clients. That’s crucial because the companies
with the best leaders and the best team are go-
ing to have a distinct advantage over their com-
petitors.
David Aplin Group has earned their own advan-
tage in the industry as repeat members of Can-
ada’s Best Managed Companies program run
by Deloitte. They first made the list in 2008 and
in 2015, they’re hoping to be among the Gold
Standard winners, which is awarded to compa-
nies that have maintained their status for four
consecutive years. For many companies, simply
being part of the program is an asset thanks to
the opportunities for coaching and networking.
“There are a few things that really stand out
for me working within the Best Managed pro-
gram,” Jeff said. “Certainly feedback from our
coaches, from Deloitte and CIBC, is terrific
feedback. They have some very brilliant busi-
ness minds and for them to coach us and chal-
lenge us on our strategy, on our operations,
on how we build capability, how we innovate,
really how we do everything … it really forces
us to put those things under the microscope
and analyze them and see how we can improve
them…”
Achieving Best Managed status can play a role
TRENDS IN HR
• Today, companies are building an in-
creasingly diverse workforce but it goes
beyond ethnicity. Age, education, the abil-
ity to learn and deal with change, and the
potential to bring a different perspective
to the organization are key qualities.
• Years ago, “job hopping” was a red flag
for many employers. With the rise of
contract work and a more flexible labour
force, changing jobs is no longer taboo.
In fact, many people make a career out of
temporary contract positions.
• The number of hours you spend at your
desk is no longer necessarily a reflection
of job commitment. The flexibility offered
by mobile devices and work-from-home
arrangements can lead to increased pro-
ductivity. Sometimes being in the office is
just a distraction.
• The HR portfolio is a fully strategic role
within most organizations given today’s
fierce competition for talent. Human capi-
tal is one of the top three most important
issues on the minds of company execu-
tives.
80 business elite canada
H
DEC 2014
