is momentum – and it is much more useful than most people realize.

 

Let’s create a character called Joe. Now Joe is faced with many challenges in the near future, say University exams, qualifying runs for a track meet, selling his home and even a possible career change. If Joe makes it through the first half of his challenges successfully, what does that do for Joe?

 

  • Increased confidence
  • Focused on successful execution
  • Positive personality traits emerge
  • External perception improves
  • Increased energy levels from enthusiasm
  • Time freed up for newer challenges
  • Limits tested
  • Lessons learned

 

What I have come to notice, is that all of the traits that emerge from a little momentum, place the subject in a better position to continue to succeed at overcoming a greater number or more difficult challenges. What I mean is, lets say Joe passes all of his University exams and the track meet, then if you look at the 8 points I put up above – they ALL increase slightly. The result is that Joe will now have a more favourable set of circumstances to complete the next challenges with. If many of these effects are short lived, doesn’t it stand to reason that the best time for Joe to take on a new and great challenge would be right after he succeeded at the last?

 

I ask myself if it makes sense to structure one’s objectives in peaks and valleys over time, with planned rest/vacation during the valleys and slightly higher peaks as time goes on. This type of structure would not only provide the benefits of structure, defined SMART objectives, and vacation (recharging of the battery), but it would also allow one to reap the benefits of momentum as listed above. These benefits would not only increase your probability of success, but it also allows you to improve upon that probability and ability time and time again. This type of regimen would be similar in principle to how a person trains their physical body = with an approach that aims to test limits and then improve upon them – using all the synergies of structured diet, rest and exercise. Momentum provides for many, perhaps less obvious synergies, that could very well stand to help individuals achieve great accomplishments.

 

After writing this blog, I will find a yearly calendar and write down all of my goals in the margin. After this, I will plan them out in peaks and valleys throughout the year (perhaps 4-6 of each with 2-3 month rises in objectives). I will consciously make my goals slightly more aggressive, and even daunting to some extent – just make sure I am continuously challenging myself.

 

For more readings, research SMART objectives, and maybe even the benefit of Vacation/Rest time.

 

All the best,

 

MVE

Uncategorized

Hello world!

Welcome to my blog!

This is my first entry, and I am looking forward to many more. I have a feeling that an outlet like this will prove to be quite addicting!

For the past few days now, I have been contemplating what my first entry should be about, and I think that maybe some sort of point of reference is the best idea – a free form bio of some sort.

Here goes:

I am 26 years old (27 in a few weeks), I am an Ottawa native and I am proud of it. I am currently in my fourth year at the University of Ottawa pursuing my Honours Degree in Management, and I am a full time employee at the House of Commons where I work in Pay and Benefits. The heart however, lies with Real Estate. Approximately two years ago I entered an entrepreneurial competition at University, which is out of character for me because I have never been extremely competitive with others (only with myself – I have never strived to ‘beat’ anyone for recreational purposes), and I have never entered competitions like this before. There was something about this competition that was different though – it was launched by an extremely successful Real Estate businessman, and it offered a top prize of $7,500.00, a nice purse to put towards a Real Estate project. So I applied, and was chosen in the top 10 out of hundreds of applicants. I went through a series of workshops and met some other entrepreneurs, most notably Renaud Breault and Dr. Bruce Firestone. I was paired with Renaud, and he really helped me narrow my focus and keep me grounded while I was trying to take on the world. I would soon learn that Dr. Firestone would make an excellent complement as a mentor, with his confidence fuelled approach to a world of endless opportunity. We met a few times to discuss my ambitions, and he would selflessly provide me with ideas, contacts and resources. Then I was fortunate enough to get a seat in one of his classes at the University of Ottawa in his Seminar in Business Administration class, where he taught us many of the principles of success as he saw it, and encouraged us all to get out of our seats and apply this knowledge into our business ambitions. After keeping tabs on him for another few months while trying to put together some projects, he ‘dropped the bomb on me’ – Get my REALTOR’s license, and take my ambitions and education to work for him. As soon as I left the room I got started!

I now find myself not only a full-time student and a full-time employee, but I am now on the most aggressive REALTOR’s licensing schedule possible, and I volunteer with Dr.Firestone every Monday this summer (not to mention my ongoing Real Estate projects in motion). The only unfortunate thing about all of this work is that there are not enough hours in the day to do them all, and my only fear is not doing them all justice.

I find that my philosophies on life have changed since I have embarked on this intense journey. For one – anything worth having is worth working hard for. If you really want something and you want to claim it as your own – you need to earn it more than anyone else. Second – dont fear failure, because until you fail at something, you will never know what your potential is. How would one ever realize the true top speed of a car if they never took it to the redline?  How would a powerlifter ever know how much they could lift if they never attempted to lift and could simply not complete a repetition? Both of these examples involve failure, but the lessons learned make all the difference. The lessons learned set new benchmarks, and set the stage to explore new potentials. That being said – you will never know if you dont try. Some people tell me I am taking on way too much work, and that I will burnout. To them I say ” and what if don’t? What if I never tried to push my own limits – wouldn’t I be selling myself short? That is what I am afraid of – not the failure”.

Now dont get me wrong, this is only a short term strategy. I graduate in 9 months, at which point I will be able to focus my energy on my work and ambitions and really make interesting work for myself. When I think about how much effort I will be able to devote to my work at that point I get goosebumps. I am really looking forward to making a big difference out there!

Quickly before I leave, perhaps I should speak about my motivation. Its really quite simple – I work so that I will one day have a strong and healthy family. I blieve that my purpose in this life is to provide for and take care of those I love. My instincts have always been that of a provider. I have always been territorial and protective of those I care about – qualities that I believe attract me to Real Estate. I believe that people should have rights to their own land, be able to participate in economic endeavours, and be safe in doing so. Another reason why I am proud to be Canadian.

That concludes my first blog entry. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have a better understanding of where I feel I stand in this world and what I hope to achieve. I hope that my effort will one day allow me to reach a significant amount of people and be able to help others where I can.

All the best,

Marc Evans