The Role of Management

The effective performance of your business will require solid management: the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals. A plan enables you to take your business concept beyond the idea stage. It does not, however, get the work done. For that to happen, you have to organize things effectively. You’ll have to put people and other resources in place to make things happen. And because your note-taking venture is supposed to be better off with you in charge, you need to be a leader who can motivate your people to do well. Finally, to know whether things are going well, you’ll have to control your operations—that is, measure the results and compare them with the results that you laid out in your plan. The management process below summarizes the interrelationship between planning and the other functions that managers perform.

The role of management in the achievement of organizational objectives is crucial as it involves setting goals, creating plans, and implementing strategies that align with the organization’s overall mission. Effective management ensures the efficient and effective use of resources to reach the desired outcomes, by establishing clear communication, assigning tasks and responsibilities, monitoring progress, and making necessary adjustments along the way. The success of an organization depends on the ability of its management to make informed decisions, lead employees toward a common goal, and create a positive work environment.

Influential Canadian Business Leaders

Canada has produced a remarkable array of business leaders who have not only shaped the nation’s economic landscape but have also made significant global impacts. These visionary individuals, spanning diverse industries from technology and finance to retail and natural resources, have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and resilience. Their contributions have driven economic growth, fostered entrepreneurial spirit, and set benchmarks for corporate governance and social responsibility. This exploration into influential Canadian business leaders delves into their journeys, achievements, and the enduring legacies they have created, offering insights into how their strategic decisions and forward-thinking approaches continue to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives.

Mike Lazaridis

Mike Lazaridis is the founder and former CEO of Research In Motion Limited (RIM), renowned for developing the iconic BlackBerry. As one of Canada’s most successful technologists, Lazaridis revolutionized the mobile communications industry. In recognition of his impact, Time Magazine honored him in 2005 as one of the world’s most influential individuals.

Lazaridis is not only a pioneering technologist but also an exemplary leader and manager. His visionary approach and commitment to innovation drove RIM to the forefront of the global telecommunications market. Lazaridis fostered a culture of excellence and collaboration, empowering his team to push the boundaries of mobile technology. His strategic insights and hands-on leadership style were instrumental in navigating the company through rapid growth and intense competition.

Beyond his achievements with RIM, Lazaridis is a passionate advocate for scientific advancement. He co-founded Quantum Valley Investments in 2013 to support breakthroughs in quantum information science. He also serves as the board chair of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, which he founded in 1999, and established the Institute for Quantum Computing in 2002. Additionally, Lazaridis served as Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, further cementing his legacy in both technology and education. ^[1]

Ryan Holmes

Ryan Holmes is a Canadian tech entrepreneur and the founder and former CEO of Hootsuite, a leading platform for managing social media. Hootsuite enables users to efficiently manage content, schedule posts, and analyze social media engagement across multiple platforms. Under Holmes’ leadership, Hootsuite grew to serve over 18 million users worldwide, becoming a cornerstone tool for digital marketing and social media management.

Before founding Hootsuite in 2008, Holmes ran Invoke Media, an agency where the initial development of Hootsuite took place. His ability to identify market needs and create innovative solutions has been a hallmark of his career. Holmes is recognized for his strategic vision and his knack for fostering a collaborative and agile work environment, which has been critical to Hootsuite’s success and growth.

Beyond his achievements with Hootsuite, Holmes is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. He founded the League of Innovators, a charity aimed at building entrepreneurial awareness among youth. Through this initiative, Holmes provides young people with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Holmes is also known for his thought leadership in the tech and business communities. As a contributor to the LinkedIn Influencers Program, he writes extensively about entrepreneurship and technology, sharing his insights and experiences to inspire others. Additionally, he launched Oristand in 2016, an affordable cardboard standing workstation designed to promote healthier work habits. ^[2]

Eva Salem

Eva Salem has leveraged her extensive branding skills to make a significant impact at Canadian Tire, following a glamorous career in cosmetics marketing. While Canadian Tire is traditionally associated with paint and screwdrivers, Salem emphasizes the presence of top brands that often go unrecognized. “We have top brands that we never get credit for,” she notes, highlighting her mission to elevate the company’s brand perception.

Educating consumers about Canadian Tire’s diverse offerings is typically a gradual process, but the onset of COVID-19 dramatically accelerated this shift. The pandemic boosted website traffic 40-fold, presenting what could have been a technical disaster as a golden opportunity for transformation. Under Salem’s leadership, Canadian Tire swiftly pivoted to e-commerce, converting stores into warehouses and establishing curbside pickup and speedy delivery as the new norm.

Salem’s leadership and management skills have been pivotal in navigating this rapid transition. Her strategic vision and ability to adapt under pressure turned a potential crisis into a competitive advantage. By fostering a culture of agility and innovation, she empowered her team to embrace change and execute a seamless digital transformation. Salem’s proactive approach and decisive action not only kept Canadian Tire operational during a challenging period but also positioned the company for future growth in the digital marketplace.

Moreover, her background in cosmetics marketing has brought a fresh perspective to Canadian Tire’s branding strategy. Salem’s knack for understanding consumer behavior and her creative approach to marketing have been instrumental in redefining the company’s image and enhancing customer engagement. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to continuous improvement and a keen eye for identifying opportunities in adversity.

Eva Salem exemplifies the qualities of a dynamic leader and effective manager. Her ability to inspire her team, drive innovation, and execute strategic initiatives has been crucial to Canadian Tire’s success and resilience. As she continues to navigate the evolving retail landscape, Salem remains focused on enhancing the customer experience and solidifying the company’s reputation as a top-tier brand. ^[3]

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