Mission Statement
Business Leadership & Strategic Performance Training/Enhancement
"Our objective is to assist individuals, companies and organizations reach optimal performance using innate skills and strengths within the larger framework of circumstance, workplace and community. Relevant and stimulating programs are customized to client requirement".
-Rodger Harding
Founder

Harding International and Associates Inc.
E-Mail
Telephone: +1 (416) 962 6700
9836 Keele Street
Vaughan, L6A 3Y4
Ontario, Canada
Client Comment
Selected Comments
"This seminar far exceeded expectation - Rodger is poised, articulate, respectful- He was dead on with his presentation and I would recommend him without hesitation." - S.M. Canadian Women in Communications (CWC)
"Your participation in our International/Asia Pacific FS Conference helped make it one of the best and more relaxed conferences we've ever had. Very effective facilitation! Thank you." - Paul Masse, Manager, Bombardier Aerospace
" I want to congratulate you on a job well done. A room full of lawyers is not the easiest audience to appear before, yet you ruled the room. You have that unique ability (gift?) to teach ideas without it being hard work. I found your personal style very relaxing yet challenging". - David Clarke, Chair, YLD Division, The Canadian Bar Association of Ontario
|more...
Corporate Intelligence

CIA Harding International and Associates Inc.

Publication:
"In this compelling book by a former diplomat, you will learn the secrets (step by step) to developing an intelligence strategy by effective information gathering and analyzing, and then to delivering credible intelligence to senior management."|more...

Available from bookstores and online:
Amazon
Borders
Leadership Training
The Essence of Business Leadership Training -
Be the leader you are meant to be!

Toronto based Rodger Harding, applying leadership savvy learned from military, legal, diplomatic & business consulting experience has a proven record of enabling full leadership potential in scores of business folk. His clients range from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, national not-for-profit organizations & learning institutions.

The Harding Leadership training program raises awareness, validates and empowers the true essence of leadership. We enhance your ability to identify, strengthen and take full advantage of core leadership competencies, instilling legitimate confidence rather than reinforcing a preoccupation with outward presence. | more...
Training/Coaching
Training Program Design and Development
All Harding International and Associates Inc. programs are designed to:
  • Access existing innate and learned competencies/experience.
  • Enhance individual/team ability to meet current organizational requirement.
  • Accommodate changing environment and circumstance.
Our customized programs are built from scratch and will accurately reflect the unique context of corporate operations and identity. Training products that utilize the Harding Model are limited to one company per industry. This commitment ensures that training initiatives will result in strategic and competitive advantage - We encourage clients to safeguard our techniques and methodology as part of their intellectual property.| more...

LATEST NEWS/COMMENT

Project Management Institute (PMI-SOC) - Good Intelligence in Tough Times

by Administrator 01.Apr.2009 10:12:00

On Thursday, March 26, 2009 Rodger Harding delivered a keynote to sold-out attendance of the Project Management Institute (PMI-SOC)

The Project Management Team: 
The Importance of Good Intelligence in Tough Times
 

The presentation explored the role of the project manager/team in reading/interpreting & analyzing random clues relating to service, product, supplier & client that would potentially fuel a relevant theory that, if applied, would affect bottom line business as well as industry objectives. The critical link between intelligence, strategy & planning was also discussed. 

In an interactive environment, the more than 200 delegates appeared to enthusiastically embrace ideas as to how to read people and situations with a view to predicting outcomes.  It would appear that investigating unknown paths really is more appealing when the tried and tested has been seen to fail.     

http://www.soc.pmi.on.ca/cde.cfm?event=239061

The Invisible Mentor - Rodger Harding interviewd by Avil Beckford

by Administrator 17.Feb.2009 07:47:00

I was delighted to be interviewed recently by Avil Beckford as part of her Invisible Mentor Series.

To read the full text of the interview visit:

http://www.ambeck.com/RodgerHardingInterview.pdf

2008 Year-End/Holiday message from Rodger Harding

by Administrator 14.Dec.2008 16:37:00

Dear Clients & Friends, 

As 2008 draws to a close, I again reflect my good fortune in being able to follow a career path that enjoyably accommodates and utilizes not only who I am, but also what experience continues to teach me. The intensely diverse group of people that make up the mosaic of the professional and personal relationships built over the years, without doubt, give purpose to my work and meaning to my life. As an entrepreneur, these relationships provide me with a distinct sense of community.

At present the world is consciously faced with the prospect of the unknown in the immediate future. I thought it perhaps useful to share some of my thoughts, drawn from my own experience, on the incredible value of community & relationships in the navigation of difficult times:

 ·    The vibrant exchange of random ideas oftentimes provides surprising clues to workable innovation, profitable new business and problem-solving

·     Enormous pleasure may be derived from disinterested contact with people that share common ground and past experience – Sustainable business relationships are not solely transactional, but rather founded on mutual interest, trust and flexibility

·   A good relationship understands and gives context to imperfection as a human phenomenon – There is nothing better than being able to honestly express fear, uncertainty and anxiety in a safe environment  - Being oneself at all times is key to initiating and nurturing a healthy relationship 

·    The ability to at times anticipate the needs of others, rather than a self-interested focus, even in times of difficulty brings great fulfillment

·   Asking for and receiving help/assistance with good grace is perhaps the ultimate test of a good relationship

·   Investment in like-minded contact will nearly always allow for easy access ....Paradoxically the more immersed we are in work and daily life the less time we have to spend with people we find enjoyable. That said ... I remain in awe of how pleasurable relationships may be renewed despite lack of recent contact!             

I take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support, inspiration and friendship. Despite the vicissitudes of business and life in general I have never felt alone in my endeavours. For this a huge Thank You! My very best wishes for the Holidays and a happy, safe & prosperous 2009!

I look forward to renewed contact in the New Year. 

Warmest regards, 

Rodger

Learning Empathy: Successful Negotiations, Mediations & Conflict Resolution

by Administrator 03.Dec.2008 05:23:00

Perhaps the greatest challenge I face when assisting clients reach desired objectives is to engender the desire to see an opposing point of view as a reality. Albeit in business, political, social or family situations, that others might feel they have right on their side, I have found is, for many, an almost impassable barrier. In a world that places such strong emphasis on focus as well as the very natural human desire for certainty, small wonder that arriving at a compromise presents such a challenge! 

 Someone recently forwarded me the quotation below from a Tim Franks’ Jerusalem Diary (BBC ) dated 17 November 2008:  I was blown away by the simplicity of the message: 

 “... As a clinical psychologist I have often come across this type of narrow, one-sided non reflexive way of thinking. It is most often associated with pathology. It is often very difficult to make a change because of the resistance or (most often) inability to shift perspective. Most often these people are unable to feel uncertain, the major incentive to investigate a matter further. Once I took a course in "argumentation". The rules are to take a topic, make two teams, flip a coin which side to argue and then go for "winning". Try it at home or with friends and you get the firsthand experience of being an extremist…”  - Mikael Scharin, Gothenburg, Sweden 

I submit that if this technique is mastered, the ability to empathize will have been attained!

To read the original article:   http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/middle_east/7733045.stm 

Seeking Balance in a Polarized World

by Administrator 28.Jul.2008 12:26:00

 In business circles, as well as in our private lives, we talk a lot about achieving balance. This is a difficult goal, especially as we live in a world that is becoming more and more polarized on political and socio-economic levels. In our fear, do we not find ourselves expressing hatred, self-righteousness and irrational notions of revenge and justice that completely overshadow the beauty and the miracle that is the individual human mind?

Oftentimes I wonder if we have evolved at all as a species - We seem destined to relive the same cycle of growth and destruction, so much so that I often feel the urge to “shrink from the duty of opposition”… I fear “I will be reduced to a chattering enraged monkey, screaming back hate at their hate” (apologies to Christopher Isherwood) At such times, the simple yet powerful words of Mike Pinder’s The Balance (Moody Blues) inspire me to surrender to the sheer wonder of just being alive. I can then measure my impact, good and evil, and so too the good and evil of others.  

The Balance   

After he had journeyed,
And his feet were sore,
And he was tired,
He came upon an orange grove
And he rested
And he lay in the cool,
And while he rested, he took to himself an orange and tasted it,
And it was good.
And he felt the earth to his spine,
And he asked, and he saw the tree above him, and the stars,
And the veins in the leaf,
And the light, and the balance.
And he saw magnificent perfection,
Whereon he thought of himself in balance,
And he knew he was.

Just open your eyes,
And realize, the way it's always been.
Just open your mind
And you will find
The way it's always been.
Just open your heart
And that's a start.

And he thought of those he angered,
For he was not a violent man,
And he thought of those he hurt
For he was not a cruel man
And he thought of those he frightened
For he was not an evil man,
And he understood.
He understood himself.

Upon this he saw that when he was of anger or knew hurt or felt fear,
It was because he was not understanding,
And he learned, compassion.

And with his eye of compassion.
He saw his enemies like unto himself,
And he learned love.
Then, he was answered.

Women Negotiating for Success

by Administrator 07.Mar.2008 14:57:00

A National Leadership Initiative in collaboration with Canadian Women in Communications

Rodger Harding has been invited to present the CWC (Canadian Women in Communications) National Women Negotiating for Success Workshop Series to nine chapters across Canada.

This initiative is designed to enhance the ability of women in managing the key elements of negotiation to better achieve their personal and business goals. Participants will be encouraged to to create an individual negotiation style that will pave the way to the best possible career outcomes in years to come.

In particular, the workshop will focus on the circumstances facing women in the fast-paced and constantly changing environment in which we all work today. Negotiation strategies will be identified to assist with the effective identification, analysis and management of situations where an accurate and ongoing interpretation of people and events are required.

Rodger will share negotiation expertise that reflects his extensive management consulting, diplomatic and legal experience. His interactive approach will provide a sound foundation of key negotiation principles as well as the enhancement of any theories, methods and expertise already known. Rodger believes that the outcome of any negotiation will dictate a course of action based on actual, not perceived realities. It is in this spirit that the workshop is designed to: 

  • Link Negotiation to Leadership
  • Illustrate the difference between negotiation and confrontation
  • Provide techniques that enhance rapport and good ongoing relationships between parties to any negotiation

All participants will receive a comprehensive handout/summary that will serve as an ongoing resource 

 Please follow link for an article written about the New Brunswick event by Rachel Bloomer for the Telgraph Journal:

 http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/251993

Chapter Negotiation Workshop dates:

New Brunswick 

National Capital Region                       

Manitoba                               

South Western Ontario            

British Columbia                      

Edmonton                             

Calgary                                

Greater Toronto Area         

Quebec 

April 2, 2008                  

April 22, 2008                 

April 8, 2008         

April 10, 2008       

April 15, 2008       

April 16, 2008       

April 17, 2008       

April 24, 2008 

April 29, 2008

For more information visit Canadian Women In Coomunications 

“In business, you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.”  - Chester L. Karrass

Does it pay to be Judgemental?

by Administrator 22.Feb.2008 06:25:00

The negative inference of the word judgemental seems to have widened in our corporate culture. If judgemental means unwarranted condemnation of others I have no problem.  Because I consider myself quite a tolerant guy, I am surprised when some of my decisions are considered judgemental. As a believer in fairness, balance and not wanting to be someone who looks down on others, I have given the matter considerable thought.  

Try as I may, I cannot avoid the basic presumption that making a judgement call is a very natural and necessary human function. People make choices all the time. They either like something or they don’t! I always look to nature for answers when I am perplexed: A dog or other animal almost always avoids what it believes to be tainted food. This is good judgment – I will reject this food as bad for me. Surely this is what people do? Yet in the corporate world, it seems we are not allowed to reject, at least openly, what we do not like. In the so-called spirit of collaboration, much appears to be accepted just because it would not be good to be seen to reject someone, an idea or the choices made by others.   No-one has a problem when positive judgements are made, yet when fault is openly found with people, service, choices etc. this is perceived as negative. This seems a touch hypocritical – Surely we are obliged to assess people and situations in the context of our own requirement? Our search for the right fit with others in business automatically dictates a positive or negative judgement? Are we supposed to keep all negative judgements to ourselves? The concealment of how we really feel has become a sought after skill. Think of the countless euphemisms we hear and use everyday. “I’ll take a rain check” means “get lost…you are not my kind of person” while “you are over qualified” means I’d rather jump over the moon than hire you”. More...

New Year Message from Rodger Harding

by Administrator 11.Dec.2007 18:54:00

Dear Clients & Friends, 

Since I first started the operation of Harding International & Associates Inc., I have often been asked why I don’t consider trimming, rather than growing, the array of services on offer to better develop a more distinctive brand. Ten years on I am glad I trusted my instincts. The changing requirements of clients have dictated the expansion of our services. Looking back, I have also noticed that client program hiring patterns closely match the sequential business progression of any organizational operation: 

  • Corporate Intelligence Awareness investigates economic, industry, competitor and product realities to ensure effective Competitive/Strategic Planning
  • Leadership Enhancement explores the ability, creativity and willingness to meet market demands and drive innovation
  • Collaborative Management, Negotiation, Team-Building, Conflict Management, Problem-Solving and Effective Communication support organizational leadership by securing full/effective employee contribution
  • Risk, Change, Performance & Project Management initiatives ensure sustainable viability in time of crisis/innovation/chaos
  • Presentation, Etiquette & Business Writing/Report Writing, facilitate internal external communication excellence as well as the important representational factor of every member of the organization
  • Mentoring/Coaching & Career Development/Transition modules assist individuals/teams in all aspects fully investing their innate/learned ability  

Underpinning all my program development and delivery is the unshakeable belief that organizations and individuals should strive to deploy their unique ability and experience to meet their own aspirations. I am persuaded that it is this single factor that decides whether or not I establish the all important client/vendor fit. In a good client relationship, I find I not only enjoyably utilize all my ability, but continue to evolve on both professional and personal levels.  

The sustainability of service and surviving the vicissitudes of running a boutiquish operation would not be possible without those of you who request our services, ask for proposals, share information, send articles, meet for a chat and, most importantly, who have given so generously of yourselves over the years.  Although we might not always meet frequently my gratitude for your support, insight, collegiality and friendship is ongoing. You allow me to find unbelievable fulfillment in what I do!  

My very best wishes for a happy, safe & prosperous 2008! I look forward to renewed contact throughout the year! 

Warm regards, 

Rodger   

Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) Members: Leaders of the Digital Revolution

by Administrator 20.Nov.2007 15:59:00

 The following is a related interview with Richard Cloutier on Radio CJOB Winnipeg: 

The month of November sees a nine-chapter nationwide roll-out of the Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) Navigating Your Career in a Digital World Program. The events are designed to provide members with a realistic overview of how to transfer, refine and enhance existing career competencies from traditional to relevant and emerging roles in a changing and redefined industry. More...

Tenth Anniversary Review

by Administrator 12.Oct.2007 20:19:00

Dear Clients & Friends,

Harding International & Associates Inc. opened its doors ten years ago. Exhilarated by my role in launching and directing the challenging initiative that enabled government officials to present the New South Africa to the world, I was inspired to open a consultancy that would utilize my legal and diplomatic background to successfully assist in the difficult task of fully marrying individual/team talent and expertise to greater organizational objectives/goals. A decade and several thousand consultations, seminars and speaking engagements later, I am strengthened in my vision that this may be accomplished to great advantage by accommodating people who want to be what they are rather than what others expect them to be.

Interestingly my original mission statement holds true to this day. I was not interested in growing a vast company with teams of people that needed to be managed, but rather in providing clients with a hands-on, customized and personal service that ensures residual value. This approach has attracted a diverse, yet like-minded core client base. New clients are as a result of referrals or when individuals move on to different organizations. I am deeply grateful for this, as selling is perhaps the most time consuming and challenging aspect of the job. More...



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