Recruitment and Communications Services
info@ustpaul.ca
Telephone: 613-236-1393
1-800 637-6859
Ext. 2344
Quick Links

Ten pieces of advice from Stéphane Trottier, guest of honour during the convocation

June 24, 2019 - Our graduates had the privilege of listening to our guest of honour, Stéphane Trottier, during their convocation last Friday. He gave them the gift of ten pieces of advice that have served him particularly well over the years:

Stéphane Trottier

  1. Remain humble around others!

  2. Always be true! Tell people you are happy to see them, but only if it’s true and you mean it! It is always better to be clear. We know when people are sincere.

  3. Before assigning a task to someone (whether you believe in them, you think they can do it, or they are great and able to do it), be sure to ask them if they want to do it! Make sure you express to them your true thoughts, your expectations! Let them share their opinions. Keep an open mind; you may be surprised.

  4. Express your emotions: As a young leader, I was told never to say “I am sorry”; not to show weaknesses; “Fake it till you make it.” Today, “sorry” is all I say. Because being a leader is the privilege of being surrounded by unbelievable human beings who only want you to succeed. Saying “sorry” when you mean it is recognizing your areas where you need to improve, expressing respect! It may be overused today, but it is appreciated when you are sincere, as it humanizes any processes. It allows people to know you are trying to be a better person. People don’t get up in the morning wanting to screw up!

  5. Allow people to express themselves. Listen to them. Simply being listened to and having a positive impact makes people feel better!

  6. To become a start, spend time with the stars: be humble and play with the best. As I often say to my kids: “If you want to learn how to play tennis, play with a pro.” Yes, it will be more difficult, but you will learn quickly with a capital Q.

  7. Know how to benefit from experts and their experience, from what they have learned. Choose experts to guide you, and tell these mentors you want to be more like them. They will inspire you. And listen closely to the people working in the shadows: not all stars are leaders.

  8. Become a salmon, as you will need to constantly go against the current!

  9. Be patient. Don’t skip steps. Make sure you do or understand all jobs, from the ground up. You will then understand how others feel and be better at interacting. We might be bright and even glistening stars! But how much we shine is a lifetime process!

  10. And finally, my best. This one may throw you into orbit: Not everyone you know knows the sun is a star! So adapt your behaviour accordingly. However, this morning, I am convinced I have found a newborn constellation, and all of you will become stars. In fact, you’re almost there! Enjoy the trip and keep on shining!

Congratulations again!

M. Trottier has a degree in business administrations from the University of Toronto and is a member of the Order of institutional and industrial accountants. The owner of International Human Factors, Mr. Trottier is a qualified professional in the area of occupational and psychosocial ergonomics.

He has more than 20 years of experience within Ontario credit unions as a member of Caisse populaire Trillium.

Stéphane Trottier has been president of the Fédération des caisses populaires de l’Ontario since 2016; as of that date, he has also sat on the board of directors of the Desjardins Group.

 



Bookmark and Share

Other Links