"Welcome to Canada."

 Maybe we all need to hear that "welcome to your new country" speech. Many of us have been here too long and take things for granted. This is the best country in the world to live in. This morning's economic news says "West Jet profits Soar." I blinked, an airline crowing about it's profits, (up 72% over last year), it's been a while! I do know that if airlines are making money, the rest of us aren't far behind.

In Canada, three car manufacturer's sales are up over last year: Ford 8%, Honda 14%, and GM 5.8%. Car sales are one of those leading indicators that tell you whether your employer is going to do well or not. In France unions are fighting legislation to change retirement from age 60 to 62. Oh the hardship of it all. meanwhile France's economy is stumbling under the weight of these social plans. Heh, you should have moved to Canada!

I can go on but in general, countries around the world are struggling while the good news for BC keeps popping up in our headlines. BC enjoys a mild weather climate and it also enjoys a preferred economic climate. The world is trying to immigrate to Canada, and when they get here, they're trying to move to BC. You and I are already here!

I can't tell your employees this, but here's what I would tell my children.
1. At work keep very quiet, (as in 'shut up'), and thank your lucky stars you're employed and that you live in BC. In the entire world, this is the best place to be.

2. Don't ask for a raise. Your employer has been hit with at least a 30% drop in revenues and is trying to rebuild. Just be grateful you're working.

3. You have a regular paycheque which is more important than a big paycheque. Whatever you're getting paid, - it's enough. If income mattered then only poor people would have financial troubles, and that's not true. When people have financial difficulties they come from all income levels. When people succeed financially, their income usually doesn't have much to do with it. Asking for more money means you don't understand money and I've taught you better than that.

4. Think of your paycheque like chinese food. Eat all you want, you'll be hungry in an hour. What you do with your paycheque is what matters. Assets, net worth, is something you can do with any income. Financial security is about character, not about income.

5. If you don't like your boss, don't complain. Find a different job. What's the matter with you? Your grandfather brought me here on a refugee freighter that lacked both concierge and business centre. It had bunk beds, three high, like a floating camp. I researched it. Today I have clients with bigger yachts than the boat I came over on.

6. If you don't like your co-workers, treat them like your own children. With kindness, patience and a helping hand. Everything will change for you and for them. The only people that annoy us are the ones we don't like. Start liking people.

7. When you get a performance review, listen and accept what they tell you. Don't prepare for it. I know I told you you're special, but I'm your Dad and sometimes I tell lies. In the big world, special is a place you have to earn on your own. You can do it if you listen.

8. I love you, you're the best kid a father could ask for. You are special.

On Nov. 17th, besides performance reviews, I'm going to help you deal with the pushback and resistance that goes with evaluating people. It's the reason for today's letter, to help you remind your staff about how lucky we all are. Don't give out more money, remind everyone we're lucky to be where we are!

See you for breakfast,
Wolfgang

"Welcome to Canada," the seminar
A lunch and learn, 1.5 hr event that reminds employees how lucky we all are. Why your company is great. Why the executives aren't incompetent, their customers are valuable, their products and prices are fair, and that they're not surrounded by incompetents and that whatever they're earning, - it's enough! When it's over they'll all be laughing and happy they're working for you.

Things are fine in your company and in this province. We as leaders have to take a stronger stand and make our case. Let's lead, - from the front of the room, ok?

GVRD Lunch and learns start at $650 for groups of under 20, in your boardroom.

"Work is like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired—you quit when the gorilla is tired." (R. Strauss)