There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles.
~Stephen Covey
A single conversation across the table with a wise (wo)man is better than ten years mere study of books.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Today BMG is turning our spotlight on Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS) a client of BMG.
The following blog segment contains a conversation with Heather Sproule, Executive Director of CTYS. Heather has given permission to share our conversation for the purpose of this blog. If you want to have further conversation with Heather, she is open to that contact. Contact Heather at: [email protected], 416.924.2100 x 257
Heather first states, ‘as an accredited children’s mental health centre, CTYS has a long and respected track recorder of service to youth and more recently to families throughout the city of Toronto. We are an agency which offers our young people a balance of evidence based and cutting edge innovative programming. CTYS is seen to be an organization of passionate, dedicated and youth centered staff with a commitment to organizational excellence and accountability.’
Heather has worked with David Barnes in various capacities. Most recently two initiatives. The establishment of an Executive Director Network to work on a Mental Health transformation in the city of Toronto as well as a due diligence project for a possible merger of CTYS and another agency. The Network wanted to come together to have collective influence over transformation. David facilitated that process. In terms of the due diligence project with CTYS David brought his expertise and knowledge to the areas of governance, finance, program and services and Human Resources.
When choosing BMG Consulting, Heather had known David and had experienced his work. She stated that she has witnessed his facilitation skills in diverse groups. ‘David showed considerable experience and knowledge, in particular how government works, which would assist us in our process and provide value to the project.’
Heather stated, ‘I am personally and professionally touched by David’s commitment to social responsibility. A stand out feature that had impact on our choice of consultant.’
Heather spoke of David’s strengths. There were no surprises. What you see is what you get and on time. He congealed our shared thinking and helped us to enrich our working relationships. Good facilitation has that positive outcome. David allowed a process to move us forward and proceed in a better informed way. He was able to create a different dynamic to have a fairly open conversation which respected our history and our relationships and he enabled us to have deeper conversations.
David can look at the subject, issues or the scenario at hand thru a range of lens. David can look at things differently. This approach to the work helps all of us diversify our thinking.
Many thanks to Heather for her time and thoughtful approach to sharing CTYS and her experience with BMG.
Written by Deborah Lavender, BMG Senior Consultant
