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Spring 2020 | Volume 29 Number 1
Published Quarterly by the BC Notaries Association
28years
Rachelle Lee Tammy Morin Nakashima
inside: Leadership
Publications Mail Agreement: 40010827
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P U B L I S H E D BY T H E S O C I E T Y O F N OTA R I E S P U B L I C O F B C
THEME: LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT, BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION A Feminist Governance Framework Recipe 26
Leaders6 Raji Mangat
Daniel Boisvert
Transforming Leaders 28
INTERIM CEO, BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION Ken Keis
Leading Ladies 8
Wayne Braid Internal Leaders 29
Deanna McRae
KEYNOTE
The Changing of the Guard 9 Hit the Road, Jack! 30
Val Wilson Stephanie Butler
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Leadership Vignettes 32
THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BC Rudy Nielsen, Jeff Tisdale
Moving Forward 10
John Mayr
Business to Business 11
The Scrivener: What’s in a Name? 5
BC Notary Jackie Tait, Chilliwack
a Director of the BC Notaries Association 33
Jackie Tait
BC Notary Kate Roome, Duncan
a Director of the BC Notaries Association 34
www.wildmanphotography.com
Kate Roome
PROFILE OF A BC NOTARY
www.visualhues.com
SHOWCASING THE WINNERS
OF THE PRESTIGIOUS DR. BERNARD W. HOETER AWARD
Cheryl Kwok, 2016
I Cannot Let Myself Fail! 36
BC Notaries in the Community 38
A Leader’s Journey: PERSONAL GROWTH
Five Unexpected Lessons Along the Way 12 My Road to Winter World Masters Games 2020
Rachelle Lee Innsbruck, Austria: Figure Skating 40
Services a BC Notary Can Provide 15, 39 Tracy Parker
The Leader’s Chair 16 Spring into Fall! 42
Tammy Morin Nakashima Conference Sponsors 43
Leadership and Hope 18
Nigel Atkin
Editor’s20
Leadership: It’s in You! 20
Filip de Sagher
If by Rudyard Kipling 21 The Board of Governors 44
The Speed of the Captain is the Speed of the Crew 22 CANADIAN CENTRE FOR ELDER LAW
Roy Cammack Spotlight on Good Works
Young Women’s Leadership 23 Health Care Consent Tools 45
Savanah Norman
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
4
THE MiX
NEW LAW
Care Facility Admission and Capacity 46
Sara Pon and Krista James
Published by
WILLS AND ESTATES
the BC Notaries Association
Children Born after Death 48
Trevor Todd
STRATAS
Editor-in-Chief Val Wilson
Owners Reimbursing Strata Corporations
for High Insurance Deductibles 51 Interim CEO G. W. Wayne Braid
Elaine McCormack
Administrative
STRATAS Assistant Christina Tang
Life in the Strata Bubble COVID-19 54
Ian Callaway Courier Lightspeed Courier & Logistics
CONDO INSURANCE Photographer Wildman Photography
Is “The Sky Is Falling” in the Current Strata Insurance Marketplace? 56
Ian Callaway
LAND SURVEYING IN BC
The Scrivener
Water Flumes Across Southern British Columbia 60 email: scrivener@bcnotaryassociation.ca
Robert Allen
website: https://www.bcnotary
NATURE association.ca/resources/
Another New Hobby 63 scrivener/
Robert Allen
FUN!
call: 604 681-4516
Lifting Spirits and Staying Fit 66
Marji Wallace
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A WILL Send photographs
In Memory of My Sister Cathy Grant 68 to scrivener@bcnotaryassociation.ca
Thora Rogers
ORIGINAL RECIPE All rights reserved. Contents may not be
Potato-Leek Soup 69 reprinted or reproduced without written
Kim McLandress permission from the publisher.
WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS This journal is a forum for discussion,
Seniors First BC 70 not a medium of official pronouncement.
Rick Gambrel The BC Notaries Association does not, in any
BC Notaries Speak Your Language 71 sense, endorse or accept responsibility
for opinions expressed by contributors.
HISTORY OF BC
The Bank of British Columbia in the Gold Rush Days 72
Ron Hyde
ABCLS
The Future of Land Surveying in British Columbia 75
TECHNOLOGY
Spring Tech! 76
Akash Sablok CANADA POST: PUBLICATIONS MAIL
PEOPLE AGREEMENT No. 40010827
Where in the World Has The Scrivener Been? 78
Postage Paid at Vancouver, BC
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN
The Scrivener: What’s in a Name? ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT.
“A professional penman, a copyist, a scribe . . . a Notary.” Thus the Oxford English Dictionary
describes a Scrivener, the craftsman charged with ensuring that the written affairs of others BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION
flow smoothly, seamlessly, and accurately. Where a Scrivener must record the files accurately, BOX 44
it’s the Notary whose Seal is bond. SUITE 700 – 625 HOWE STREET
We chose The Scrivener as the name of our magazine to celebrate the Notary’s VANCOUVER, BC V6C 2T6
role in drafting, communicating, authenticating, and getting the facts straight. We strive
to publish articles about points of law and the Notary profession for the education and enjoyment SCRIVENER@BCNOTARYASSOCIATION.CA
of our members, our allied professionals in business, and the public in British Columbia.
Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020 The Scrivener | https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/resources/scrivener/ TABLE OF CONTENTS
5
PRESIDENT,
BC NOTARIES
ASSOCIATION
Daniel Boisvert
www.wildmanphotography.com
Leaders ©iStockphoto.com/Sezeryadigar
P
eople often think the We would get together for a kids-only equipment business. The pressure
meeting once a week at their home to close sales every month was intense
leaders are those we see and then again on Sundays. At a time and I was a rookie who had never sold
most often in the media. in my life when I just needed a solid a thing in my life.
foundation and some gentle tips on
how to succeed in life, they were Although I was excited when
• World leaders such as Justin
there for me and dozens of other kids. I got the job, it didn’t take long
Trudeau, Angela Merkel, and
They were outstanding leaders when before felt I was under the gun.
Donald Trump
I needed them. Fortunately Andrew Graham, a very
• Corporate leaders such as successful salesperson, was sitting
Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and at the desk next to me. Over the next
Sam Walton Leaders may not always few months, he gave me all sorts of
• Entertainment leaders such as be where you would expect great tips . . . how to communicate
Ted Turner, Bob Iger, and Rupert over the phone, what was important
to find them. They are often to clients, and when to close on the
Murdoch
right next to you hiding deal. He also told me one of the
They have all found success in
politics, business, or entertainment.
in plain sight. most important rules about selling:
“Daniel, being successful in sales
We look to them as leaders in their is pretty much all luck.”
respective fields. Certainly a President Nearing the end of Grade 10,
and a Prime Minister and a CEO are I was a little lost, probably like most I was perplexed; it didn’t look like
often called “Leaders”. . . but are they? teens. I still wasn’t sure why I was that to me. He rolled his chair over
in school and I certainly had no idea to me, looked me straight in the eye,
Leadership is the art of moving what I wanted to do after school. and said “and the harder you work,
a person or a group of people toward
When it was time to select courses the luckier you will get.” I have never
achieving a singular or common goal.
for Grade 11, I met with the Marketing forgotten that lesson or anything else
We forget to look to the leaders that
11 teacher Mr. McDonald. He told me Andrew taught me.
actually impact our lives . . . those
close to us that may sometimes go his course was a lot of fun and it could I think you get my point.
unnoticed. help me decide on a career path. He Leaders may not always be where
was certainly right; the course steered you would expect to find them.
When I was 12 as an up and me to many of the other business-type
coming teenager, I was going through They are often right next to you
electives in high school and helped hiding in plain sight. They are church
many challenges.
forge my path to my current calling. members, teachers, colleagues,
• Who was I, who should I be, Mr. McDonald was always friends, and family. Take some time
where is life going, do I have available to talk outside of class. to figure out who they are today and
friends, why does school suck? He was a true leader inside the which individuals have been the
I was fortunate to get involved classroom and his efforts had such leaders in your life. You might be
with my church’s youth group, led by a positive influence on my life during surprised by what you discover.
wonderful couple, John and Alice Close. my senior high school years. And one last thing . . . take
They spent their free time working My first job out of university was some time to thank them for making
with kids who were just like me. straight-commission sales in the office a positive influence on your life. s
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
6 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Creative Adaptable Analytical Today’s successful real estate professional is committed to lifelong learning. UBC’s Continuing Professional Development Courses meet your needs. • Convenient online course format • Broad range of valuation and real estate business topics • Guaranteed Appraisal Institute of Canada’s Continuing Professional Development credits Business Development Series: Eight courses designed to provide practitioners with the entrepreneurial and practical skills to establish and successfully operate a real estate business. Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Business Strategy: Managing a Profitable Real Estate Business Succession Planning for Real Estate Professionals Organizing and Financing a Real Estate Business Accounting and Taxation Considerations for a Real Estate Business Marketing and Technology Considerations for a Real Estate Business Human Resources Management Considerations in Real Estate Law and Ethical Considerations in Real Estate Business To find out more, visit: realestate.ubc.ca/CPD tel: 604.822.2227 / 1.877.775.7733 email: cpd@realestate.sauder.ubc.ca
INTERIM CEO,
BC NOTARIES
ASSOCIATION Wayne Braid
www.wildmanphotography.com
Leading Ladies
I
t has been some time to be the same; that expectation has
often led her into conflict with others and
since we have focused on in her being seen in an inaccurate light.
the subject of Leadership I have learned many things
in an issue of The Scrivener. about Marny that most people do not
understand. It is those things that
We felt this was a good time to have led Marny into the leadership
revisit the subject and to canvas some position she now holds.
of our members, our sponsors, and Marny Morin was born in Ottawa,
our regular readers to have them share the second-oldest of four sisters.
their thoughts and their experiences Her father Ken was a Colonel in
on the subject. the Canadian military. Marny was
The two women a self-described “army brat” and her
that grace our front family moved often. She attended
cover are examples of 13 different schools over 12 years,
tremendous leaders in living in Ontario, Newfoundland,
their respective fields Manitoba, and even Sussex, England.
of endeavour. I have After high school, she lived briefly
Marny Morin
worked with both in Yellowknife while working for the
Rachelle Lee
Rachelle and Tammy is very appropriate for my colleague Department of Indian Affairs and
and can tell you that Marny who has worked behind the Northern Development. That job was
both are extremely scenes for most of my tenure as CEO her first exposure to the field of real
motivated, talented, and my time with her. property law. She eventually performed
and gracious leaders. conveyancing work for law firms in
Often misunderstood, Marny’s
Being a leader personality is such that she does Ottawa, spending her days doing title
takes many forms. not suffer fools lightly (or more searches in the Land Title Office.
Tammy Morin As I prepared for this
Nakashima
appropriately, “gladly”). Marny is a When her father retired and her
issue of The Scrivener, perfectionist and often expects others parents moved out west to British
my colleague Marny Morin also came Columbia, Marny followed and worked
to mind. I have worked with Marny for for law firms in the Kelowna area.
the better part of 20 years and over
I have learned many things There she became familiar with the
the years learned of Marny’s work British Columbia Torrens land title
ethic, experience, and knowledge about Marny that most system.
of all things BC Notary. people do not understand.
While living in the Okanagan,
I have taken many Leadership It is those things that Marny started a family and had two
courses and read myriad books on the have led Marny into sons, Matthew and Mark. Shortly after
subject and have always been struck their births, she decided to become
by the famous statement of Chinese the leadership position
a Notary. She began her career as a
Philosopher Lao Tzu: “To lead the she now holds. Notary in Richmond, taking over Linda
people, walk behind them.” That adage Bruce’s Notary Seal.
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
8 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Shortly after becoming a
BC Notary, Marny volunteered to assist KEYNOTE
the profession. At that time, Notary
education was managed by UBC Val Wilson
Editor-in-Chief
www.wildmanphotography.com
through a program largely prepared
by REALTORS.
Marny became a tutor/marker
for that program. She continued
in that role and it wasn’t long
The Changing
before her abilities and enthusiasm
for the profession came to be
appreciated by Stan Nicol, then-
of the Guard
Secretary of The Society, and various
W
Notary Presidents.
ayne Braid, Interim CEO of the BC Notaries Association,
Marny was heavily involved in the
major re-write of the Notary education
retired in mid-April. Chad Rintoul has assumed
program in 1995, writing several of the position.
the units. She also served as Acting
Secretary for Stan when he was away. Chad is a proven consensus-builder, facilitator, and communicator
In 1998, Marny received the first experienced in association leadership, Board governance, and stakeholder and
of what was intended to be a regular government relations.
President’s Award for Notaries who From 2012, Chad served as Chief Administrative
contributed significantly to The Society. Officer at the Association of British Columbia Land
The new Notary course was Surveyors where he significantly developed the
delivered by The Society until the areas of Professional Competency and Continuing
MA ALS (Master of Arts in Applied Professional Development.
Legal Studies) program was introduced Over his varied career, Chad lived in many
in 2008. Throughout that period, she countries where his work focused on the energy
played an active role in BC Notary sector in the areas of business development, project
education. When Rick Evans retired from management, and negotiating with clients. The
his position as Education Coordinator, countries include England; Libya; the United Arab
Marny capably filled that role. Chad Rintoul Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the area of He also served as Customer Service Manager for the Regional Commercial
education, Marny’s efforts have Banking Centre for the Toronto Dominion Bank and completed the Securities
improved and maintained the Sales Licence program for the Investment Funds Institute of Canada.
insurance and discipline programs. Chad lives with his wife and family in Sidney, BC. He is a Municipal Councilor
Though she generally laboured in and liaison to Committees for the Town of Sidney; a member of the Land Title and
the background, often in-less-than- Survey Authority of British Columbia Stakeholder Advisory Committee; and past
glamorous roles, those involved in member of the Advisory Planning Commission for the District of North Saanich.
The Society have known how valuable
her contributions have been. He is a past member of the Fellows Council of Royal Roads University;
he served as Director and Chair of the Planning & Development Committee;
Today, Marny has two was a member of the Steering Committee, the Community Consultative
granddaughters, Jane and Aurora. Committee, Governance Committee and the Runway Extension Task Force for
She’ll tell you that if she had known the Victoria Airport Authority; and was Chair of the Resident Liaison Committee
how much fun it would be, she would for the sewer system extension project for the District of North Saanich.
have skipped having children and gone
straight to having grandkids. Chad is very active in his community. He is Appeal Commissioner for
Peninsula Minor Hockey Association (BC Hockey) and a member of the Saanich
Though very shy herself, she has Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation.
never shied away from a challenge.
His education includes the Rothman School of Business Institute of Corporate
From interested practitioner to tutor
Directors, Governance Essentials; Royal Roads University Continuing Studies,
to Staff Notary to Secretary of The
Senior Management Skills, Negotiations Program; University of Western Ontario
Society, Marny’s devotion and energy
Diploma in Honours Standing, Political Economy; and University of Windsor
have been vital to making The Society
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science (minor Classical Civilizations).
what it is. Her continued efforts are
a testament to how effective Notaries On behalf of all the members of the BC Notaries Association and staff,
at work can be. s Welcome, Chad! s
Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020 The Scrivener | https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/resources/scrivener/ TABLE OF CONTENTS
9
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
THE SOCIETY
OF NOTARIES PUBLIC
John Mayr
OF BC
www.wildmanphotography.com
Moving Forward
©iStockphoto.com/Vasif Bagirov
W
ho, in your opinion, the latter part of the 20th century, defining their roles and separating
commonwealth governments deepened the functions.
were great leaders? the self-regulatory framework. The Society selects and educates
Who would be on your list? Research might suggest that some applicants to become Notaries, sets
Churchill, Kennedy, Gandhi, King, Riel, professions struggled with acting in standards of practice, establishes
Sinclair? Maybe the better question the public interest and, as the century requirements for professional
is “what made them great leaders?” came to a close, governments began development, delivers courses and
Was it the time, the events, their to recognize that there remained programs that are of a regulatory
actions, the clarity of their vision, their an oversight duty and they began nature, investigates complaints,
focus on outcomes or an altered reality to retract the delegation of authority. and conducts discipline processes
and a plan or road map to get there? as are set out in the Notaries Act.
Conferences, continuing
For close to a decade, the For close to a decade,
leadership of The Society has been education, lobbying government,
the leadership promoting the profession, and
moving the organization to an altered
reality from what it once was. of The Society has been publishing The Scrivener magazine
are now all the domain of the
The genesis of almost every regulated moving the organization
profession is rooted in an advocacy Association.
to an altered reality
organization which, through an act Over the past while, it has been
of government, is granted the privilege from what it once was. brought to my attention that having
of regulating the profession. Self- the regulatory body write an article
regulation took off in the 1970s in Notable failures in self-regulation in the Association’s magazine may
Ontario when the government granted include the College of Teachers of cloud the minds of readers regarding
status to a wide range of professions. British Columbia and most recently the the separations of function.
regulation of real estate professionals. This therefore will be my last
Commonwealth governments were
familiar with specialized tribunals. It was into this milieu that the article in The Scrivener magazine
They recognized that highly specialized Board of The Society set out upon as Executive Director of the regulating
professions required knowledge that a path that would see the advocacy body. It has been a pleasure to write
was not found within government functions separated from the for such an esteemed and respected
or the Courts. The deal looked like regulatory functions. The Society publication.
this: Government would delegate of Notaries Public has assumed the The leaders on the Board had
certain quasi judicial-like functions regulation of the profession and the a vision. That vision is the pathway
to associations who in turn would BC Notaries Association has grasped to a stronger profession with
hold their members accountable. the mantel of advocating for the increased scope in the provision
The function of advocacy would profession. of noncontentious legal services
replace the altruistic “acting in Over the past 2 years, the Boards through the effective advocacy of
the public interest.” Throughout of each organization have set about a strong professional Association. s
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
10 TABLE OF CONTENTSBUSINESS TO BUSINESS
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Notary Public
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of Notaries Public of British Columbia
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Seeking to Add to Your Business Career?
There are business opportunities for Notaries in various communities throughout British Columbia.
Some of the Requisites for Becoming a BC Notary
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• Strong entrepreneurial and people skills • Fluency in English; other languages an asset
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BC NOTARIES ARE RESPECTED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020 The Scrivener | https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/resources/scrivener/ TABLE OF CONTENTS
11LEADERSHIP
Rachelle Lee
www.visualhues.com
A Leader’s Journey:
Five Unexpected Lessons
Along the Way
©iStockphoto.com/franckreporter
T
here are countless Here are five good examples. was that I never consulted with the
end users. They actively resisted my
articles, videos, books, approach. I re-established trust with
1. It’s only lonely at the top
and “they who know when we think we have
them, but It took time and effort.
everything” advice-givers to make all the decisions. Considerations
• Are you afraid of revealing
who preach what it takes New leaders can feel driven to establish the extent of your knowledge
to be a good leader. authority and gain respect as quickly (or lack thereof)?
as possible. They will sometimes
• Do you think asking for input
They all sound great but I find isolate themselves from the team, makes you look indecisive
that the reality of the journey is often unwilling to ask for input for fear of or unqualified?
missing. You know, the bumps in the appearing unprepared, disorganized, or • Do you believe that authority
road, the roadkill along the way, and inexperienced. In such cases, the D.A.D. comes from having all the
the seemingly endless trek toward management style is in full bloom, answers?
“successful leadership.” which isn’t good for anyone. That’s when Asking for input makes you look
Reflecting on my own career leaders: DECIDE what to do, ANNOUNCE more confident, not less. Problem-
through corporate leadership the decision, then find themselves in a solving through collaboration
positions, 23 years of consulting position to have to DEFEND the approach. builds solid working relationships,
streamlines implementation, and
practice, and time spent in non- For example . . . deepens everyone’s investment in the
profit Board governance, the most As a new manager, I wanted to success of the project. It also expands
important lessons I learned were make my mark by solving frontline resources by taking full advantage
from reality-based unexpected productivity problems. After burning of the team skill-base and saves
sources. Those lessons grew out a lot of midnight oil, I found a time in the long run. Plus, your staff
of mistakes I didn’t know I was technical solution I knew would members feel good when you think
making at the time. make a big difference. My mistake their input matters!
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
12 TABLE OF CONTENTSOptions In truth, I was avoiding a much- Keep in mind that you’re not
If you’re not used to asking for needed confrontation about her toxic criticizing, making sweeping
help or if the topic of discussion behaviour. Leadership Researcher judgments, or assigning blame.
is especially sensitive, then start Dr. Christine Porath recently surveyed You’re simply confronting a specific
small. Meet with just one individual. the effect that dismissive, curt problem with the goal of performance
Do it in your office or over lunch but exchanges can have on those who and/or attitude improvement, which
don’t try to talk in a hallway or during encounter them: is good for the entire team!
a short break. Approach it as a good • 66% of survey participants
conversation and allow no less than cut back work efforts, 3. Staff will never offer
30 minutes. (You can always end
• 80% lost time worrying honest feedback
early.)
about what happened, and to your face.
Here’s an easy structure to follow.
• 12% left their job, most
1. Explain the purpose of your of those who left were the good To be a great leader, you need
conversation. (Otherwise it performers! forthright, comprehensive feedback
might be misconstrued as
Cisco Corporation applied about how you conduct yourself
corrective feedback.)
Porath’s numbers to the company at work. Unfortunately, no matter how
2. Summarize what you know bottom line and concluded that
of the situation, problem, friendly, small, or upfront the group,
working around incivility was costing
concern, or project. Cisco $12 million a year. you can never expect them to provide
(Be honest but brief.) you with direct, honest feedback
Considerations
3. Ask for his or her opinion, input, during a face-to-face conversation.
• Do you believe an employee’s
observations. They simply won’t risk losing their jobs.
skillset entitles him or her
4. Listen. Take notes or record to special allowances? Disgruntled employees may speak up,
it if necessary. but their comments are often neutral
• How do you justify the unequal
5. Be sincerely appreciative. distribution of allowances and and vague.
favours to those team members During my career, I’ve worked
who never receive them? with a number of companies that
2. Making allowances • Are you making allowances meet the mandated need for annual
for poor behaviour and for a poor performer, so you avoid feedback by distributing lacklustre
performance has a high having a corrective feedback questionnaires to everyone on staff.
cost. Our superstars end conversation with a difficult Results were rarely clear and seldom
person? shared with the people who provided
up leaving. input.
Leaders need to look long and
hard at the tendency to favour one The good news is that feedback
We’ve all been in workplaces where science has vastly improved in the last
person or another because it seems
leadership turns the other cheek when like the easier road to travel. We now decade. Industrial psychologists know
an employee behaves poorly. Allowances know that favouritism and allowances better how to collect and aggregate
are made because we can’t imagine can seriously damage morale and useful feedback by properly targeting
having to find a replacement or we don’t productivity and lead to the superstars desired information. There are also
want to look like the “bad cop.” on our team self-selecting out to other smarter ways to interpret the data,
companies. resulting in comprehensive results
While rank-and-file team If the underlying concern is that inspire immediate action.
members are expected to tow the about fear of confrontation, then the Considerations
corporate line, poor performers are following options should help. • Have you ever received employee
granted behavioural leniency and
Options feedback on your leadership?
appeased with selecting only the work
Does the thought of it worry you?
assignments they want. Even leaders Everything starts with preparation
who pride themselves in meeting and practice. By covering details with • Feedback and response science
problems head-on will avoid tough a supportive colleague or business has come a long way, with highly
conversations with “problem children.” coach, you’ll streamline the message valid and reliable information
and defuse your anxiety. Remember to gain perspective.
As a new manager, I convinced
myself that my poor performer merited to keep it problem-oriented with • Would you consider bringing in
special treatment because her skills a positive eye toward change. third-party expertise to help build,
were too difficult to replace. “She isn’t Preparing for a conversation standardize, and interpret a truly
perfect,” I reasoned, “but who is?” of this nature can be daunting. effective feedback program?
Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020 The Scrivener | https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/resources/scrivener/ TABLE OF CONTENTS
13Options tools. Each type of assessment has its for deserving staff members. I gave
Take steps to make feedback an own language and purpose, depending my youngest employee a 3-day pass
important part of your development on what feedback you are seeking. allowing him to arrive late for work; he
as a leader. There are excellent If you’re interested in conducting loved clubbing at night. I purchased
assessment tools that provide rich an online staff feedback survey, my grocery cards for my staff person who
insight into your leadership strengths advice is to take the time and spend was a single parent and had to feed
and can help you determine which the money to develop a customized two hungry teenage boys. I arranged
strengths need further development. tool. Avoid general surveys and one- for my most ambitious employee to
Consider using a good 360-degree size-fits-all questions gleaned from have a seat during an important, high-
assessment designed to provide input the Internet. Not only will the results level meeting with senior management.
from a full circle of work associates be less valuable, the quality of the Imagine my surprise when, instead of
including superior(s), peers, staff, and product will disappoint and alienate thinking I was the best manager ever, my
possibly someone who previously held the staff who participate in it. staff thought I was a thoughtless, unfair
your position. person. They were upset because I didn’t
For you as a leader, helpful 4. Customizing staff rewards give everyone the same gift. Each person
assessments will target the driving can lead to hurt feelings. wanted what someone else received!
forces underlying your behaviour, the Considerations
soft-skills competencies you need to Many management textbooks and
• People will always compare and
be an effective communicator, and the courses advise leaders to thank
rank themselves against their
degree of emotional intelligence you employees and occasionally reward with peers. It’s a given.
display and employ in your work life. gifts. They advise making sure gifts are
• Are you sure that customizing your
Just a word of caution . . . when it tailored to the individual being rewards is the best way to show
comes to assessments, buyer beware. recognized and that a unique, customized your appreciation?
Unless you’re already an expert in this
reward will communicate to the recipient
area of study, it’s best to work with • Wouldn’t it be smarter to extend
a certified professional—someone how much you truly care. But, does it? the same show of appreciation
skilled in selecting, administering, and I was once very proud of the time to everyone equally so there’s
interpreting a variety of assessment I spent customizing thank-you gifts nothing to compare against?
Helping affluent
families protect
and grow their
financial wealth.
DIXONMITCHELL.COM
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
14 TABLE OF CONTENTSOptions • Understanding the message
behind a behaviour becomes
Services a BC Notary
Spread rewards consistently and
evenly. Vary the items by date and even more critical when working Can Provide
not by individual. For example, give across cultures. Notarization/Documents
them all grocery cards during the Fall • Do you always know what your Affidavits for All Documents required
giveaway. As the holidays approach, body language and actions are at a Public Registry within BC
give them all 3 days to arrive later than conveying? Certified True Copies of Documents
usual. If highly valued privileges like Execution/Authentications
sports tickets are available, conduct Options of International Documents
an equal-opportunity draw. Notarizations/Attestations of Signatures
People will always see your actions
Always consider the optics of through the lens of their strengths, Personal Property Security Agreements
rewards and shows of appreciation. insecurities, and changing emotional Statutory Declarations
While our intentions can be well- states. Consider the classic advice Personal Planning
meaning, we also need to consider about not making any big decisions Estate Planning
them from another’s viewpoint. Test when you’re in an emotional crisis. Health Care Declarations
your ideas with a trusted confidant The lens you’re wearing is distorted Powers of Attorney
before going ahead. by your own approach to the world, Representation Agreements
which is often different than the Wills Preparation
way other people approach things. Wills Searches
5. Nobody can truly That’s why it’s helpful to speak Travel
understand the meaning out intent to others and see how Authorization of Minor Child Travel
of your actions unless it resonates with them. Letters of Invitation for Foreign Travel
you explain your intent. Passport Application Documentation
In the example above, my
Proof of Identity for Travel Purposes
employee would have felt supported
and empowered if I had pulled Business
Your actions speak for themselves; Business Purchase/Sale
her aside before the meeting and
they sometimes say things you don’t respectfully told her my plans. It would Commercial Leases
actually mean, however. That’s because have been even better if I’d asked and Assignment of Leases
behaviour is always interpreted through whether she wanted to take on the Contracts and Agreements
the eye of the beholder. If someone role. I should have gotten her buy-in Property Matters
sees me eating alone in the coffee shop, before taking action. Leaders cannot Easements and Rights of Way
afford to assume anything. Insurance Loss Declarations
they may infer I’m lonely or sad when
Manufactured Home Transfers
in fact I’m taking a quiet break from Leadership is always a work
Mortgage Refinancing Documentation
a stressful morning at the office. in progress.
Purchaser’s Side of Foreclosures
Case in point: I decided to give While there are plenty more Refinancing
one of my employees the opportunity lessons to learn, the unexpected five Residential and Commercial
to take the lead in an important are consistent heavy hitters. Real Estate Transfers
meeting. It was a chance to make Restrictive Covenants
a good impression with senior My last comment is just this: and Builder’s Liens
administrators. Great idea, right?! The journey of a leader is worth every Subdivisions and
bump in the road, every flat tire, Statutory Building
At the start of the meeting, and every glorious moment you drive Schemes
I announced I was stepping back toward another day. Here’s to lessons Zoning Applications
to allow my employee to take the learned! s
lead. While I proudly saw this as an Marine
opportunity, she felt blind-sided, Rachelle Lee is President of Einblau Marine Bills of Sale and Mortgages
unprepared, and frankly, set up. & Associates. She is an organization Marine Protests
She didn’t leave a positive impression development and management Some BC Notaries provide these services.
with the group and it created a strain consultant specializing in training and Marriage Licences
in my relationship with a staff person coaching, leadership assessments, and Mediation
I valued. facilitation of strategic conversations. Real Estate Disclosure Statements
Considerations Her work is focused on helping leaders Over 400 BC Notaries to Serve You!
• Are you attempting to communicate and managers create a motivating work
For the BC Notary office nearest you,
something specific with your environment where staff members are
please call 1-800-663-0343
actions? If so, how do you know inspired to reach their full potential
or visit https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/
it will be interpreted correctly? and achieve great things together.
resources/scrivener/.
Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020 The Scrivener | https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/resources/scrivener/ TABLE OF CONTENTS
15Tammy Morin Nakashima
LEADERSHIP
www.wildmanphotography.com
©iStockphoto.com/selensergen
The Leader’s Chair
O
ne day you look around myself sitting in the leadership chair.
“Being a leader means And each came by its own evolution.
and realize you are the defining and exhibiting As a sole practitioner, I had
one who is sitting in the moral and ethical courage a vision. I knew the direction I needed
“Leader’s Chair.” and setting an example to go and essentially how to navigate
that road. Growing to a staff roster
It is reserved for people whose for everyone in the company. of 2 then 3 and eventually 5 brought
responsibility it is to motivate about significant change.
themselves and others to do the right accountability, empathy, humility,
thing, set the direction, and build an A one-person office had grown
resilience, vision, influence, and
exciting and inspiring vision to which into a team. Forging along that journey
positivity.”
others will be proud to contribute. meant embracing some vulnerability.
Steve Jobs said, It mandated that I examine my
It’s maybe because you’ve grown “Management is about persuading own strengths and weaknesses to
your business to a size where you people to do things they do not want determine how to build an effective
have more staff or your passion and to do, while leadership is about team. It required communication and
dedication to an organization have led inspiring people to do things they a willingness to listen.
you to take the next step. never thought they could.”
It meant being courageous enough
Assuming the role of leader Brene Brown says, to trust others to do some of the jobs
invites challenges and change, “I define a leader as anyone who takes that were once mine . . . it meant
risk and reward. responsibility for finding the potential relinquishing some control and
There are myriad articles, books, in people and processes and who has embracing change.
thoughts, and comments that define the courage to develop that potential.”
Early on I implemented the
a leader. They highlight traits, Common to the many quips
practice of regular staff meetings.
attributes, and pitfalls. The insights I read (I have spared you from listing
I ask staff members to prepare
and teachings seem endless. them all!) was courage. That is easily
to share 3 things at the meeting that
an embraceable trait. Who doesn’t
I’ll share just a few such writings. are working for them and 2 or 3 things
want to be considered courageous,
Adam Enfroy writes, they would like to see changed.
especially in leadership?
“Being a leader means defining and Ms. Brown goes on to note in her That is a vulnerable moment
exhibiting moral and ethical courage book, Dare to Lead, for each speaker, for the colleagues,
and setting an example for everyone “The foundational skill of courage- and for me. Initially, there was
in the company. building is the willingness and ability apprehension to speak . . . Fear.
“Being a leader forces you to rumble with vulnerability… . I don’t want to offend anyone.
to analyze your own strengths and Our ability to be daring leaders will Is the thing on my mind actually
weaknesses, as well as those of the never be greater than our capacity important? How will it be received?
company and enables you to develop for vulnerability.” What will change look like?
a good sense of reality.” In each of my experiences It is important to know the valued
The most important qualities in growing my BC Notary business core-competencies that staff members
of a good leader include integrity, and as a Board member, I found want to protect.
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
16 TABLE OF CONTENTS• What, if anything, might be pursue additional competencies “In this Presidency and the
impeding their productivity? and traits to fill a future gap. 6 years leading up to it, I am proud of
• Individually we could identify what the team we built. Trust and respect
• What changes are happening
areas we might gravitate toward flowed so differences of opinion could
in our industry or with technology
to more fully participate to achieve be shared; that combination allowed
that affects their work?
success. for significant growth and achievement
• Are these issues impacting by the Board.”
our targets and goals? This work took courage. Brene Brown notes in her work
• Courage to be vulnerable. (with more than 50 organizations
• What changes will we make
and 10,000 individuals!) that self-
and when? • Courage to take personal inventory
awareness and self-love matter.
As a result of staff trusting and accept it without defence.
She says, “Who we are is how
and participating in this process, • And courage to trust in the leader we lead.”
I was able to see that when the to help build an inspiring vision I could say I gave my best. I looked
business grew, we had some and map out the direction. up. I looked outward. I looked inward.
redundancies in procedures that new Quite some time following that I listened. I learned and I shared.
software could and did eliminate. session, when I was President of I forged many new lifetime
We were able to structure a more The Society of Notaries Public, friendships. I gave time and best
efficient staff schedule and implement I had the benefit of drawing from efforts. I sat in that chair respectful
staff cross-covering. Staff members now that experience. of my colleagues, our cohorts, and
have a better understanding of each our clients.
I was mindful of industry, As a leader you will sit in a visible
other’s peak workload deadlines and technological, and legislative changes.
how/where they can help each other. chair. Not everyone will agree with your
In our planning session, it was decisions, and that’s ok. That is true
Those meetings allow me important to me that our Board in many endeavours in life.
to receive feedback, listen, espouse examine areas that would effect Henry Ford said,
necessary changes, and know when change to our beloved profession.
“Don’t find the fault.
and how to stand firm. I took inventory to assess how I could
Find the remedy.”
best serve BC Notaries.
The following is just one In Up From Slavery,
competency that has Together with our leader,
Booker T. Washington said,
helped me to become Wayne Braid, I met with every
“Success is to be measured not so
a more effective leader. BC Notary Chapter in the province
much by the position that one has
to talk about change and hear their
In my years on The reached in life as by the obstacles
concerns and collect their input for
Society of Notaries one has overcome while trying
the Board’s attention. That year took
Public Board, to succeed.”
me to over 26 other important events
Rachelle Lee I remember a particular involving BC Notaries. With humility, vulnerability,
planning session where and courage, sitting in that chair
At the conclusion of my
our visionary CEO Wayne Braid hired is worth it all. s
Presidency in 2017, I wrote that
Rachelle Lee of Einblau & Associates
I look back having raced through Tammy Morin Nakashima,
to facilitate.
the 2 years, noting that I have member of the Real Estate Institute,
She conducted a Strength challenged such obstacles as public is proudly celebrating her 25th year
Deployment Inventory(“SDI”) on each speaking and presenting on radio as a BC Notary. She has served on
of us. The results for all the Board and television; I gained education numerous Boards including all those
members were graphed on the wall on issues, challenges, and concerns related to BC Notaries, as well as the
so we could collectively examine the relevant solely to our purpose, and to
various strengths and differences
Richmond Chamber of Commerce,
those of many stakeholders in British
of the Board Team. Columbia, Canada, and the world.
Rotary, and various church Boards.
With her over 43 years of experience
It was from my perspective “I’ve worked with in real estate matters, conveyancing,
a very vulnerable moment. confidence inside
mortgages, and subdivision work;
But it was also an excellent a well-oiled machine
Wills, Powers of Attorney and other
opportunity to build a stronger team . . . a Board of
and nurture leadership traits. dedicated, intelligent, personal planning documents including
and committed Representation Agreements and Advance
It allowed us to examine ourselves Health Care Directives; Tammy and her
professionals passionate
individually and collectively. staff are committed to Making a Difference
Wayne Braid for BC Notaries and
• Collectively we could see as I’ve had the great fortune to work . . . through integrity, reliability, and
a whole where the Board might with Wayne Braid.” confidence you can count on!
Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020 The Scrivener | https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/resources/scrivener/ TABLE OF CONTENTS
17LEADERSHIP
Nigel Atkin
Leadership and Hope
E
©iStockphoto.com/amesy
mpowered with being driven by migrant labour, or the With Britain renegotiating mutually
predicted tens of millions fleeing the beneficial futures with the EU, it is
advancing communication consequences of climate change to now also enabled to further reinforce
technology, individuals Europe’s south and southeast. historical relations with its long-term
While Britain will remain a strong Commonwealth friends. That is true
often seek context and in terms of trade and immigration
ally to Europe, tied to it in terms of
understanding of events geography, history, culture, commerce, but also in terms of reconciling an
and even outlook, migration and economically and politically exploitive
unfolding in their daily colonial past.
international trade can now be
news that in turn shape renegotiated with Europe and with The Commonwealth Charter
their attitudes, beliefs, many other countries. is a relatively modern and evolving
document of core values uniting
and behaviours. While Britain will remain member nations that aspire to the
following values.
Today, two of the greatest issues a strong ally to Europe, tied
faced by the world are climate • Democracy
change and how globalization treats
to it in terms of geography,
• Human Rights
indigenous people. As in most things, history, culture, commerce,
• International Peace and Security
those issues interconnect and demand and even outlook, migration
both leadership and hope. • Tolerance, Respect and
and international trade Understanding
In the turmoil of a consistent
can now be renegotiated • Freedom of Expression
rise in global temperatures, resultant
fires, floods, along with pandemics, with Europe and with • Separation of Powers
fear, and the constant threat of war, many other countries. • Rule of Law
countries in the world try to keep
up to the never-ending effects of • Good Governance
The Commonwealth of Nations
accelerating change. • Sustainable Development
The Commonwealth, founded by the
Brexit in Context • Protecting the Environment
United Kingdom Parliament in 1931,
Britain has finally opted out of is a volunteer political association • Access to Health, Education,
the European Union’s hierarchical of some 54 member states—most Food, and Shelter
bureaucracy and gained control over former territories of the former • Gender Equality
its own migration policy. That means British Empire, many populated with
• Importance of Young People
Britain can control migration not only indigenous people.
in the Commonwealth
from within the EU but from the rest Countries in this association range
of the world, as well. • Recognition of the Needs
from what we commonly know as our of Small States
Britain can now move toward Canada, New Zealand, and Australia
welcoming more skilled and but more than 50 others exist, most • Recognition of the Needs
entrepreneurial migrants, modern with their own native people, history, of Vulnerable States
automated production, and toward not political, and social goals. • The Role of Civil Society
BC Notaries Association Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020
18 TABLE OF CONTENTSAs dramatic change engulfs warnings to nurture and not exploit communities I remember the
the world, it is time to understand the earth we call home, and even birth of the modern environmental
and possibly embrace indigenous the architecture in which we reside. movement, the first Earth Day in late
ways and wisdom. Theirs are the I learned of his time spent with April 1970, (and how 1 week later
experiences that can help everyone Indigenous people generally, of quietly in May students were gunned down
find the solutions to wildfires and supporting their right to hunt on at Kent State and other campuses).
floods, find the antidotes perhaps their historic lands, and many other I fear similar events as youth rightfully
to shoreline disaster, to minimally good works in the community. His draw climate crisis to corporate,
develop preparedness, contingency leadership was and is inspirational. government, and civil society attention.
plans for the storms and rising
waters that threaten so many of our We witness the youth of today
collective Commonwealth Islands and Leadership is a process break what to us seem traditional
patterns, that to them no longer work.
homelands. of social influence that
Whether in Oceania, West Indies, maximizes the efforts Some actions mirror our human
Eurasia, or Asia, indeed all the land nature, but through new and evolving
of others toward the communication technology, what
we inhabit, including Canada, New
Zealand, Australia, and Britain itself, achievement of a goal. some experienced decades ago in
we collectively face these imminent the anti war, environmental action,
challenges. For instance, I have quoted HRH the women’s movement and ongoing
as he praised non-Western principles quests for human and gender rights,
The world needs strong leadership today the youth newly confront and
regarding the environment, his words
in that regard. wake us up in evolved ways.
in 2010: “The Islamic world is the
Leadership custodian of one of the greatest
treasures of accumulated wisdom And Hope
This new attitude toward the land
and spiritual knowledge available In that there is always hope, that
and native people, in many cases led
to humanity.” feeling of expectation and desire for
by Indigenous people themselves,
supported and understood by British To paraphrase, he said Muslims certain things to happen in the future.
and Commonwealth leaders, would consider themselves more with nature, Our children often champion some of
be a far greater sea change in as God wills, and less in dominance their parents’ greatest attributes and
attitude from the previous “criminal and control of the environment in move goodness forward.
indifference” shown toward those which we live. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
colonized by dominant European
In 2010, in a speech titled Islam grow in their human journeys, they
cultures.
and the Environment, HRH wrote, too might take further the aspirations
Leadership is a process of social of those before them in seeking
“Reverence is not science-
influence that maximizes the efforts Indigenous wisdom, practical solutions
based knowledge. It is an experience
of others toward the achievement in tangible ways of serving the land, its
always mediated by love, sometimes
of a goal. environment, and the people on it.
induced by it; and love comes from
Some say effective leaders are relationship. If you take away reverence Brexit connotes massive changes,
individuals with passion for a cause and reduce our spiritual relationship as does Harry and Meghan giving
that is larger than they are, people with life, then you open yourself up up their royal titles and apparently
with a dream and a vision for a better to the idea that we can be little more moving to Canada, where it is hoped
society. than a chance group of isolated, self- they will become more familiar with its
obsessed individuals, disconnected original people.
There are many definitions
from life’s innate presence and
of leadership; some have nothing to do The issues we face—climate
un-anchored by any sense of duty
with seniority or a position in hierarchy change, how the world understands
to the rest of the world. We are free to
or with titles or with certain personal and respects Indigenous people and
act without responsibility. Thus we turn
attributes. Some leaders are unaware the members of the Commonwealth—
a blind eye to those islands of plastic
they lead. Some are just intuitive, not all need their leadership, as does
in the sea or to the treatment meted
intentional in their actions, but they Britain herself. s
out to animals in factory farms.”
lead anyway. Leaders happen.
When I was growing up,
I have always sensed in world Nigel Atkin teaches the Evolution
leaders that they emit hope in their of Public Relations course online at
my mother told me about my
words and in most cases in their UVic. He offers onsite communication
contemporary, His Royal Highness
motivating actions. workshops to leverage human capital
Charles, Prince of Wales, and his time
with the Bushmen of the Kalahari, Today, as climate crisis more and exploit the multiplier effect of
his respect for the environment, his seriously manifests in our global becoming better communicators.
Volume 29 Number 1 Spring 2020 The Scrivener | https://www.bcnotaryassociation.ca/resources/scrivener/ TABLE OF CONTENTS
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